Modal verbs

These are verbs that modify an action in a sentence.

We usually use modal verbs with a main verb in its infinitive form. We move the main verb to the end of the sentence.

By adding the word "nicht" (not) after the modal verb, we express that someone is not allowed or able or does not have to do something

müssen (to have to)

• Used when something has to be done and there is no choice
  • Ich muss heute arbeiten. (I have to work today.)
• Used when you are sure about something.
  • Das muss ein Fehler sein. (That must be a mistake.)

mögen (Indikativ - to like)

• We use "mögen" to express what we like in general, it's the only verb in the sentence!
  • Er mag Rotwein. (He likes red wine.)

mögen (Konjunktiv II - would like)

• We use "möchten" to express polite requests or wishes.
  • Ich möchte einen Kafee trinken, bitte. (I would like a coffee, please.)
  • Möchtest du mitkommen? (Would you like to come along?)

wollen (to want)

• We use "wollen" to expresses a strong intention, desire, or determination to do something
  • Sie wollen am Wochenende wandern. (They want to go hiking at the weekend.)
  • Willst du mit mir ins Kino gehen? (Do you want to go to the cinema with me?)
  • Ich will ein Glas Saft haben. (I want to have a glass of juice.)
• It can be used to demand something not in a polite way.
  • Ich will ein Bier. (I want a beer) - sounds demanding
  • Ich möchte ein Bier. (I would like a beer) - more respectful

können (to be able to)

• Used to say that someone is able to do something or has learnt to do something
  • Ich kann Fußball spielen. (I can play football.)
  • Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.)
• Used when something is possible.
  • Das kann gefährlich sein. (That can be dangerous.)
  • Hier kann man parken. (You can park here.)
• Used when someone is allowed to do something (though "dürfen" is more common for strict permission).
  • Du kannst jetzt gehen. (You can go now.)
  • Hier kann man essen und trinken
• Used to ask whether something is possible or whether someone is able to do something
  • Kann ich hier sitzen? (Can I sit here?)
  • Kannst du mir helfen? (Can you help me?)

dürfen (to be allowed)

• Used to say that someone is allowed to do something.
  • Du darfst hier parken. (You are allowed to park here.)
  • Mein Hund darf im Bett schlafen. (My dog is allowed to sleep in bed.)

nicht dürfen (prohibited)

• Used to say that something is not allowed.
  • Du darfst hier nicht rauchen. (You are not allowed to smoke here.)
  • Kinder dürfen kein Bier trinken. (Children are not allowed to drink beer.)
• Often means "must not" (a strict rule).
  • Man darf hier nicht laut sein. (You must not be loud here.)

sollen (should, to be supposed to)

• We use the modal verb "sollen" to express a task or to give an order or advice. This could be when a son is asked by his father to get some milk on the way home, or when someone ill is being advised not to work.
  • Er soll Milch kaufen. (He's supposed to buy milk.)
• We use it when reporting what someone else has said or requested.
  • Arzt: Sie müssen Tabletten nehmen
  • Der Arzt sagt, ich soll Tabletten nehmen.
• Used when talking about what is right or expected from a moral standpoint.
  • Man soll ehrlich sein. (One should be honest.)
• to offer help or service by asking if the other person wants something.
  • Soll ich dir einen Kaffee machen? (Should I make you a coffee?)
  • Soll ich dir helfen? (Should I help you?)