SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Talk About Me

German Phrase

Ich schreibe gern Geschichten.

/ɪç ˈʃʁaɪ.bə ɡɛʁn ɡəˈʃɪç.tn̩/
Meaning"I like writing stories."
💡

Meaning

This phrase expresses a personal hobby or preference for creative writing. The word 'gern' is used as an adverb to modify the verb, indicating that the action is performed with pleasure. It is a very common way to describe interests in German.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when introducing yourself, discussing hobbies, or explaining your creative interests. It is appropriate for both casual and semi-formal social settings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchschreibegernGeschichten

1

Verb Conjugation

'Schreibe' is the first-person singular present tense form of 'schreiben' (to write).

2

Adverbial 'gern'

Unlike English 'like to', German uses the adverb 'gern' after the verb to show enjoyment of an action.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was machst du in deiner Freizeit?

What do you do in your free time?

Ich schreibe gern Geschichten.

I like writing stories.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich mag schreiben Geschichten.

    In German, 'gern' is typically used with a verb to express liking an activity, rather than 'mögen'.

  • Ich schreibe gern Geschichte.

    Use the plural 'Geschichten' for stories; the singular 'Geschichte' often refers to the subject of history.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich schreibe gerne Erzählungen.

    I like writing narratives.

  • Geschichten zu schreiben macht mir Spaß.

    Writing stories is fun for me.

de

Cultural Tip

Creative writing is a respected hobby in German-speaking countries, often associated with the 'Dichter und Denker' (poets and thinkers) tradition. While 'gern' and 'gerne' are both correct and interchangeable, 'gerne' is slightly more common in Southern Germany and Austria.