3.3 Modal Verbs

The six modals

können (can/be able), müssen (must/have to), wollen (want to), sollen (should), dürfen (may/be allowed), mögen (to like). They express ability, obligation, desire, and permission.

Sentence structure

The modal is conjugated in position two; the main verb goes to the end as an infinitive: 'Ich kann gut Deutsch sprechen' (I can speak German well).

Irregular present

Modals change their stem vowel in the singular: können → ich kann, müssen → ich muss, wollen → ich will, mögen → ich mag (mögen's 'would like' form is möchte).

Key terms

können / müssen

can / must

wollen / sollen

want to / should

dürfen / mögen

may (allowed) / to like

Structure

modal in position 2, main verb infinitive at the end

möchte

'would like' (polite form of mögen)

Try an AP-style question

"Ich ___ schwimmen" (I can swim).

1. muss
2. will
3. darf
4. kann