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Understanding German Modal Verbs
Modal verbs in German are special verbs that help us express things like ability, necessity, permission, or possibility. They are like little helpers that change the meaning of the main verb in a sentence.
Important Points
dürfen - to be allowed to
können - to be able to
mögen - to like
müssen - to have to
sollen - should
wollen - to want to
When we use modal verbs, they often change the way the main verb is used in a sentence. The modal verb comes second, and the main verb goes to the end of the sentence in its basic form.
Examples
Ich kann schwimmen.
Du musst Hausaufgaben machen.
Er darf ins Kino gehen.
Let's look at each modal verb more closely to understand what they mean and how to use them.
Dürfen - To Be Allowed To
Use 'dürfen' when you want to say that someone is allowed to do something. It talks about permission.
Examples
Wir dürfen heute länger spielen.
Sie darf das Buch lesen.
Ihr dürft hier bleiben.
Können - To Be Able To
Use 'können' to talk about ability or possibility. It means someone can do something or something is possible.
Examples
Ich kann gut malen.
Sie können das Problem lösen.
Er kann schnell laufen.
Mögen - To Like
Use 'mögen' when you want to express liking something or someone.
Examples
Ich mag Schokolade.
Wir mögen den Film.
Sie mag Katzen.
Müssen - To Have To
Use 'müssen' to talk about necessity or obligation. It means someone has to do something.
Examples
Ich muss lernen.
Wir müssen früh aufstehen.
Du musst dein Zimmer aufräumen.
Sollen - Should
Use 'sollen' to give advice or talk about something that is supposed to happen.
Examples
Du sollst mehr Wasser trinken.
Er soll den Lehrer fragen.
Wir sollen pünktlich sein.
Wollen - To Want To
Use 'wollen' to express a desire or intention. It means someone wants to do something.
Examples
Ich will ein Eis essen.
Sie wollen ins Kino gehen.
Wir wollen Fußball spielen.
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