German for English speakers Bakery · Lesson 2

The Best and Better

Polite German shopping — Ich hätte gern Brot (I'd like some bread) — with the polite subjunctive hätte gern.

Conversation

  1. Magicat Magicat

    Hallo, ich würde gerne Brot kaufen.

    Good morning. I'd like to have some bread.

    Tip: <ich würde gerne> = lit. I would gladly. It is interchangeable with <ich möchte>.

  2. Yaya Yaya

    Kein Problem. Unser Brot ist richtig lecker.

    Sure thing. Our bread is very good.

  3. Magicat Magicat

    Ja, man sagt, es wäre das beste Brot in der ganzen Stadt.

    Yes. It seems to be the best downtown.

    Tip: <man> = lit. means “one” or “you” and it can be used to refer to people in general.

  4. Yaya Yaya

    Das stimmt.

    That's right.

    Tip: <Das stimmt> = lit. "That's correct".

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you say 'I would like ...' in German?

Ich hätte gern + noun (polite subjunctive of haben) or Ich möchte + noun (modal verb). Both polite ways to order/request.

Gut vs besser vs am besten?

Gut = good. Besser = better. Am besten = the best. Unser Brot ist am besten = 'our bread is the best'.

How do you greet shop staff in German?

Guten Tag (good day, universal), Guten Morgen (good morning, before 11am), Guten Abend (good evening). In southern Germany/Austria: Grüß Gott.

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