German Modal Verbs
German has six modal verbs — können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, mögen — that modify the meaning of the main verb. The main verb goes to the end in infinitive form.
Modal verbs (Modalverben) express ability, necessity, desire, permission, or obligation. They are always paired with a main verb in the infinitive, which goes to the end of the clause.
The Six Modal Verbs
Können (can/to be able to): expresses ability or possibility. Müssen (must/to have to): expresses necessity or obligation. Wollen (to want to): expresses desire or intention. Sollen (should/to be supposed to): expresses recommendation or duty. Dürfen (may/to be allowed to): expresses permission. Mögen (to like): expresses preference; möchten (would like to) is its subjunctive form used very commonly.
Conjugation Pattern
Modal verbs are irregular in the singular forms. They share a pattern: the ich and er/sie/es forms are identical (no ending), and the vowel often changes from the infinitive in singular forms. Plural forms are regular.
Sentence Structure with Modals
The modal verb takes position two (conjugated), and the main verb goes to the end in the infinitive: Ich kann gut Deutsch sprechen. In questions: Kannst du Deutsch sprechen?
Modal Verbs Without a Main Verb
When the meaning is clear from context, the main verb can be dropped: Ich kann Deutsch. (I can [speak] German.) Ich muss nach Hause. (I must [go] home.)
Negation
Note the important difference: nicht müssen means "don't have to" (no obligation), while nicht dürfen means "must not" (prohibited). This is a common source of confusion for English speakers.
Reference Tables
Modal Verb Conjugation (Present Tense)
| Pronoun | können | müssen | wollen | sollen | dürfen | mögen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ich | kann | muss | will | soll | darf | mag |
| du | kannst | musst | willst | sollst | darfst | magst |
| er/sie/es | kann | muss | will | soll | darf | mag |
| wir | können | müssen | wollen | sollen | dürfen | mögen |
| ihr | könnt | müsst | wollt | sollt | dürft | mögt |
| sie/Sie | können | müssen | wollen | sollen | dürfen | mögen |
Modal Verb Meanings
| Modal | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| können | ability / possibility | Ich kann schwimmen. |
| müssen | necessity / obligation | Du musst arbeiten. |
| wollen | desire / intention | Er will reisen. |
| sollen | recommendation / duty | Du sollst nicht lügen. |
| dürfen | permission | Darf ich fragen? |
| mögen / möchten | preference / polite wish | Ich möchte Kaffee. |
Example Sentences
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
I can speak German.
können = ability; infinitive 'sprechen' at the end
Du musst mehr lernen.
You must study more.
müssen = necessity/obligation
Sie darf hier nicht rauchen.
She is not allowed to smoke here.
nicht dürfen = prohibition (must not)
Wir möchten ein Eis bestellen.
We would like to order an ice cream.
möchten = would like (polite form of mögen)
Common Mistakes
Ich muss nicht das machen. (meaning: I must not do that)
Ich darf das nicht machen.
'Nicht müssen' means 'don't have to' (optional). 'Nicht dürfen' means 'must not' (forbidden). This is opposite to English 'must not'.
Ich kann sprechen Deutsch.
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
The infinitive must go to the end of the clause, not directly after the modal verb.
Er will geht nach Hause.
Er will nach Hause gehen.
The second verb must be in the infinitive form (gehen), not conjugated (geht), and goes to the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the six German modal verbs?
The six modal verbs are: können (can), müssen (must), wollen (want to), sollen (should), dürfen (may/be allowed to), and mögen (like). Möchten (would like) is technically the subjunctive of mögen but functions as a seventh modal in practice.
Where does the main verb go with a German modal verb?
The main verb goes to the end of the clause in its infinitive form. The modal verb is conjugated and stays in position two: 'Ich kann gut Deutsch sprechen.' (I can speak German well.)
What is the difference between 'nicht müssen' and 'nicht dürfen'?
'Nicht müssen' means 'don't have to' — there is no obligation. 'Nicht dürfen' means 'must not' — it is forbidden. This is a major difference from English, where 'must not' = forbidden.
Related Grammar Topics
Related Words
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