szeretne + Infinitive

Would Like to

Level 1

szeretne + infinitive (-ni)
Example: Szeretnék kérni egy kávét. (I would like to ask for a coffee.)

How It Works

In Hungarian, being polite often involves using the conditional mood. The most common application of this is the verb szeretne (the conditional form of szeret).

1. Structure
To use this pattern, you conjugate the modal verb szeretne and follow it with an infinitive. While the dictionary form of a Hungarian verb is actually the 3rd person singular present indicative, the infinitive is easily recognized by its -ni ending.

  • Szeretnék menni. (I would like to go.)
  • Szeretnél enni? (Would you like to eat?)

2. Vowel Harmony
Because the stem szeret- contains front vowels, it always uses the front-vowel conditional suffixes (-ne/-né). You do not need to worry about back-vowel versions for this specific verb.

3. Definiteness
Like all Hungarian verbs, szeretne must agree with its object. If the infinitive has a specific, definite object, you must use the definite conditional form.

  • Szeretnék enni egy almát. (I would like to eat an apple - indefinite).
  • Szeretném megnézni a filmet. (I would like to watch the movie - definite).

Note: The form szeretnék is ambiguous; it can mean "I would like" (indefinite) or "they would like" (definite). Additionally, the plural forms szeretnénk (we) and szeretnétek (you all) are the same for both definite and indefinite objects.

4. The "I ... You" Form
When you want to say "I would like to [verb] you," use the special -lak/-lek ending: Szeretnélek látni (I would like to see you).

5. Word Order with Prefixes
When using verbs with verbal prefixes (like meg-, el-, ki-), the prefix usually moves in front of szeretne in neutral sentences: Meg szeretnék inni egy kávét (I would like to drink a coffee).

However, in negative sentences, the negative particle nem takes the spot before the verb, and the prefix stays attached to the infinitive: Nem szeretnék meginni egy kávét.

6. Usage Nuance
Avoid using akar (want) in service situations like restaurants or shops, as it can sound demanding. Szeretnék is the socially preferred choice for making requests.

Examples (5)

  1. Szeretnék kérni egy pohár vizet.

    I would like to ask for a glass of water.

    Word by Word: I-would-like to-ask-for one glass water-ACC.

    This is the most common way to order something politely. 'Szeretnék' is the 1st person singular indefinite form.

  2. Szeretnél moziba menni ma este?

    Would you like to go to the cinema tonight?

    Word by Word: Would-you-like to-cinema to-go today evening?

    Using the 2nd person singular 'szeretnél' to make a polite suggestion or invitation.

  3. Péter nem szeretne elkésni.

    Peter would not like to be late.

    Word by Word: Peter not would-like to-be-late.

    The negative 'nem' is placed directly before 'szeretne' to express what someone would not like to do.

  4. Szeretném megnézni ezt a filmet.

    I would like to watch this movie.

    Word by Word: I-would-like-it to-watch this-ACC the movie-ACC.

    Here, 'szeretném' is in the definite conjugation because 'ezt a filmet' (this movie) is a definite object.

  5. Mit szeretnétek csinálni a hétvégén?

    What would you (plural) like to do at the weekend?

    Word by Word: What-ACC would-you-plural-like to-do the weekend-on?

    The 2nd person plural form 'szeretnétek' is used when addressing a group of people.

Common Mistakes

  • Conjugating both the auxiliary and the main verb.

    Szeretnék megyek boltba.
    Szeretnék menni a boltba.

    Only 'szeretne' is conjugated. The second verb must always remain in the infinitive (-ni) form.

  • Using 'akar' instead of 'szeretne' in polite situations.

    Different MeaningEgy kávét akarok.
    Egy kávét szeretnék kérni.

    'Akarok' (I want) sounds blunt or childish in a restaurant. 'Szeretnék' is the polite standard.

  • Confusing 'szeret' (general like) with 'szeretne' (specific wish).

    Different MeaningSzeretek inni egy teát most.
    Szeretnék inni egy teát most.

    'Szeretek inni' says you like drinking in general, so it clashes with 'most' (now). 'Szeretnék inni' says you would like one right now.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

szeretne + InfinitiveLevel 1Would Like to

Learn This First

To understand 'szeretne + infinitive', a learner must first be familiar with the base verb 'szeret' and how to form infinitives using the -ni suffix. Additionally, a grasp of vowel harmony is necessary to understand why the conditional marker takes its specific form.

Words in This Pattern

szeretneszeret