What is a Modal Verb?
- There are 6 modal verbs: „können“, „wollen“, „möchten“, „sollen“, „müssen“, „dürfen“
- Modal verbs change the meaning of the sentence. There is a difference between whether someone „must“ do something or someone „can“ do something.
- Modal verbs are usually combined with a second verb („main verb“) and must be conjugated.
Examples
- „Ich kann kein Englisch sprechen.“
- „Ich darf keinen Alkohol trinken.“
- „Ich muss heute nicht lernen.“
- „Ich will heute lernen.“
- „Wir sollen in die Schule gehen.“
Word Order
Modal verbs are usually combined with a second verb („main verb“) and must be conjugated. The modal verbs are in position 1 (question/imperative) or position 2 (regular main clauses) and the main verb goes to the very end of the clause.
Regular Main Clause:
| Modal Verb - Position 2 | Main Verb - End | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Er | kann | kein Englisch | sprechen. |
| Modal Verb - Position 1 | Man Verb - End | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kann | er | kein Englisch | sprechen? |
Irregularities
In colloquial language, when it is clear from the context what the main verb will be, it is often left out:
- „Kannst du Englisch (sprechen)?“
- „Ich will ein Bier (trinken)!“
In the perfect tense, the modal verb uses the infinitive, NOT the past participle:
- „Er hat Englisch sprechen können.“
- „Sie haben auf dich warten müssen.“
Exception: When the modal verb is actually the main verb.
- „Er hat Englisch gekonnt!“
Further Information
More specific information about the use of the modal verbs can be seen in the lessons about each individual modal verb:
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