To want to have or do something, especially in questions and negations; also an offer to someone.
oft mit nicht; auch mit Infinitivoften with nicht; also with infinitive
Synonyms
wollenwant
Magst du noch einen Tee?
Would you like another tea?
Ich mag heute nicht mehr laufen.
I don't feel like walking any further today.
3would like, wish to
To express a polite wish with "möchte": saying what one would like to have or do.
möchte + Infinitiv, Konjunktiv IImöchte + infinitive, Konjunktiv II
Synonyms
wollenwant
Ich möchte bitte einen Kaffee bestellen.
I would like to order a coffee, please.
Wir möchten morgen ins Kino gehen.
We would like to go to the cinema tomorrow.
4may, mightgehoben
To express that something is perhaps or probably true; often admitting that something is true, but it changes nothing.
mag + Infinitivmag + infinitive
Synonyms
könnencan
Das mag sein, aber ich sehe es anders.
That may be so, but I see it differently.
Er mag recht haben, trotzdem gefällt mir der Plan nicht.
He may be right, but I still don't like the plan.
5may, should, letgehoben
To express a polite request, a suggestion, or a wish directed at a third person or at everyone.
möge + Infinitiv, Konjunktiv Imöge + infinitive, Konjunktiv I
Wer Fragen hat, möge sich bitte melden.
Anyone who has questions should please come forward.
Möge das neue Jahr dir Glück bringen.
May the new year bring you happiness.
In everyday life, "mögen" is mainly the verb for liking: you like people, food, music. As a modal verb with an infinitive, it is rather written or formal; in everyday life, people use "vielleicht" or "sollen" instead. For a polite wish, the form "möchte" is usually used.
mag/mochte; full verb + acc, modal verb + infinitive
⚠"mögen" is not "möchten": they differ in meaning and strength.