German Modal Verb Wollen Explained

Wollen is German's most direct way to say you want something — more blunt than möchten, and one of the six essential modal verbs. In this lesson, we cover the conjugation of wollen, the ways it's used with and without a second verb, and how it differs from the politer möchten.

Conjugation of Wollen

ich will, du willst, er/sie/es will, wir wollen, ihr wollt, sie/Sie wollen. Like other modal verbs, the singular forms don't follow the usual verb pattern — notice there's no “-e” ending on “ich will.”

How to Use Wollen

Most often paired with a second verb in the infinitive at the end of the sentence: Ich will nach Hause gehen. (I want to go home.) It can also stand alone as a full verb when the action is obvious from context: Ich will das. (I want that.)

Wollen vs. Möchten

Wollen expresses a direct, sometimes blunt want, while möchten is the politer version of wanting something. Compare: Ich will einen Kaffee. (I want a coffee — direct) vs. Ich möchte einen Kaffee. (I'd like a coffee — polite). Möchten is safer with strangers and in formal situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you conjugate “wollen” in German?

Ich will, du willst, er/sie/es will, wir wollen, ihr wollt, sie/Sie wollen.

What's the difference between “wollen” and “möchten”?

Wollen expresses a direct, sometimes blunt want, while möchten is the politer way to express the same wish.

Can “wollen” be used without a second verb?

Yes — as a main verb on its own when the action is clear from context, e.g. Ich will das.

Is “wollen” a modal verb?

Yes — it's one of the six core German modal verbs, alongside können, mögen, müssen, dürfen, and sollen.

When should you avoid using “wollen”?

In polite or formal requests, especially with strangers — möchten is the safer, more polite choice there.

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