Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are helper verbs that are most often used in with the main verb in the sentence. They must be conjugated just like regular verbs.

Modal verbs can change the context of a statement, but not the action itself.

Modal Verb Placement

Rule 1: We can place modal verbs in two positions:

- The modal verb is usually the first conjugated in the sentence.

- The main, or the "full" verb to the end of the sentence in its infinitive form.

Rule 2: In colloquial speech, in the main verb is obvious from the context, it can be left out.

Können – Can

Rule 3: The modal verb können can be used to express an assumption, a polite request, a suggestion, possibility and impossibility, ability and incapacity, or permission or prohibition.

Here is how it is conjugated:

Müssen – Have to/Must

Rule 4: The modal verb müssen is used to express a need, a command, or a task.

Here is its present tense conjugation:

Wollen – Want to and Möchten – Would Like to

Rule 5: The modal verb wollen is used to express a wish, a will, an intention or a refusal. It can be a little too straightforward, so if we want to be polite, we use möchten instead.

Here is how it is conjugated in the present tense:

Note: "möchten" is actually the subjunctive 2 of the German verb "mögen" (to like). However, "mögen" is only used as a normal strong verb and no longer as a modal verb.

Rule 6: In the past tense, only wollen is used.

Dürfen – Be allowed to/May

Rule 7: The modal verb dürfen is used to express permission or prohibition, a presumption, or a polite request for permission.

Here is the present tense conjugation of this modal verb:

Sollen – Ought to/Should

Rule 8: The modal verb sollen is used to express an order, a recommendation, an advice, or an assumption.

Here is its present tense conjugation: