Modalverben (modal verbs) add meaning to the main verb, expressing ability, permission, obligation, desire or preference.

ℹ️ At level A1 there are 7 important modal verbs

At level A1 there are 7 important modal verbs

Let's look at how to use each Modalverb!

Person	können (can)	dürfen (be allowed)	müssen (must)	sollen (should)	wollen (want)	mögen (like)	möchten (would like - polite)
Ich	kann	darf	muss	soll	will	mag	möchte
Du	kannst	darfst	musst	sollst	willst	magst	möchtest
Er/sie/es	kann	darf	muss	soll	will	mag	möchte
Wir	können	dürfen	müssen	sollen	wollen	mögen	möchten
Ihr	könnt	dürft	müsst	sollt	wollt	mögt	möchtet
Sie/sie	können	dürfen	müssen	sollen	wollen	mögen	möchten

Note:

Modal verbs are irregular in the ich, du, er/sie/es forms.
The main verb always stays in the infinitive (Infinitiv) and goes at the end of the sentence!

2. Functions and examples of Modalverben

Expresses ability or the possibility of doing something.

Examples:

Expresses permission or prohibition.

Examples:

Expresses obligation or necessity.

Examples:

Expresses obligation or advice.

Examples:

Expresses a desire or a strong intention.

Examples:

Note: "wollen" expresses a stronger, more determined desire than "möchten".

Expresses a general liking or preference.

Examples:

Expresses a wish politely.
Often used in restaurants, shops, or for polite requests.

Examples:

Note: "möchten" is the Konjunktiv II form of "mögen" and is more polite than "wollen".

3. Sentence structure with Modalverben

Sentence type	Structure	Example
Affirmative	Subject + Modalverb (conjugated) + main verb (Infinitiv)	Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
Negative	Subject + Modalverb (conjugated) + nicht + main verb	Er darf hier nicht rauchen.
Question	Modalverb (conjugated) + subject + main verb	Kannst du mir helfen?

📌 Quick memory tip:

ℹ️ 💡 Modalverben

💡 Modalverben express ability, permission,

Modalverben express ability, permission, obligation, desire and preference.
They always go with a main verb in the infinitive (Infinitiv).
Remember to conjugate the Modalverben using the table and to place them correctly in the sentence!

📌 Quick study tip: