German A1Chapter 7 of 24

Modal Verbs

Say what you can, must, want, should, or are allowed to do.

Modal verbs are small but powerful verbs. They let you talk about ability, obligation, permission, wishes, and plans: ich kann, ich muss, ich möchte. This chapter teaches the six most useful A1 modal verbs, their irregular present-tense forms, and the special word order they create with a second verb at the end.

65 minLevel: A1

What this chapter covers

  • I can understand the meaning of common modal verbs: können, müssen, wollen, möchten, dürfen, and sollen.
  • I can conjugate the most important modal verbs in the present tense.
  • I can build sentences with a modal verb in position 2 and an infinitive at the end.
  • I can talk about university life, rules, obligations, and plans using modal verbs.
  • I can understand simple spoken sentences about what someone can, must, or wants to do.

What you will practise in the app

The full chapter includes 10 interactive exercises covering these formats:

  • Multiple choice questions
  • Verb conjugation tables
  • Fill-in-the-blank sentences
  • Word order tasks
  • Vocabulary matching
  • Listening comprehension
  • Translation practice
  • True or false statements
  • Guided writing task

Vocabulary: University Life & Obligations

A small sample from this chapter's vocabulary set.

könnento be able to / can
müssento have to / must
wollento want to
möchtenwould like to
dürfento be allowed to / may

This is only a small sample. The full vocabulary set — with audio, example sentences, and grammar details — is available in the free app.

Why this matters in Germany

This chapter helps you build German you can use in everyday situations in Germany — from understanding simple sentences to handling basic conversations, messages, appointments, study, work, and daily life. Practical language learned in context is easier to remember and use when it matters.

Practise the full chapter for free

Create a free account to access the full explanation, vocabulary set, interactive exercises, audio and listening practice where available, and progress tracking.

Start Free