Modal verbs in the present tense (AQA GCSE German): Revision Notes
Modal verbs in the present tense
Modal verbs are special helping verbs that work together with other verbs to express ability, necessity, permission, or desire. In German, modal verbs are essential for expressing what you can do, must do, want to do, or are allowed to do.
What are modal verbs?
Modal verbs require an infinitive (the basic form) of another verb to make complete sense. This creates a distinctive sentence structure that is fundamental to German grammar.
Key Structure Rule: The infinitive always goes to the end of the sentence or clause, whilst the modal verb takes the normal verb position (second position in main clauses). This word order is crucial for proper German sentence construction.
The six main modal verbs
Understanding these six modal verbs will allow you to express a wide range of meanings and intentions in German. Each has its own specific use and conjugation pattern.
können (to be able to / can)
This modal verb expresses ability or capability.
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | kann |
| du | kannst |
| er/sie/es/man | kann |
| wir | können |
| ihr | könnt |
| Sie/sie | können |
Worked Example: Using können
Kannst du Deutsch sprechen? (Can you speak German?)
- Modal verb: kannst (second position)
- Infinitive: sprechen (end of sentence)
- Structure: Modal verb + subject + infinitive
müssen (to have to / must)
This modal verb indicates necessity or obligation.
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | muss |
| du | musst |
| er/sie/es/man | muss |
| wir | müssen |
| ihr | müsst |
| Sie/sie | müssen |
Worked Example: Using müssen
Wie lange muss ich warten? (How long do I have to wait?)
- Modal verb: muss (second position)
- Infinitive: warten (end of sentence)
- Shows obligation or necessity
wollen (to want to)
This modal verb expresses desire or intention.
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | will |
| du | willst |
| er/sie/es/man | will |
| wir | wollen |
| ihr | wollt |
| Sie/sie | wollen |
Worked Example: Using wollen
Wir wollen heute ankommen. (We want to arrive today.)
- Modal verb: wollen (second position)
- Infinitive: ankommen (end of sentence)
- Expresses desire or plan
sollen (to ought to / should)
This modal verb indicates obligation or recommendation from others.
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | soll |
| du | sollst |
| er/sie/es/man | soll |
| wir | sollen |
| ihr | sollt |
| Sie/sie | sollen |
Worked Example: Using sollen
Man soll nicht so oft fliegen. (People/One should not fly so often.)
- Modal verb: soll (second position)
- Infinitive: fliegen (end of sentence)
- Shows external recommendation or moral obligation
dürfen (to be allowed to / may)
This modal verb expresses permission.
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | darf |
| du | darfst |
| er/sie/es/man | darf |
| wir | dürfen |
| ihr | dürft |
| Sie/sie | dürfen |
Worked Example: Using dürfen
Er darf heute nicht ausgehen. (He's not allowed to go out today.)
- Modal verb: darf (second position)
- Infinitive: ausgehen (end of sentence)
- Shows permission (here, lack of permission)
mögen (to like)
This modal verb expresses liking or preference. It's commonly used in the conditional form "möchte" (would like).
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ich | mag |
| du | magst |
| er/sie/es/man | mag |
| wir | mögen |
| ihr | mögt |
| Sie/sie | mögen |
Worked Example: Using mögen
Ich mag fernsehen. (I like watching television.)
- Modal verb: mag (second position)
- Infinitive: fernsehen (end of sentence)
- Expresses preference or liking
Special Note about möchte: The most useful form is "ich möchte" (I would like), which is the conditional form. This is much more commonly used than the basic "mögen" for polite requests and expressing desires.
Grammar and pronunciation tips
These fundamental grammar rules will help you use modal verbs correctly in German sentences.
Critical Word Order Rule: The modal verb goes in the normal verb position (second position in main clauses), whilst the infinitive moves to the very end of the sentence. This is different from English word order!
Additional Grammar Points:
- Pronunciation: Modal verbs often have vowel changes in their conjugations, so pay attention to the different sounds
- No "zu": Unlike English, German modal verbs don't use "zu" (to) before the infinitive
- Vowel patterns: Notice how many modal verbs change their stem vowel in du/er/sie/es forms
Useful vocabulary
Here are common infinitives that work well with modal verbs to help you practice:
| German | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sprechen | to speak | Ich kann Deutsch sprechen |
| warten | to wait | Du musst hier warten |
| ankommen | to arrive | Wir wollen pünktlich ankommen |
| ausgehen | to go out | Ihr dürft nicht ausgehen |
| fernsehen | to watch TV | Sie mag fernsehen |
| fliegen | to fly | Man soll weniger fliegen |
Practice Tip: Try creating your own sentences using these infinitives with different modal verbs to practice the word order and conjugations.
Translation exercises
Practice your understanding with these translation exercises:
Translation Practice
German to English:
- Ich kann heute nicht kommen.
- Du musst deine Hausaufgaben machen.
English to German: 3. We want to go to the cinema. 4. You (formal) may enter now.
Answers:
- I can't come today.
- You have to do your homework.
- Wir wollen ins Kino gehen.
- Sie dürfen jetzt eintreten.
Key Points to Remember:
- Modal verbs need an infinitive at the end of the sentence to complete their meaning
- Each modal verb has its own conjugation pattern - learn them by heart
- Quick meanings: können = ability, müssen = necessity, wollen = desire, sollen = obligation, dürfen = permission, mögen = liking
- The infinitive goes to the end of the clause, not immediately after the modal verb
- Use "möchte" (would like) instead of "will" for polite requests
- No "zu" is needed before the infinitive with modal verbs