This is the 186th most frequent German word.
hätte
"Hätte" is the subjunctive form of "haben" in German, meaning "would have" in English.
Here, 'hätte' serves to express regret or wishful thinking about a past event, emphasizing a longing or missed opportunity.
Hätte ich doch nur die Möglichkeit gehabt, mit ihm zu sprechen.
If only I had had the chance to speak with him.
In this example, 'hätte' is used to report a statement in indirect speech and indicates a past hypothetical situation.
Er sagte, er hätte gestern Zeit gehabt, aber niemand hat ihn angerufen.
He said he had had time yesterday, but nobody called him.
In this sentence, 'hätte' is used as part of the subjunctive mood (Konjunktiv II) to express a hypothetical situation or an unreal past condition.