German grammar explained
German Modal Verbs Explained
Learn German modal verbs like können, müssen, wollen, dürfen, sollen and möchten with simple rules, examples, word order and free practice exercises.
What are German modal verbs?
German modal verbs are verbs such as können, müssen, wollen, dürfen, sollen and möchten. They change the meaning of another verb: can, must, want to, may, should or would like to.
German modal verbs explained simply
A modal verb normally works together with another verb in the infinitive. The modal verb is conjugated, and the main verb often goes to the end of the sentence.
The most common German modal verbs
| Modal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| können | can | Ich kann kommen. |
| müssen | must / have to | Ich muss gehen. |
| wollen | want to | Ich will schlafen. |
| dürfen | may / be allowed to | Darf ich fragen? |
| sollen | should / supposed to | Du sollst warten. |
| möchten | would like to | Ich möchte Kaffee trinken. |
German modal verb word order
In a main clause, the modal verb is usually in second position and the infinitive goes to the end.
German modal verb examples
Common German modal verb mistakes
Do not conjugate both verbs. Say Ich kann kommen, not Ich kann komme.
Remember the infinitive at the end: Ich muss heute arbeiten.
German modal verbs cheat sheet
müssen = must / have to
wollen = want to
dürfen = may / be allowed to
sollen = should
möchten = would like to
Practice what you just learned
Practice German modal verbs in real sentences, then continue with present tense and word order exercises.
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