I was wondering what is difference between wollen and möchten? When exactly do we have to use each of both?
for example, which of the following is correct?
Ich möchte Ingenieur werden.
Ich will Ingenieur werden.
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Sign up to join this communityI was wondering what is difference between wollen and möchten? When exactly do we have to use each of both?
for example, which of the following is correct?
Ich möchte Ingenieur werden.
Ich will Ingenieur werden.
"Wollen" expresses a (perhaps very) strong will to achieve something. Using it can make an aggressive impression and so it is rarely used in formal letters, but rather at a protest march or a heated debate.
"Wir
wollen
mehr Gerechtigkeit für Arbeitslose!"
"Ichwill
, dass du sofort aufhörst zu rauchen."
"Möchten" is a polite way of expressing will and is often used in formal letters. It can also be a way of avoiding to express absolute certainty of your will.
"Ich
möchte
Sie (freundlich) bitten, mir weiteres Informationsmaterial zu senden."
"Ermöchte
die Qualität seines Unterrichts hoch halten."