Gerne, hellere, helst

The adverb gerne (gladly, happily) has irregular comparison forms: gerne – hellere – helst. Together with vil, må or another verb, they express wishes and preferences.

• gerne = would like to, gladly: Jeg vil gerne have en kaffe. (I'd like a coffee.) It is often strengthened: rigtig gerne, meget gerne, hjertens gerne. Må jeg gerne …? means May I …?
• hellere = rather. It compares two things, usually with end: Jeg vil hellere have te end kaffe. (I'd rather have tea than coffee.)
• helst = most of all, preferably. It names your first choice, often with af alt or af alle: Hvad vil du helst have af alt? Danes also use it for a simple choice: Vil du helst have kaffe eller te? helst ikke means preferably not: Jeg vil helst ikke. (I'd rather not.)