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Verbs: Conjugation (2)
Modal verbs (können, müssen, wollen...) and separable verbs (aufstehen, einkaufen...) — how they work in sentences.
Modal verbs — what are they?
Modal verbs express ability, permission, obligation, desire, or preference. In German, they are always used with another verb — and that second verb goes as an infinitive to the END of the sentence.
The pattern is:
Subject + modal verb (conjugated) + ... + infinitive
There are six modal verbs in German: können (can), müssen (must), wollen (want), dürfen (may), sollen (should), and mögen (like). Plus the special form möchten (would like).
All modal verbs share two important features:
• The ich and er/sie/es forms are always the same (no ending).
• Most modals have a stem vowel change in the singular forms (ich, du, er/sie/es) compared to the plural (wir, ihr, sie).
The pattern is:
Subject + modal verb (conjugated) + ... + infinitive
There are six modal verbs in German: können (can), müssen (must), wollen (want), dürfen (may), sollen (should), and mögen (like). Plus the special form möchten (would like).
All modal verbs share two important features:
• The ich and er/sie/es forms are always the same (no ending).
• Most modals have a stem vowel change in the singular forms (ich, du, er/sie/es) compared to the plural (wir, ihr, sie).
können — can / to be able to
Können expresses ability — what you can do or are able to do. Notice the stem vowel change: ö in the infinitive becomes a in the singular forms (ich/du/er).
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ich | kann | I can |
| du | kannst | you can |
| er/sie/es | kann | he/she/it can |
| wir | können | we can |
| ihr | könnt | you all can |
| sie/Sie | können | they/you (formal) can |
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
I can speak German.
sprechen = to speak. The modal verb kann is conjugated in position 2, and the infinitive sprechen goes to the very end. This is the core modal verb pattern.
Kannst du mir helfen?
Can you help me?
helfen = to help (+ Dativ). In a question, the modal verb moves to position 1. The infinitive helfen still goes to the end. "Mir" = me (Dativ).
Wir können morgen kommen.
We can come tomorrow.
kommen = to come. morgen = tomorrow. Notice that in the plural (wir), the stem vowel stays ö. The time word "morgen" sits between the modal and the infinitive.
Er kann sehr gut kochen.
He can cook very well.
kochen = to cook. sehr gut = very well. The ich and er forms are both kann — identical, with no ending. Additional information (sehr gut) sits between modal and infinitive.
müssen — must / have to
Müssen expresses obligation or necessity — what you must do or have to do. Stem vowel change: ü becomes u in the singular.
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ich | muss | I must |
| du | musst | you must |
| er/sie/es | muss | he/she/it must |
| wir | müssen | we must |
| ihr | müsst | you all must |
| sie/Sie | müssen | they/you (formal) must |
Ich muss heute arbeiten.
I must work today.
arbeiten = to work. heute = today. Same pattern: modal (muss) in position 2, infinitive (arbeiten) at the end.
Du musst mehr lernen.
You must study more.
lernen = to learn/study. mehr = more. Because the stem muss already ends in -ss, the du-form adds only -t: du musst.
Wir müssen um 8 Uhr gehen.
We have to go at 8 o'clock.
gehen = to go. um 8 Uhr = at 8 o'clock. In the plural, the stem vowel returns to ü.
Muss ich das machen?
Do I have to do that?
machen = to do/make. das = that. In questions, the modal moves to position 1. The infinitive stays at the end.
wollen — to want
Wollen expresses a strong desire or intention — what you want to do. Stem vowel change: o becomes i in the singular.
Important: "Wollen" does NOT mean "will" (future tense) like in English! German "will" = "wants." The future tense in German uses werden, not wollen.
Important: "Wollen" does NOT mean "will" (future tense) like in English! German "will" = "wants." The future tense in German uses werden, not wollen.
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ich | will | I want |
| du | willst | you want |
| er/sie/es | will | he/she/it wants |
| wir | wollen | we want |
| ihr | wollt | you all want |
| sie/Sie | wollen | they/you (formal) want |
Ich will Deutsch lernen.
I want to learn German.
lernen = to learn. "Ich will" = I want (NOT "I will"). The infinitive lernen goes to the end.
Er will ein Buch lesen.
He wants to read a book.
lesen = to read. ein Buch = a book (neutrum). The object (ein Buch) sits between the modal and the infinitive.
