What are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs in German are used to express necessity, ability, permission, or possibility. These verbs work with another verb in the sentence (usually in its infinitive form) to change its meaning.
Common Modal Verbs in German
- können – to be able to, can
- müssen – must, have to
- dürfen – to be allowed to, may
- sollen – should, supposed to
- wollen – to want to
- mögen – to like to
Conjugation of Modal Verbs
Here is a quick look at how some of the modal verbs are conjugated in the present tense:
| Modal Verb |
ich |
du |
er/sie/es |
wir |
ihr |
sie/Sie |
| können (can) |
kann |
kannst |
kann |
können |
könnt |
können |
| müssen (must) |
muss |
musst |
muss |
müssen |
müsst |
müssen |
| dürfen (may) |
darf |
darfst |
darf |
dürfen |
dürft |
dürfen |
| wollen (want) |
will |
willst |
will |
wollen |
wollt |
wollen |
Examples of Modal Verbs in Sentences
| German |
English |
| Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. |
I can speak German. |
| Wir müssen zur Schule gehen. |
We must go to school. |
| Er darf heute Abend fernsehen. |
He is allowed to watch TV tonight. |
| Du sollst dein Zimmer aufräumen. |
You should clean your room. |
| Ich will ein Eis essen. |
I want to eat ice cream. |