Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
English: I can speak German.
- Language
- German
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Verben und Verbformen
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Modal verbs in German are special verbs that show ability, possibility, necessity, permission, or obligation. They are used with another verb in the infinitive form.
When to use it
Use modal verbs in German to talk about what you can, must, may, want, should, or would like to do. Modal verbs help you express needs, wishes, permissions, and abilities.
Key forms
- können (can/be able to)
- müssen (must/have to)
- dürfen (may/be allowed to)
- wollen (want to)
- sollen (should/ought to)
- mögen/möchte (like/would like)
Examples
Du musst heute arbeiten.
English: You must work today.
Wir dürfen hier nicht rauchen.
English: We are not allowed to smoke here.
Er möchte ein Eis essen.
English: He would like to eat an ice cream.
Ihr sollt leise sein.
English: You (plural) should be quiet.
Tips
- The modal verb comes in the second position; the main verb goes to the end in the infinitive.
- Modal verbs change their stem in the singular forms (ich, du, er/sie/es).
- Do not use 'zu' before the main verb with modal verbs.
Exceptions and edge cases
- The verb 'mögen' is often used as 'möchte' (would like), which is a special form.
- Some modal verbs have irregular forms in the present tense.