Modal verbs are helper verbs that modify the main verb. In German, the main verb goes to the END of the sentence when a modal is used. The six German modal verbs are essential for expressing ability, permission, obligation and desire.
🔧 The Six German Modal Verbs
| German | English | Notes / Example |
|---|---|---|
| können | can / to be able to | Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. |
| müssen | must / to have to | Du musst schlafen. |
| wollen | to want to | Er will Arzt werden. |
| sollen | should / to be supposed to | Sie soll um 8 kommen. |
| dürfen | may / to be allowed to | Hier darf man nicht rauchen. |
| mögen / möchten | to like / would like | Ich möchte Kaffee, bitte. |
📊 Conjugation of können (Present)
| German | English | Notes / Example |
|---|---|---|
| ich kann | I can | |
| du kannst | you can | |
| er/sie/es kann | he/she/it can | |
| wir können | we can | |
| ihr könnt | you all can | |
| sie/Sie können | they/you (formal) can |
✏️ Übungen (Practice Exercises)
Exercise 1: Try using 3 words from the table above in a sentence! Write them down.
Exercise 2: Cover the English column and test yourself — do you know all the words?
Exercise 3: Take the quiz below to test your knowledge with interactive questions!
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