Willst du ins Kino gehen?
Do you want to go to the cinema?
gehen = to go. ins Kino = to the cinema (in + das = ins). Question format: modal first, infinitive last.
Wir wollen am Wochenende reisen.
We want to travel on the weekend.
reisen = to travel. am Wochenende = on the weekend (an + dem = am). Plural form keeps the o vowel.
dürfen — may / to be allowed to
Dürfen expresses permission — what you may do or are allowed to do. Stem vowel change: ü becomes a in the singular.
Können vs. dürfen: This is a common mistake for English speakers. Können = ability (I can swim = I know how). Dürfen = permission (I may swim = I'm allowed to). "Darf ich hier schwimmen?" asks if you're permitted, not if you're able.
Können vs. dürfen: This is a common mistake for English speakers. Können = ability (I can swim = I know how). Dürfen = permission (I may swim = I'm allowed to). "Darf ich hier schwimmen?" asks if you're permitted, not if you're able.
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ich | darf | I may |
| du | darfst | you may |
| er/sie/es | darf | he/she/it may |
| wir | dürfen | we may |
| ihr | dürft | you all may |
| sie/Sie | dürfen | they/you (formal) may |
Darf ich hier sitzen?
May I sit here?
sitzen = to sit. hier = here. This is a very common polite question. "Darf ich...?" = "May I...?" / "Am I allowed to...?"
Du darfst nicht so laut sein.
You're not allowed to be so loud.
sein = to be. laut = loud. nicht = not. "Nicht" goes before the infinitive to negate permission. "Darfst nicht" = "not allowed to."
Kinder dürfen hier nicht spielen.
Children are not allowed to play here.
spielen = to play. Kinder = children (plural, no article). This is dürfen (permission), not können (ability) — the children physically can play, but they're not permitted to.
Darf man hier rauchen?
Is one allowed to smoke here? / Can you smoke here?
rauchen = to smoke. man = one (impersonal pronoun, like "you" in general). "Darf man...?" is how you ask about general rules.
sollen — should / ought to
Sollen expresses that someone should do something, or that someone else expects or advises it. Unlike the other modals, sollen has NO stem vowel change — the stem stays o throughout.
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ich | soll | I should |
| du | sollst | you should |
| er/sie/es | soll | he/she/it should |
| wir | sollen | we should |
| ihr | sollt | you all should |
| sie/Sie | sollen | they/you (formal) should |
Du sollst mehr Wasser trinken.
You should drink more water.
trinken = to drink. Wasser = water (neutrum). mehr = more. Sollen often implies advice or instruction from someone else.
Soll ich das Fenster öffnen?
Should I open the window? / Shall I open the window?
öffnen = to open. das Fenster = the window (neutrum). "Soll ich...?" is a common way to offer help.
Wir sollen pünktlich sein.
We should be punctual.
sein = to be. pünktlich = punctual/on time. This implies someone (a boss, a teacher) expects punctuality.
Was soll ich machen?
What should I do?
machen = to do/make. was = what. A very useful everyday expression. The question word (was) takes position 1, the modal (soll) takes position 2.
sollen vs. sollten — "supposed to" vs. "should"
Sollen (present tense) means someone is supposed to do something — there's an external expectation: a rule, a boss, a doctor told you.
Sollten is the Konjunktiv II (subjunctive) form of sollen. It means "should" as a softer, polite suggestion — like English "ought to." This is the form Google Translate usually picks because it sounds more natural in everyday speech.
Wir sollen pünktlich sein. = We are supposed to be punctual. (someone expects it)
Wir sollten pünktlich sein. = We should be punctual. (polite advice)
The sollten forms: ich sollte, du solltest, er/sie/es sollte, wir sollten, ihr solltet, sie/Sie sollten. Notice it follows the same pattern as möchten — both are Konjunktiv II forms that A1 learners use as everyday vocabulary.
mögen — to like
Mögen means "to like" and is often used without a second verb — just with a noun. Stem vowel change: ö becomes a in the singular. Mögen is most commonly used for general preferences (food, people, things).
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ich | mag | I like |
| du | magst | you like |
| er/sie/es | mag | he/she/it likes |
| wir | mögen | we like |
| ihr | mögt | you all like |
| sie/Sie | mögen | they/you (formal) like |
Ich mag Schokolade.
