Ich hätte gerne einen Kaffee.
I would like a coffee.
Language note: A polite way to ask for something.
Culture note: A staple phrase for coffee lovers in Germany.
Context: You've been greeted warmly and it's time to place your order.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Ich
[eekh]
I
A pronoun used by a speaker to refer to themselves.
Ich freue mich auf den Kaffee.
I am looking forward to the coffee.
hätte
[HET-uh]
Would have
Used to indicate a desire or request in a polite manner.
Ich hätte gerne einen Kaffee.
I would like to have a coffee.
gerne
[GAIR-nuh]
Gladly
Used to express willingness or pleasure.
Ich nehme das gerne.
I take that gladly.
einen
[EYE-nen]
A
Used before nouns to indicate a single item.
Ein Kaffee wäre jetzt schön.
A coffee would be nice now.
Kaffee
[KAH-fay]
Coffee
A hot drink made from roasted and ground beans.
Ein heißer Kaffee bitte.
A hot coffee, please.
Phrase Parts
Ich
Hätte
Gerne
Einen Kaffee
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