Introduction
Modal verbs are an essential part of the German language, allowing you to express abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations. They play a crucial role in sentence structure, especially when the verb takes the first position in a sentence.
Common Modal Verbs
| Modal Verb | Infinitive | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| können | können | can, to be able to |
| müssen | müssen | must, have to |
| dürfen | dürfen | may, to be allowed to |
| sollen | sollen | should, ought to |
| wollen | wollen | want to |
| mögen | mögen | like to |
Sentence Structure
When using modal verbs, the conjugated modal verb appears in the first position of the sentence, and the main verb (in its infinitive form) goes to the end of the sentence.
Formula
- Modal Verb in First Position
- Subject
- Complement/Context
- Infinitive Verb at the End
Examples
1. Können (Can, to be able to)
- Statement: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
- Translation: I can speak German.
- First Position: Können wir heute ins Kino gehen?
- Translation: Can we go to the cinema today?
2. Müssen (Must, have to)
- Statement: Du musst deine Hausaufgaben machen.
- Translation: You must do your homework.
- First Position: Müssen wir jetzt gehen?
- Translation: Do we have to leave now?
3. Dürfen (May, to be allowed to)
- Statement: Er darf nicht rauchen.
- Translation: He is not allowed to smoke.
- First Position: Dürfen wir hier parken?
- Translation: May we park here?
4. Sollen (Should, ought to)
- Statement: Wir sollen leise sein.
- Translation: We should be quiet.
- First Position: Sollen ich das Fenster öffnen?
- Translation: Should I open the window?
5. Wollen (Want to)
- Statement: Sie will Ärztin werden.
- Translation: She wants to become a doctor.
- First Position: Wollen wir zusammen arbeiten?
- Translation: Do we want to work together?
6. Mögen (Like to)
- Statement: Wir mögen im Park spazieren gehen.
- Translation: We like to walk in the park.
- First Position: Mögen sie Fußball spielen?
- Translation: Do they like to play soccer?
Practice Sentences
- Können: Können Sie mir helfen?
- Müssen: Müssen wir das heute erledigen?
- Dürfen: Dürfen Kinder hier spielen?
- Sollen: Sollen wir das Meeting verschieben?
- Wollen: Wollen Sie einen Kaffee trinken?
- Mögen: Mögen Sie klassische Musik hören?
Conclusion
Modal verbs in German not only modify the meaning of a sentence but also dictate its structure. By placing the modal verb in the first position and the infinitive at the end, you can create clear and concise expressions that convey necessity, permission, ability, and more.