German grammar: Modalverben: können, müssen, wollen

What this grammar point covers

Modal verbs in German (Modalverben) are special verbs used with another verb to express ability, necessity, or desire. The most common at A1 level are: können (can), müssen (must), and wollen (want).

When to use it

Use modal verbs in German to talk about what you can do, must do, or want to do. They are used with another verb in its basic form (Infinitiv) at the end of the sentence.

Key forms

• ich kann, du kannst, er/sie/es kann
• ich muss, du musst, er/sie/es muss
• ich will, du willst, er/sie/es will

Examples

Tips

• The modal verb comes in the second position in the sentence. The main verb (Infinitiv) goes to the end.
• Modal verbs have irregular forms, especially in 'du' and 'er/sie/es'.
• Only the modal verb is conjugated; the other verb stays in its basic form.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Modal verbs do not use 'zu' with the infinitive.
• In questions, the modal verb comes first.