Ik moet vandaag werken.
English: I have to work today.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Werkwoordstijden en modale constructies
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Modal verbs in Dutch are special verbs that express ability, necessity, permission, or possibility. They are used together with another verb to change its meaning.
When to use it
Use modal verbs in Dutch to talk about what someone can, must, may, wants, or will do. They help you express obligation, permission, ability, willingness, and future intentions.
Key forms
- moeten
- kunnen
- mogen
- willen
- zullen
Examples
Zij kan goed zwemmen.
English: She can swim well.
Mag ik hier zitten?
English: May I sit here?
We willen een huis kopen.
English: We want to buy a house.
Zullen we samen gaan?
English: Shall we go together?
Tips
- The modal verb comes in the second position, and the main verb goes at the end of the sentence.
- Modal verbs are usually not used with 'te' before the main verb.
- Remember to conjugate the modal verb, but the main verb stays in the infinitive.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some modal verbs have irregular forms in the past tense, like 'kunnen' (kon, konden) and 'mogen' (mocht, mochten).