CONTENT
Modal verbs are helper verbs that are most often used in with the main verb in the sentence. They must be conjugated just like regular verbs.
Modal verbs can change the context of a statement, but not the action itself.
Native
Translation
Sie sollte eine Ärztin sein.
She should be a doctor.
Modal Verb Placement
Rule 1: We can place modal verbs in two positions:
- The modal verb is usually the first conjugated in the sentence.
- The main, or the "full" verb to the end of the sentence in its infinitive form.
Native
Translation
Ich kann auf Deutsch lesen.
I can read in German.
Rule 2: In colloquial speech, in the main verb is obvious from the context, it can be left out.
Native
Translation
Kannst du Deutsch (sprechen)?
Can you speak German? (Do you know German?)
Können – Can
Rule 3: The modal verb können can be used to express an assumption, a polite request, a suggestion, possibility and impossibility, ability and incapacity, or permission or prohibition.
Here is how it is conjugated:
ich kann |
du kannst |
er kann |
wir können |
ihr könnt |
sie können |
Native
Translation
Ich kann Klavier spielen.
I can play the piano.
Du kannst hier nicht parken.
You cannot park here.
Müssen – Have to/Must
Rule 4: The modal verb müssen is used to express a need, a command, or a task.
Here is its present tense conjugation:
ich muss |
du musst |
er muss |
wir müssen |
ihr müsst |
sie müssen |
Wollen – Want to and Möchten – Would Like to
Rule 5: The modal verb wollen is used to express a wish, a will, an intention or a refusal. It can be a little too straightforward, so if we want to be polite, we use möchten instead.
Here is how it is conjugated in the present tense:
ich will | ich möchte |
du willst | du möchtest |
er will | er möchte |
wir wollen | wir möchten |
ihr wollt | ihr möchtet |
sie wollen | sie möchten |
Native
Translation
Papa, ich will ein Eis (essen)!
Daddy, I want (to eat) ice cream! (very demanding)
Papa, ich möchte ein Eis (essen).
Dad, I would like (to eat) ice cream. (polite)
Note: "möchten" is actually the subjunctive 2 of the German verb "mögen" (to like). However, "mögen" is only used as a normal strong verb and no longer as a modal verb.
Rule 6: In the past tense, only wollen is used.
Dürfen – Be allowed to/May
Rule 7: The modal verb dürfen is used to express permission or prohibition, a presumption, or a polite request for permission.
Here is the present tense conjugation of this modal verb:
ich darf |
du darfst |
er darf |
wir dürfen |
ihr dürft |
sie dürfen |
Native
Translation
Er darf meinen Computer benutzen.
He's allowed to use my computer.
Sollen – Ought to/Should
Rule 8: The modal verb sollen is used to express an order, a recommendation, an advice, or an assumption.
Here is its present tense conjugation:
ich soll |
du sollst |
er soll |
wir sollen |
ihr sollt |
sie sollen |