VERBS · A1–B1

Modalverben: Say what you can, must, or want to do.

Use können, müssen, dürfen and other modal verbs without losing the main verb. Master the word order in short everyday sentences.

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THE SHORT VERSION

Modalverben, made clear.

Start with these three ideas. Then test them in real German sentences.

One verb changes form

The modal verb is conjugated for the subject: ‘ich kann’, ‘du kannst’, ‘er kann’. The other verb usually stays in the infinitive.

Put the action at the end

In a simple main clause, the modal occupies the finite-verb position and the infinitive moves to the end: ‘Ich muss morgen arbeiten’.

Choose the meaning

‘Können’ expresses ability, ‘müssen’ necessity, ‘dürfen’ permission, and ‘wollen’ intention. ‘Möchte’ is used for a polite wish.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE

Ich kann schwimmen. → I can swim: ability.

Ich darf schwimmen. → I may swim: permission.

The infinitive stays at the end in both sentences.

A CLOSER LOOK

Meaning and word order together

Choose the modal for the meaning you intend, then put its infinitive at the end of a simple main clause.

Common meanings

Everyday modal verbs
Modal	Typical meaning	Example
können	can / be able	Ich kann schwimmen.
müssen	must / have to	Ich muss arbeiten.
dürfen	may / be allowed	Du darfst gehen.
wollen	want to	Wir wollen reisen.
sollen	should / be supposed to	Du sollst warten.
möchten	would like to	Ich möchte bleiben.

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Negation changes the message

Du musst nicht gehen means you do not have to go. Du darfst nicht gehen means you are not allowed to go. One modal change creates a very different message.

Try this: More than one modal may be grammatically possible in a sentence; context determines the intended meaning.

For a fuller reference, see the Goethe-Institut German grammar overview ↗.

YOUR MODALVERBEN CHALLENGE

Six sentences.
One insight at a time.

Choose the missing word. Learn from each answer, then try the next sentence.

LEVEL 10 / 6 correct first try

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YOUR NEXT SENTENCE

Now try your own.

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QUICK ANSWERS

Modalverben, without the confusion.

What are German modal verbs?

Common modals are können, müssen, dürfen, sollen, wollen and mögen. The polite form möchte comes from mögen. Modal verbs add meanings such as ability, necessity and permission.

Where does the second verb go?

In a simple main clause, the action verb stays in the infinitive at the end: ‘Er muss lernen’.

What is the difference between kann and darf?

‘Kann’ means can or is able to. ‘Darf’ means is allowed to.