Dutch grammar: modale werkwoorden: kunnen, moeten, willen, mogen

What this grammar point covers

Modal verbs in Dutch are special verbs used to express ability, necessity, permission, or desire. The most common modal verbs are: kunnen, moeten, willen, and mogen.

When to use it

You use modal verbs in Dutch to say if someone can do something, must do something, wants to do something, or is allowed to do something. These verbs are usually followed by another verb in the infinitive form at the end of the sentence.

Key forms

• ik kan, jij kunt, hij kan (kunnen)
• ik moet, jij moet, hij moet (moeten)
• ik wil, jij wilt, hij wil (willen)
• ik mag, jij mag, hij mag (mogen)

Examples

Tips

• After a modal verb, the second verb stays in the infinitive and usually comes at the end of the sentence.
• Modal verbs change with the subject (ik kan, jij kunt, etc.), so remember the right forms.
• Do not use 'te' before the infinitive after a modal verb.

Exceptions and edge cases

• The forms 'kunnen' and 'willen' are irregular in the present tense.
• Sometimes 'jij' can use both 'kan' and 'kunt', but 'kunt' is more common.