“Sollen” is a modal verb and in combination with another verb the sense of the sentence is changed by the modal verb. The lesson is about the usage, conjugation, irregularities and examples of the modal verb “sollen”.
Examples
Conjugation sollen
| Present | Simple Past | Subjunktive 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ich | soll | sollte | sollte |
| du | sollst | solltest | solltest |
| er/sie/es | soll | sollte | sollte |
| wir | sollen | sollten | sollten |
| ihr | sollt | solltet | solltet |
| sie/Sie | sollen | sollten | sollten |
*The Subjunktive 2 – form of „sollen“ doesn´t get the „ö“ ⇒ Simple Past and Subjunktive 2 – forms are identical.
Use: sollen
As Duty or Task to do
- „Ich soll das Geschirr abwaschen.“
(I should wash the dishes. It is my task.)
- „Die Kinder sollen Hausaufgaben machen.“
(The teacher gave the children a homework assignment.)
As a recommendation or advice (with the subjunctive 2)
- „Du solltest dein Zimmer besser aufräumen!“
(I recommend that you clean the room. Otherwise, the parents will be upset.)
- „Sie sollten den Vertrag unterschreiben!“
(I recommend that you sign the contract.)
As an assumption (always with the subjunctive 2)
A high probability that you are correct.
- „Der Schal sollte Maria gehören.“
(As an answer to: „Wem gehört dieser Schal?“ ⇒ I am quite sure that it belongs to Maria.)
- „Thomas sollte um 18 Uhr nach Hause kommen.“
(As an answer to: „Wann kommt Thomas nach Hause?“ ⇒ I think that Thomas is coming home at 6 pm.)
As an indirect command
⇒ Somebody else gave the order/command.
- „Du sollst den Müll rausbringen.“
(In this case it is a „reminder“ to finally do something. The command was previously issued and usually came from another person.)
In comparison, a direct command: „Bring den Müll raus!“
Further Information
- More detailed information about the word order and irregularities of modal verbs in lesson Modal Verbs.
- the modal verb: „können“
- the modal verb: „dürfen“
- the modal verb: „wollen/möchten“
- the modal verb: „müssen“
- The verbs „werden“ and „lassen“ show similiar characteristics and can be used like modal verbs.
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