Modal verbs are essential in German as they allow you to express necessity, ability, permission, and more. They are commonly used in everyday conversations and often appear alongside other verbs. In this lesson, you will learn how to conjugate modal verbs, understand their meanings, and use them in sentences.
What You Will Learn
- What modal verbs are and their functions.
- The six most common modal verbs in German.
- How to conjugate modal verbs in the present tense.
- Sentence structure with modal verbs.
- Practice exercises to strengthen your understanding.
What Are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that modify the main verb in a sentence to express:
- Necessity: What must be done.
- Ability: What someone can do.
- Permission: What is allowed.
- Desire or Obligation: What someone wants or is supposed to do.
Common Modal Verbs in German
Here are the six most common modal verbs with their meanings:
| Modal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| können | can, to be able to |
| müssen | must, to have to |
| dürfen | may, to be allowed to |
| wollen | to want |
| sollen | should, to be supposed to |
| mögen | to like |
Conjugation of Modal Verbs in the Present Tense
Modal verbs are conjugated irregularly and often change their stem vowels in the singular forms. The endings for wir, ihr, and sie/Sie follow regular verb conjugation patterns.
Conjugation Example: können (can)
| Pronoun | Conjugation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| ich | kann | Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.) |
| du | kannst | Du kannst gut kochen. (You can cook well.) |
| er/sie/es | kann | Er kann schwimmen. (He can swim.) |
| wir | können | Wir können zusammen arbeiten. (We can work together.) |
| ihr | könnt | Ihr könnt das Buch lesen. (You can read the book.) |
| sie/Sie | können | Sie können hier parken. (They can park here.) |
Conjugation Patterns for Other Modal Verbs
müssen (must, to have to)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | muss |
| du | musst |
| er/sie/es | muss |
| wir | müssen |
| ihr | müsst |
| sie/Sie | müssen |
dürfen (may, to be allowed to)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | darf |
| du | darfst |
| er/sie/es | darf |
| wir | dürfen |
| ihr | dürft |
| sie/Sie | dürfen |
wollen (to want)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | will |
| du | willst |
| er/sie/es | will |
| wir | wollen |
| ihr | wollt |
| sie/Sie | wollen |
sollen (should, to be supposed to)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | soll |
| du | sollst |
| er/sie/es | soll |
| wir | sollen |
| ihr | sollt |
| sie/Sie | sollen |
mögen (to like)
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | mag |
| du | magst |
| er/sie/es | mag |
| wir | mögen |
| ihr | mögt |
| sie/Sie | mögen |
Sentence Structure with Modal Verbs
1. Modal Verbs with an Infinitive
In sentences with modal verbs, the modal verb is conjugated, and the main verb remains in the infinitive form and is placed at the end of the sentence.
Examples:
- Ich muss heute arbeiten. (I must work today.)
- Du kannst gut tanzen. (You can dance well.)
- Wir wollen ins Kino gehen. (We want to go to the cinema.)
- Er darf hier parken. (He may park here.)
2. Negative Sentences with Modal Verbs
To negate a modal verb sentence, place nicht or kein before the main verb or object.
Examples:
- Ich kann nicht schwimmen. (I cannot swim.)
- Du darfst kein Bier trinken. (You are not allowed to drink beer.)
3. Questions with Modal Verbs
For yes/no questions, the modal verb comes first, followed by the subject.
Examples:
- Kannst du mir helfen? (Can you help me?)
- Musst du jetzt gehen? (Do you have to go now?)
For W-questions, the question word comes first, followed by the modal verb and subject.
Examples:
- Was möchtest du essen? (What do you want to eat?)
- Warum soll ich das machen? (Why should I do that?)
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Conjugate the Modal Verbs
Conjugate the following modal verbs for all pronouns:
- können
- müssen
- wollen
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb form:
- Ich __________ Deutsch lernen. (want)
- Du __________ heute zu Hause bleiben. (must)
- Er __________ gut singen. (can)
- Wir __________ ins Kino gehen. (want)
- Ihr __________ hier nicht rauchen. (may)
Exercise 3: Translate the Sentences
Translate these sentences into German:
- I can speak German.
- She must work today.
- We are allowed to go to the park.
- You want to eat pizza.
- They should do their homework.
Summary
In this lesson, you learned:
- The meanings and conjugations of the six most common modal verbs in German.
- How to construct sentences with modal verbs and infinitives.
- How to form questions and negatives with modal verbs.
Homework
- Write 5 sentences using different modal verbs.
- Practice forming both affirmative and negative sentences with modal verbs.
- Record yourself reading the sentences aloud to improve fluency.