modale werkwoorden grammar in Dutch

Language: Dutch
Level: B1
Unit: Werkwoordgebruik en modale werkwoorden
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Modal verbs (modale werkwoorden) in Dutch are special verbs that express ability, possibility, necessity, permission, or obligation. They help change the meaning of the main verb in a sentence.

When to use it

Use modal verbs in Dutch to talk about what someone can, must, may, wants, or will do. They are used before another verb, which is placed at the end of the sentence.

Key forms

kunnen (can, to be able to)
mogen (may, to be allowed to)
moeten (must, to have to)
willen (want, to want)
zullen (shall, will)

Examples

Ik kan Nederlands spreken.

English: I can speak Dutch.

Je moet je huiswerk maken.

English: You must do your homework.

Mag ik hier zitten?

English: May I sit here?

We willen naar het park gaan.

English: We want to go to the park.

Zij zullen morgen komen.

English: They will come tomorrow.

Tips

The main verb goes to the end of the sentence when using a modal verb.
Modal verbs are irregular; learn their forms.
You only conjugate the modal verb, not the main verb.

Exceptions and edge cases

Some modal verbs have irregular past tenses (e.g., 'kon' for 'kunnen', 'mocht' for 'mogen').
In questions, the modal verb comes at the beginning of the sentence.