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If you’re searching for modal verbs in German, this guide has everything you need. Modal verbs are essential for expressing ability, necessity, permission, or possibility in everyday speech. This post breaks down the six core modal verbs, how to conjugate them, and how to use them correctly — even if you’re just starting to learn German.
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What Are Modal Verbs in German?
Modal verbs (Modalverben) are auxiliary verbs that modify the meaning of the main verb in a sentence. Instead of standing alone, they usually work with another verb in the infinitive form.
The six main German modal verbs are:
— können: can, to be able to
— müssen: must, to have to
— dürfen: may, to be allowed to
— sollen: should, to be supposed to
— wollen: want to
— mögen: like to
Why Learn German Modal Verbs?
Knowing how to use modal verbs helps you:
Make polite requests
Express desires and needs
Ask for or give permission
Talk about obligations
Make suggestions
They’re everywhere in daily conversations, emails, travel situations, and even job interviews.
German Modal Verbs: Conjugation Guide
Here’s how the six core modal verbs look in the present tense (Präsens):
- können – to be able to / can
Person | Conjugation |
---|---|
ich | kann |
du | kannst |
er/sie/es | kann |
wir | können |
ihr | könnt |
sie/Sie | können |
Example: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. → I can speak German.
müssen – to have to / must
Person | Conjugation |
---|---|
ich | muss |
du | musst |
er/sie/es | muss |
wir | müssen |
ihr | müsst |
sie/Sie | müssen |
Example: Du musst lernen. → You have to study.
dürfen – to be allowed to / may
Person | Conjugation |
---|---|
ich | darf |
du | darfst |
er/sie/es | darf |
wir | dürfen |
ihr | dürft |
sie/Sie | dürfen |
Example: Wir dürfen hier parken. → We may park here.
sollen – should / supposed to
Person | Conjugation |
---|---|
ich | soll |
du | sollst |
er/sie/es | soll |
wir | sollen |
ihr | sollt |
sie/Sie | sollen |
Example: Er soll zum Arzt gehen. → He should go to the doctor.
wollen – to want to
Person | Conjugation |
---|---|
ich | will |
du | willst |
er/sie/es | will |
wir | wollen |
ihr | wollt |
sie/Sie | wollen |
Example: Ich will Pizza essen. → I want to eat pizza.
mögen – to like to (used differently)
Mögen is special — it usually doesn’t pair with another verb like the others, unless in the form of “möchten” (would like).
Person | Conjugation |
---|---|
ich | mag |
du | magst |
er/sie/es | mag |
wir | mögen |
ihr | mögt |
sie/Sie | mögen |
Example: Sie mag Schokolade. → She likes chocolate.
Using Modal Verbs in Sentences
In a German sentence, the modal verb is conjugated and placed second, while the main verb appears at the end in its infinitive form.
Structure: Subject + Modal Verb (conjugated) + … + Main Verb (infinitive)
Examples:
Ich muss heute arbeiten. → I have to work today.
Wir wollen ins Kino gehen. → We want to go to the cinema.
Er kann nicht schwimmen. → He can’t swim.
Past Tense of Modal Verbs
In conversational past (Perfekt), modal verbs usually take the auxiliary verb haben and use double infinitive structure.
Example: Ich habe gehen müssen. → I had to go.
But in written or formal German, use Präteritum (simple past):
-
Ich musste gehen. → I had to go.
-
Sie durfte nicht bleiben. → She wasn’t allowed to stay.
Tips for Mastering Modal Verbs
-
Practice in context: Use real-life dialogues.
-
Start with present tense, then move to past.
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Pair with everyday actions: like eating, studying, driving.
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Repeat with audio tools: such as Avatalks or LingQ.
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Try writing short stories using modal verbs.
Real-Life Conversations Using Modal Verbs
A1 Example:
Ich kann heute nicht kommen. → I can’t come today.
A2 Example:
Wir müssen früh aufstehen. → We have to get up early.
B1 Example:
Sie will ihr eigenes Geschäft eröffnen. → She wants to open her own business.
B2 Example:
Ich hätte das Meeting vorbereiten sollen. → I should have prepared the meeting.
Conclusion: Master Modal Verbs to Speak with Confidence
Modal verbs are the backbone of German communication. From asking permissions to stating desires, you’ll use them every day. Start with “können” and “müssen,” then expand to the rest. Practice them with real sentences, and you’ll sound more fluent in no time.