German Modal Verbs: List, Meaning, and Conjugation
Modal verbs in German (Modalverben) express ability, permission, obligation, and desire. They show up in almost every conversation, so getting comfortable with them early makes a big difference. This page covers all 6 modal verbs at the Goethe A1 level: können, müssen, dürfen, sollen, wollen, and möchten. You will find each German modal verb meaning, conjugation, and example sentences to practice with.
6 verbs
would like
“Ich möchte einen Kaffee.”
I would like a coffee.
may, to be allowed to
“Ich darf heute länger schlafen.”
I may sleep longer today.
must, to have to
“Ich muss heute früh aufstehen.”
I have to get up early today.
can, to be able to
“Ich kann heute Deutsch lernen.”
I can study German today.
Practice with Games
Example Sentences
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
I can speak German.
Du musst um acht Uhr aufstehen.
You have to get up at eight.
Darf ich hier sitzen?
May I sit here?
Wir wollen ins Kino gehen.
We want to go to the cinema.
Ihr sollt leise sein.
You should be quiet.