German modal verbs: können and müssen

The idea

A modal verb changes the meaning of another verb. Können expresses ability or possibility; müssen expresses necessity. Conjugate the modal and place the other verb in its infinitive form at the end of a simple main clause.

Examples to say aloud

• Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
  I can speak German.
• Du musst heute arbeiten.
  You must work today.
• Wir können morgen kommen.
  We can come tomorrow.

A common mistake

Do not conjugate both verbs: Ich kann sprechen, rather than Ich kann spreche. Nicht müssen means “not have to”, not “must not”.

Try it yourself

Put in order: Ich / sprechen / kann / Deutsch.

Make your attempt, then open the explanation.

Keep practising

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