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Modal verbs

The German modal verbs are können (can), wollen (want), müssen (must), dürfen (may), and sollen (should). These verbs are usually used with another verb that remains in the infinitive form. While the plural forms of modal verbs are regular, the singular forms have changed vowels (except for sollen) and irregular endings. Examples:

The modal verbs können, wollen, müssen, dürfen

Modal verbs expressing various forms of probability and subjectivity

The secondary function model verbs is to express various forms and degrees of probability. Example sentences:

See also:

Modal verbs in the perfect tense