Modal verbs (Modalverben)
Modal verbs appear constantly in everyday German. This lesson helps you understand the meaning, nuance and usage of each modal verb in a way that is easy to remember and apply.
What are Modalverben?
Modal verbs support the main verb and change the nuance of the action: be allowed to, be able to, have to, should, want, like... When you use a modal verb, the main verb usually stays in the infinitive and goes to the end of the sentence.
| Verb | Core meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| dürfen | be allowed to | asking/giving permission, prohibition when negated |
| können | can / be able to | ability, skill, something that is possible |
| müssen | must / have to | obligation, necessity |
| sollen | should / be asked to | responsibility, instruction, purpose |
| wollen | want | strong intention |
| mögen / möchten | like / would like (polite) | preference or a gentle request |
Basic sentence structure
- The modal verb is conjugated in second position in a main clause.
- The main verb stays in the infinitive and usually goes to the end of the sentence.
- In the Perfekt with a main verb, the structure is usually haben + Infinitiv + modal verb infinitive.
- wollen sounds more direct and stronger than möchten; in polite situations prefer möchten.
Each modal verb at a glance
- dürfen: to be allowed to do something, or not allowed when negated.
- können: to be able to do something, to know how, or that something is possible.
- müssen: to have to do something because of a requirement, situation or necessity.
- sollen: to be supposed to or asked to do something, often carrying responsibility.
- wollen: to want to do something with a fairly strong intention.
- mögen / möchten: to like or to want in a softer, more polite way.
Ich muss heute lernen.
I have to study today.
Im Museum darf man nicht fotografieren.
You are not allowed to take photos in the museum.
Mein Sohn kann schon schwimmen.
My son can already swim.
Möchten Sie einen Kaffee trinken?
Would you like to drink a coffee?
Important tenses of modal verbs
- Präsens is the tense to master first because it is used the most in conversation.
- Präteritum appears often in writing and in short narratives.
- Perfekt has two cases: with a main verb use haben + Infinitiv + modal verb infinitive; without a main verb use haben + Partizip II of the modal verb.
- Konjunktiv II is very important because it creates a polite or speculative nuance, especially with möchten, könnte, dürfte.
Common confusions
- dürfen and können can both translate as 'can', but dürfen leans towards permission while können leans towards ability.
- wollen is usually stronger and more direct than möchten, so it is not always suitable in polite conversation.
- mögen can express preference, while möchten mainly expresses a wish or a polite request.
Mẹo học nhanh
If you are a beginner, first master the meaning and usage of the six modal verbs in the present tense. Just being able to say sentences like ich kann, ich muss, ich darf, ich möchte... already gives you a very solid foundation.