Foreign Languages
Modal verbs.
Definition
Modal verbs are helper verbs that express ability, permission, obligation, or desire. In German, common modal verbs include können (can), müssen (must), dürfen (may), wollen (want to), sollen (should), and mögen (like). They are paired with an infinitive that goes to the end of the sentence.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 German: 'Ich kann Deutsch sprechen' — I can speak German
- 2 German: 'Du musst deine Hausaufgaben machen' — You must do your homework
- 3 German: 'Wir dürfen hier nicht rauchen' — We may not smoke here
Key Fact
German modal verbs: können, müssen, dürfen, wollen, sollen, mögen. Infinitive goes to end of clause.