German word

wollen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɔlən/

Meaning

  • verbwant

Example

Ich will heute ins Kino gehen.

I want to go to the movies today.

Illustration for wollen (want)

More examples

Was wollen wir jetzt lernen?

What do we want to learn now?

Core concept

A firm wish or intention stands behind the next action.

Common phrases

  • etwas wollen

    want something

  • wir wollen lernen

    We want to learn

  • nicht wollen

    not want

Similar words

möchten: Expresses a polite, modest wish for something.
wünschen: Expresses a heartfelt wish for something desired to come true.
vorhaben: Describes having a plan or intention to do something.
mögen: Expresses liking or affection for a person or thing.

Definition in German

Drückt vor einem Infinitiv den Wunsch oder die Absicht einer Person aus.

Word origin

German wollen developed from Old High German wellan and shares its Germanic origin with English will.

Usage tips

  • Ich will... can sound firm or demanding, while ich möchte... or ich würde gern... often expresses a more polite wish.

Other meanings

  • intendverb

Related words

  • der Willewillnoun
  • willigwillingadjective

Word lists with this word