I like chocolate.
die Schokolade = chocolate (feminin). Mögen is used here without a second verb — just stating a preference for a thing.
Er mag keinen Kaffee.
He doesn't like coffee.
der Kaffee = coffee (maskulin). keinen = no/not any (maskulin Akkusativ). "Keinen" negates the noun directly.
Magst du Musik?
Do you like music?
die Musik = music (feminin). Simple yes/no question with mögen.
möchten — would like (polite)
Möchten is technically the subjunctive form of mögen, but at A1 level it's treated as its own verb meaning "would like." It's the polite way to express a wish — much softer than "wollen" (want). Use möchten in restaurants, shops, and anytime you want to sound polite.
Möchten follows the modal pattern but with no stem vowel change — the stem stays möcht- throughout.
Möchten follows the modal pattern but with no stem vowel change — the stem stays möcht- throughout.
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ich | möchte | I would like |
| du | möchtest | you would like |
| er/sie/es | möchte | he/she/it would like |
| wir | möchten | we would like |
| ihr | möchtet | you all would like |
| sie/Sie | möchten | they/you (formal) would like |
Ich möchte einen Kaffee, bitte.
I would like a coffee, please.
einen Kaffee = a coffee (maskulin Akkusativ). bitte = please. This is the standard way to order in a café or restaurant — polite and natural.
Was möchtest du essen?
What would you like to eat?
essen = to eat. When used with a second verb, möchten follows the modal pattern: infinitive goes to the end.
Wir möchten eine Reservierung machen.
We would like to make a reservation.
machen = to make. eine Reservierung = a reservation (feminin). Möchten + infinitive at the end = polite request.
Möchten Sie noch etwas bestellen?
Would you (formal) like to order something else?
bestellen = to order. noch etwas = something else/more. A waiter might ask this. "Sie" (formal you) + möchten is very polite.
wollen vs. möchten
Wollen = direct, strong want ("I want pizza!"). Möchten = polite, softer ("I'd like pizza, please."). In social situations, möchten is almost always the better choice. "Ich will..." can sound demanding — like a child insisting.
Modal verb summary — all six at a glance
Here are all six modal verbs side by side for the three singular forms that change. Notice the pattern: ich and er/sie/es are always the same (no ending), and most modals change their stem vowel in the singular.
| Modal | Meaning | ich | du | er/sie/es | wir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| können | can / able to | kann | kannst | kann | können |
| müssen | must / have to | muss | musst | muss | müssen |
| wollen | want to | will | willst | will | wollen |
| dürfen | may / allowed to | darf | darfst | darf | dürfen |
| sollen | should / ought to | soll | sollst | soll | sollen |
| mögen | to like | mag | magst | mag | mögen |
Patterns to notice:
• The ich and er/sie/es columns are always identical — no ending added.
• The du form always adds -st to the singular stem.
• The wir and sie/Sie forms are always identical to the infinitive.
• Sollen is the only modal with NO stem vowel change.
• Vowel changes: ö→a (können, mögen), ü→u (müssen), ü→a (dürfen), o→i (wollen).
• The ich and er/sie/es columns are always identical — no ending added.
• The du form always adds -st to the singular stem.
• The wir and sie/Sie forms are always identical to the infinitive.
• Sollen is the only modal with NO stem vowel change.
• Vowel changes: ö→a (können, mögen), ü→u (müssen), ü→a (dürfen), o→i (wollen).
Trennbare Verben — separable verbs
Some German verbs have a prefix that separates from the verb and moves to the END of the sentence in the present tense. These are called trennbare Verben (separable verbs).
The pattern is:
Subject + conjugated verb stem (position 2) + ... + separated prefix (END)
How to recognize them: the prefix is stressed when you say the word. For example: AUFstehen (stress on AUF), EINkaufen (stress on EIN). Common separable prefixes: ab-, an-, auf-, aus-, ein-, mit-, vor-, zu-, fern-, los-.
Think of it like English phrasal verbs: "I pick my friend up." The main verb and the particle are separated, with the particle at the end.
For a deep dive on which case each separable verb takes — with many more worked examples — see Separable Verbs.
