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Chapter 25: Modal Verbs (Modalverben)

Introduction​

Modal verbs are a special category of auxiliary verbs in German that modify the meaning of the main verb by expressing ability, necessity, permission, desire, or obligation. They are essential for forming complex sentences and expressing attitudes or moods about actions.

We use modal verbs to clarify how an action should be done or how the speaker feels about it — for example, expressing possibility (can), obligation (must), permission (may), or desire (want). Mastering modal verbs allows you to express yourself more precisely and naturally in German.

Vocabulary​

Modal VerbEnglish TranslationMeaning/Use
könnencan, to be able toability, possibility
dürfenmay, to be allowedpermission
müssenmust, have tonecessity, obligation
sollenshould, ought toadvice, obligation
wollenwantdesire, intention
mögenlikeliking, preference

Theory & Grammar​

Characteristics of Modal Verbs​

  • Modal verbs are irregular and modal auxiliary verbs.
  • They are always used with a main verb in the infinitive form.
  • The modal verb is conjugated and appears in the second position in the sentence.
  • The main verb remains in the infinitive and is placed at the end of the sentence or clause.

Present Tense Conjugation of Modal Verbs​

Verbichduer/sie/eswirihrsie/Sie
könnenkannkannstkannkönnenkönntkönnen
dürfendarfdarfstdarfdürfendürftdürfen
müssenmussmusstmussmüssenmüsstmüssen
sollensollsollstsollsollensolltsollen
wollenwillwillstwillwollenwolltwollen
mögenmagmagstmagmögenmögtmögen

Sentence Structure​

Simple sentence: [Subject] + [modal verb conjugated] + [other elements] + [main verb infinitive]

  • Ich kann heute nicht kommen.
  • Du musst das Buch lesen.
  • Er will nach Hause gehen.

Past Tense Forms (Perfekt)​

  • Modal verbs in perfect tense use haben + the modal verb in infinitive + main verb in infinitive (double infinitive construction). Example:
  • Ich habe das machen müssen.
  • Er hat nach Hause gehen wollen.

Vocabulary: Thematic Lists with Examples​

Modal VerbThematic ExampleGerman SentenceEnglish Translation
könnenabilityIch kann gut schwimmen.I can swim well.
dürfenpermissionDu darfst hier nicht rauchen.You are not allowed to smoke here.
müssenobligationWir müssen früh aufstehen.We have to get up early.
sollenadvice/obligationDu sollst mehr Wasser trinken.You should drink more water.
wollendesireSie will Arzt werden.She wants to become a doctor.
mögenpreferenceIch mag Schokolade sehr gern.I really like chocolate.

Usage & Context​

  • Modal verbs are frequently used in daily conversations to express ability, requests, permissions, and obligations.
  • They allow for polite or direct expressions depending on context, e.g., dürfen for permission or sollen for instructions.
  • Modal verbs often appear in questions, commands, and negations.

Practical Examples​

Dialogue 1: Asking for permission​

  • A: Darf ich hier parken?
  • B: Nein, du darfst hier nicht parken.

Dialogue 2: Expressing ability​

  • A: Kannst du mir helfen?
  • B: Ja, ich kann dir helfen.

Dialogue 3: Giving advice​

  • A: Ich bin krank.
  • B: Du sollst zum Arzt gehen.

Exercises​

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the modal verb:​

  • Ich ___ (können) gut Deutsch sprechen.
  • Du ___ (müssen) jeden Tag üben.
  • Er ___ (dürfen) nicht zu spät kommen.
  • Wir ___ (wollen) ins Kino gehen.
  • Ihr ___ (sollen) mehr Wasser trinken.

2. Translate into German using modal verbs:​

  • She can play the piano.
  • We must finish the homework.
  • You (informal) should be quiet.
  • They want to visit Berlin.
  • May I open the window?

3. Rewrite the sentences in perfect tense (double infinitive):​

  • Ich muss heute arbeiten.
  • Sie will das Buch lesen.
  • Wir können das Problem lösen.

Flashcards​

QuestionAnswer
What position does the modal verb take in a sentence?Second position (conjugated form)
Where is the main verb placed when using modal verbs?At the end in infinitive form
Name three German modal verbs.können, müssen, dürfen
How is the perfect tense formed with modal verbs?haben + double infinitive (modal + main verb)
What does sollen express?Advice or obligation

Workbook (Summary & Practice)​

Summary:​

  • Modal verbs modify the meaning of main verbs expressing ability, permission, necessity, desire, or advice.
  • Conjugated modal verb in second position + main verb infinitive at the end.
  • Present and perfect tense forms vary (double infinitive in perfect).
  • Modal verbs are essential for polite requests, instructions, and expressing moods.

Practice:​

  • Conjugate all modal verbs in present tense.
  • Write 5 sentences with modal verbs describing your daily routine.
  • Create a short dialogue using at least three modal verbs.
  • Translate 5 sentences with modal verbs into English.

Multimedia Resources​

Speaking Help​

  • Practice making polite requests and giving advice using modal verbs.
  • Use questions like Kannst du...?, Darf ich...? to practice asking for ability or permission.
  • Role-play dialogues that require giving advice (sollen), expressing desires (wollen), or stating obligations (müssen).

Cultural Notes (Optional)​

  • Modal verbs are often used to soften commands or make requests polite in German culture.
  • Dürfen is also a formal way to ask permission in social situations, reflecting respect.

Review Section​

Quiz​

  1. What is the word order in sentences with modal verbs?
  2. Name the six main German modal verbs.
  3. How do you form the perfect tense of modal verbs?
  4. Which modal verb expresses necessity or obligation?
  5. Translate: We want to go to the party.

Key Takeaways​

  • Modal verbs are fundamental for expressing moods like ability, necessity, permission, and desire.
  • They always accompany another verb in the infinitive form at the sentence end.
  • Mastery of modal verbs enables clearer, more nuanced communication in German.