Dutch grammar: modale werkwoorden kunnen en willen

What this grammar point covers

In Dutch, 'kunnen' and 'willen' are modal verbs. They help you talk about ability (can) and desire (want). You use them with another verb, which stays in its basic form.

When to use it

Use 'kunnen' to say you are able to do something or that something is possible. Use 'willen' to say you want something or want to do something.

Key forms

• ik kan / wil
• jij kan / wil
• hij/zij kan / wil
• wij kunnen / willen
• jullie kunnen / willen
• zij kunnen / willen

Examples

Tips

• The second verb stays in the infinitive form (e.g., 'fietsen', 'gaan').
• The modal verb comes in the second position, and the other verb goes at the end.
• Don't use 'te' before the second verb.

Exceptions and edge cases

• For 'jij' or 'je' after the verb, drop the -t: 'Kan jij...?' not 'Kant jij...?'
• Some forms are irregular: 'ik kan', not 'ik kunt'.