Modal Verbs (können, müssen, wollen)
Using modal verbs to express ability, necessity, and desire
Key Points
- Modal verbs are conjugated and go in position 2
- Main verb stays in infinitive at the end
- Modal verbs are irregular - memorize conjugations
- Very common in everyday German
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs modify the meaning of another verb. They express ability, permission, obligation, or desire.
The Main Modal Verbs
- können = can, to be able to
- müssen = must, to have to
- wollen = to want to
- dürfen = may, to be allowed to
- sollen = should, to be supposed to
- mögen = to like / möchten = would like to
Conjugation of können
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | kann |
| du | kannst |
| er/sie/es | kann |
| wir | können |
| ihr | könnt |
| sie/Sie | können |
Conjugation of müssen
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | muss |
| du | musst |
| er/sie/es | muss |
| wir | müssen |
| ihr | müsst |
| sie/Sie | müssen |
Conjugation of wollen
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | will |
| du | willst |
| er/sie/es | will |
| wir | wollen |
| ihr | wollt |
| sie/Sie | wollen |
Sentence Structure
Modal Verb + ... + Infinitive (at the end)
- Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.)
- Du musst jetzt gehen. (You must go now.)
- Wir wollen Pizza essen. (We want to eat pizza.)
The modal verb is conjugated and goes in position 2.
The main verb stays in infinitive form and goes to the end.
Common Expressions
- Ich kann nicht kommen. (I can't come.)
- Du musst lernen. (You have to study.)
- Er will nicht arbeiten. (He doesn't want to work.)
- Können Sie mir helfen? (Can you help me?)
- Wir möchten bezahlen. (We would like to pay.)
Examples
"Ich kann schwimmen."
"I can swim."
💡 Modal 'kann' in position 2, infinitive 'schwimmen' at end
"Musst du heute arbeiten?"
"Do you have to work today?"
💡 Question with modal verb first
"Sie will ein Auto kaufen."
"She wants to buy a car."
💡 Modal 'will', infinitive 'kaufen' at end
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗ Conjugating both verbs (modal AND main verb)
- ✗ Forgetting to put infinitive at the end
- ✗ Confusing 'wollen' (want) with English 'will' (future)
Practice Tips
Practice saying what you can do, must do, and want to do today. Use all three modals with the same activities.
Ready to Practice?
Test your understanding of this grammar point with interactive exercises and quizzes.
