Pattern

Modal conjugated V2; main verb infinitive at end:

• Ich kann heute nicht kommen.

Meaning sketch

können ability, müssen must, wollen want, sollen should/ought, dürfen may, mögen like.

Practical Examples

1. Ich kann gut Deutsch sprechen.

• I can speak German well.
• Usage: Expresses ability or skill.

1. Kannst du mir bitte helfen?

• Can you please help me?
• Usage: Asks about someone's ability or willingness to help.

1. Wir müssen heute viel arbeiten.

• We have to work a lot today.
• Usage: Indicates a necessity or obligation.

1. Du musst das nicht sofort machen.

• You don't have to do that immediately.
• Usage: Expresses a lack of necessity (not required).

1. Er will am Wochenende ins Kino gehen.

• He wants to go to the cinema on the weekend.
• Usage: Shows a strong desire or intention.

1. Wollt ihr etwas essen?

• Do you (plural) want to eat something?
• Usage: Asks about someone's desire or preference.

1. Ihr solltet mehr Wasser trinken.

• You (plural) should drink more water.
• Usage: Gives advice or a recommendation (often with sollten for politeness).

1. Soll ich das Fenster schließen?

• Should I close the window?
• Usage: Asks for advice or instructions.

1. Man darf hier nicht rauchen.

• One is not allowed to smoke here.
• Usage: States a prohibition or lack of permission.

1. Dürfen wir hier parken?

• Are we allowed to park here?
• Usage: Asks for permission.

1. Ich möchte einen Kaffee, bitte.

• I would like a coffee, please.
• Usage: Expresses a polite wish or desire (more polite than wollen).

1. Möchtest du heute Abend mitkommen?

• Would you like to come along this evening?
• Usage: Extends a polite invitation.

1. Sie kann gut schwimmen, aber sie darf heute nicht ins Wasser.

• She can swim well, but she is not allowed to go into the water today.
• Usage: Contrasts ability with permission.

1. Wir müssen die Hausaufgaben machen, und wir sollen auch für den Test lernen.

• We have to do the homework, and we should also study for the test.
• Usage: Differentiates between a strong obligation (müssen) and a recommendation/duty (sollen).

1. Ich will dich besuchen, aber ich kann leider nicht kommen.

• I want to visit you, but unfortunately, I cannot come.
• Usage: Expresses a desire that cannot be fulfilled due to inability.