AÜM: Expressing Likes and Dislikes

How do you express and ask about likes and dislikes in German? By using gern (like) or nicht gern (not like).

Gern(e) vs. Nicht Gern(e)

Below is a PDF embedded in the page. Use the illustrations in the PDF to help determine how to use gern and nicht gern properly.

no difference between "gern" and "gerne"

Document source - Victoria State Government Links to an external site.

Additional Examples - Conversation

Below is a series of questions and answers, involving the expressions gern and nicht gern. Read through each and attempt saying each line out loud.

Spielst du gerne Schach? - Do you like to play chess?
Ja. Ich spiele gerne Schach. - Yes, I like to play chess.

Spielst du gerne Computerspiele? - Do you like to play computer games?
Nein. Ich spiele nicht gerne Computerspiele. - No. I do not like to play computer games.

Spielst du gerne Tennis? - Do you like to play tennis?
Ja. Ich spiele gerne Tennis. - Yes. I like to play tennis.

Spielst du gerne Fußball? - Do you like to play soccer (football = European word for soccer)
Nein. Ich spiele nicht gerne Fußball. - No. I do not like to play soccer.

Spielst du gerne Volleyball? - Do you like to play volleyball?
Ja. Ich spiele gerne Volleyball. - Yes. I like to play volleyball.

Spielst du gerne Dame? - Do you like to play checkers?
Nein. Ich spiele nicht gerne Dame. - No. I do not like to play checkers.

Now that you read other people talking about their likes and dislikes, you are ready to learn how to talk about your own likes and dislikes.

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