The pattern is:
Subject + conjugated verb stem (position 2) + ... + separated prefix (END)
How to recognize them: the prefix is stressed when you say the word. For example: AUFstehen (stress on AUF), EINkaufen (stress on EIN). Common separable prefixes: ab-, an-, auf-, aus-, ein-, mit-, vor-, zu-, fern-, los-.
Think of it like English phrasal verbs: "I pick my friend up." The main verb and the particle are separated, with the particle at the end.
For a deep dive on which case each separable verb takes — with many more worked examples — see Separable Verbs.
aufstehen — to get up
Aufstehen = auf (up) + stehen (to stand). When conjugated, "auf" separates and goes to the end.
Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf.
I get up at 7 o'clock.
um 7 Uhr = at 7 o'clock. The verb stehe is in position 2 (conjugated), and the prefix auf goes to the very end. Everything else sits in between.
Wann stehst du auf?
When do you get up?
wann = when. In questions with a question word: question word (position 1) + verb (position 2) + subject + ... + prefix (end).
Er steht immer früh auf.
He always gets up early.
immer = always. früh = early. The time words sit between the verb and the separated prefix.
einkaufen — to shop / to go shopping
Einkaufen = ein (in) + kaufen (to buy). The prefix "ein" separates and goes to the end.
Wir kaufen im Supermarkt ein.
We shop at the supermarket.
im Supermarkt = at/in the supermarket (in + dem = im, maskulin Dativ). The conjugated part kaufen stays in position 2, ein goes to the end.
Ich kaufe heute Nachmittag ein.
I'm going shopping this afternoon.
heute Nachmittag = this afternoon. The time expression fills the space between verb and prefix.
anfangen — to begin / to start
Anfangen = an (on) + fangen (to catch). Note: fangen has a stem vowel change (a → ä) in the du and er forms.
Der Film fängt um 8 Uhr an.
The film starts at 8 o'clock.
der Film = the film (maskulin). The er-form has a stem change: fangen → fängt. The prefix an goes to the end. Both the stem change AND the separation happen at the same time.
Wann fängst du mit der Arbeit an?
When do you start work?
die Arbeit = work (feminin). mit der Arbeit = with the work (Dativ). Du-form also gets the stem change: fängst.
aufräumen — to tidy up / to clean up
Aufräumen = auf (up) + räumen (to clear). A regular verb — no stem vowel change.
Räumst du dein Zimmer auf?
Are you tidying up your room?
dein Zimmer = your room (neutrum). Yes/no question: verb in position 1, prefix at the end. A parent might ask this!
Ich räume die Küche auf.
I'm tidying up the kitchen.
die Küche = the kitchen (feminin). Same pattern: conjugated verb in position 2, prefix at the end.
fernsehen — to watch TV
Fernsehen = fern (far) + sehen (to see). Literally "to see far" = to watch television. Note: sehen has a stem vowel change (e → ie) in the du and er forms.
Er sieht jeden Abend fern.
He watches TV every evening.
jeden Abend = every evening (Akkusativ time expression). Stem change: sehen → sieht. Plus the separation: fern goes to the end.
Siehst du gern fern?
Do you like watching TV?
gern = gladly / with pleasure (used to express liking an activity). Du-form: siehst. Question format with prefix at the end.
mitkommen — to come along
Mitkommen = mit (with/along) + kommen (to come). A regular separable verb, no stem change.
Kommst du mit?
Are you coming along?
A very short, very common question. The verb kommst is in position 1 (yes/no question), and the prefix mit goes to the end. Sometimes the sentence is so short that the prefix comes right after the subject.
Ich komme gern mit.
I'd be happy to come along.
gern = gladly. A natural, friendly response to the question above.
anrufen — to call (on the phone)
Anrufen = an (on) + rufen (to call). Used for phone calls. Takes an Akkusativ object (you call someone = du rufst jemanden an).
Ich rufe dich morgen an.
I'll call you tomorrow.
dich = you (Akkusativ). morgen = tomorrow. Conjugated verb rufe in position 2, object and time words in the middle, prefix an at the end.
Rufst du mich später an?
Will you call me later?
mich = me (Akkusativ). später = later. Yes/no question with the verb first.
zumachen / aufmachen — to close / to open
Zumachen = zu (closed) + machen (to make/do) = to close. Aufmachen = auf (open) + machen = to open. These are a handy pair of opposites. Both are regular — no stem changes.
Mach bitte die Tür zu.
