Dutch grammar: gebruik van modale werkwoorden

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

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).