Please close the door.
die Tür = the door (feminin). bitte = please. This is an imperative (command) — the verb comes first with no subject. The prefix zu still goes to the end, even in commands.
Machst du bitte das Fenster auf?
Would you please open the window?
das Fenster = the window (neutrum). A polite request phrased as a question. Prefix auf goes to the end.
Er macht das Buch zu und steht auf.
He closes the book and gets up.
das Buch = the book (neutrum). Two separable verbs in one sentence! Each clause has its own verb+prefix pair: macht...zu and steht...auf.
Separable verbs with modal verbs
When a separable verb is used with a modal verb, the separable verb goes to the end as a complete infinitive — it does NOT separate. The prefix stays attached because the verb is in its infinitive form, not conjugated.
The pattern is:
Subject + modal (conjugated) + ... + separable verb as infinitive (END)
Compare:
• Without modal: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf. (prefix separates)
• With modal: Ich muss um 7 Uhr aufstehen. (prefix stays attached)
This actually makes things easier — with modals, you don't have to think about separation at all!
The pattern is:
Subject + modal (conjugated) + ... + separable verb as infinitive (END)
Compare:
• Without modal: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf. (prefix separates)
• With modal: Ich muss um 7 Uhr aufstehen. (prefix stays attached)
This actually makes things easier — with modals, you don't have to think about separation at all!
Ich muss um 7 Uhr aufstehen.
I have to get up at 7 o'clock.
The modal muss is conjugated in position 2. The separable verb aufstehen stays together as one word at the end because it's in infinitive form.
Kannst du bitte die Tür zumachen?
Can you please close the door?
Modal kannst in position 1 (question). The separable verb zumachen stays whole at the end. Compare without modal: "Machst du bitte die Tür zu?" (prefix separates).
Wir wollen heute Abend fernsehen.
We want to watch TV this evening.
heute Abend = this evening. Modal wollen conjugated, fernsehen stays together at the end.
Du sollst dein Zimmer aufräumen.
You should tidy up your room.
Modal sollst + separable verb aufräumen as infinitive. Compare without modal: "Räumst du dein Zimmer auf?"
Darf ich Sie anrufen?
May I call you (formal)?
Sie = you (formal, Akkusativ). Modal darf + anrufen as complete infinitive. Very polite phrasing.
Ich möchte morgen einkaufen.
I would like to go shopping tomorrow.
Möchten (polite "would like") + einkaufen as infinitive. The prefix ein- stays attached.
Common separable prefixes — quick reference
| Prefix | General meaning | Example verb | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| an- | on, at, to | anrufen (to call) | Ich rufe dich an. |
| auf- | up, open | aufstehen (to get up) | Er steht früh auf. |
| aus- | out | ausgehen (to go out) | Wir gehen heute aus. |
| ein- | in, into | einkaufen (to shop) | Sie kauft gern ein. |
| mit- | with, along | mitkommen (to come along) | Kommst du mit? |
| zu- | closed, to | zumachen (to close) | Mach die Tür zu! |
| fern- | far, distant | fernsehen (to watch TV) | Er sieht gern fern. |
| vor- | before, in front | vorstellen (to introduce) | Ich stelle mich vor. |
| ab- | off, away | abholen (to pick up) | Ich hole dich ab. |
| zurück- | back | zurückkommen (to come back) | Wir kommen bald zurück. |
Key patterns to remember
Modal verbs — three rules
1. The modal verb is conjugated and sits in position 2. The second verb goes to the END as an infinitive.
2. The ich and er/sie/es forms are always the same — no ending.
3. Most modals change their stem vowel in the singular: können→kann, müssen→muss, wollen→will, dürfen→darf. Only sollen stays the same.
Separable verbs — three rules
1. In the present tense, the prefix separates and goes to the END: "Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf."
2. With a modal verb, the separable verb stays together as an infinitive: "Ich muss um 7 Uhr aufstehen."
3. The prefix is always stressed when speaking: AUFstehen, ANrufen, EINkaufen. If you hear the stress on the prefix, the verb is separable.
Both together — the END of the sentence is key
German loves to put important information at the end. With modals, the infinitive goes to the end. With separable verbs, the prefix goes to the end. With both together, the complete infinitive (prefix attached) goes to the end. Always ask yourself: what goes at the END?