Modal verbs and their meaning in German. Modal verbs

Modality is a grammatical category that expresses the speaker’s attitude towards the statement.

In German, modality can be expressed in a sentence in various ways: I. Using modal verbs (in this manual we decided not to dwell in detail on this method, since it does not present any particular difficulties in translating and understanding the sentence; II. The meaning of modality can be expressed by infinitive constructions haben +zu + Infinitive, sein + zu + Infinitive. You can often find these designs in the technical literature.

Combination haben + zu + Infinitive And sein + zu + Infinitive express an obligation, less often a possibility, and correspond in meaning to modal verbs mü ssen, sollen and, less often, kö nnen.

Combination haben + zu + Infinitive means obligation and has an active meaning. It is used when the subject is the subject performing the action. This combination is translated with the words “must, must, need”:

a) Der Zylinder hat im Dieselmotor im Gegensatz zum Verbrennungsmotor nur reine Luft anzusaugen. – Diesel engine cylinder as opposed to carburetor engine must suck only clean air.

b) Beim Bau eines Eisbrechers mit Atommotor hat man zahlreiche schwierige Aufgaben zu lö sen. – During the construction of a nuclear-powered icebreaker must (must) be decided numerous difficult tasks.

Combination sein + zu + Infinitive means obligation or possibility and is passive in nature. The subject in this case denotes the object or person to whom the action is directed.

Combination sein + zu + Infinitive translated by the words “should, should be, maybe”:

a) Die Erforschungen der neuen Legierungen sind fortzusetzen. – Research of new alloys should continue.

b) Diese Strahlen sind in der Technik und in der Medizin zu verwenden. - These rays must be applied in technology and medicine.

III. The meaning of modality can be expressed by modal verbs in combination with the infinitive of another verb. Such combinations will make a guess, but only with varying degrees of certainty:

1) verb mü ssen + Infinitive– an assumption with a high degree of confidence, certainty: Diese Maschine muss eine neue Erfindung im Autostrassenbau sein. - This car, for sure(in all likelihood) a new invention in the field of highway construction.

2) kö nnen + Infinitive– perhaps, maybe, perhaps, probably: In diesem Falle kann auch ein Einfluss der magnetischen Wellen vorhanden sein. – In this case, there is probably the influence of magnetic waves.

3) mö gen + Infinitive– perhaps, maybe, perhaps, and also expresses a feasible desire, permission or softened order and is translated by the word “let”: Als weiterer Beweis mag noch die Leitfähigkeit dieses Körpers dienen. – Further proof probably serves, the conductivity of this body. Mag er diese Röhre nehmen. – Let He will take this vacuum tube.

4) dü rfen + Infinitive expresses an assumption and is translated by the words “possibly, probably, seems, obviously”: Eine höhere Temperatur bei der Bearbeitung durfte die Eigenschaften des Metalls verbessern. – Higher processing temperature, maybe improve metal quality.

5) solen + Infinitiv- an assumption conveyed from other people's words. In this case, additional words are used in translation: “they say, in the opinion, apparently” Die Experimente sollen erfolgreich verlaufen. – They say what experiments are leaking successfully.

6) wollen in the 1st person plural in combination with the infinitive of another verb has the connotation of a softened command: Wollen wir die wichtigsten Operationen nennen. – Let's call the most important operations.; Wollen wir jetzt die Wirkungsweise einer Kompressoranlage unpretentious. – Let's discuss Now the operating principle of the compressor unit.

IV. Modality can also be expressed using a verb sich lassen + Infinitiv. In this case, it is used to express possibility. Translated: “you can do something, get done”: Das Experiment lässt sich leicht wiederholen. – Experiment May be easily repeated.

Details Category: German modal verbs

Modal verbs express not the action itself, but the attitude towards the action (i.e. the possibility, necessity, desirability of performing the action), therefore they are usually used in a sentence with the infinitive of another verb expressing the action.

Modal verbs include the following verbs:

können dürfen müssen sollen mögen wollen

The conjugated modal verb stands In second place in a sentence, and the infinitive of the semantic verb is last in a sentence and is used without the particle zu.

können- be able, be able, be able (possibility due to objective circumstances)

durfen- 1) be able - dare, have permission (possibility based on “someone else’s will”) 2) when denied, expresses prohibition - “impossible”, “not allowed”

mussen- 1) obligation, necessity, need, conscious duty 2) when negated, “müssen” is often replaced by the verb “brauchen + zu Infinitiv)

sollen- 1) obligation based on “someone else’s will” - order, instruction, instruction 2) in a question (direct or indirect) is not translated (expresses “request for instructions, instructions”)

wollen- 1) want, intend, gather 2) invitation to joint action

mögen- 1) “would like” - in the form möchte (politely expressed desire in the present tense) 2) love, like - in its own meaning (when used without an accompanying infinitive)

The meaning of modal verbs in German

durfen

a) have permission or right
In diesem Park durfen Kinder spielen. - In this park for children allowed play.

b) prohibit (always in negative form)
Bei Rot darf man die Straße nothingüberqueren. - Street it is forbidden cross against the lights

können

a) have the opportunity
In einem Jahr können wir das Haus bestimmt teurer verkaufen. - In a year we will definitely we can sell the house for more money.

b) have the ability to do something
Er kann gut Tennis spielen. - He can play tennis well.

mögen

a) to have/not have an inclination, disposition towards something.
Ich mag mit dem neuen Kollegen nicht zusammenarbeiten. - I don't like work with someone new.

b) the same meaning, but the verb acts as a full-valued one
Ich mag keine Schlagsahne! - I don't I love whipped cream!

The modal verb mögen is most often used in the subjunctive form (conjunctive) möchte - would like. The personal endings for this form are the same as for other modal verbs in the present:

ich möchte, du möchtest, etc.

c) have a desire

Wir möchten ihn gern kennen lernen. - We would you like to meet him.

Ich möchte Deutsch sprechen.— I I would like to speak German.

Du möchtest Arzt werden. - You I would like to To become a doctor.

Er möchte auch commen. - He too I would like to come.

mussen

a) be forced to perform an action under the pressure of external circumstances
Mein Vater ist krank, ich muss nach Hause fahren. - My father is sick, I must to drive home.

b) to be forced to perform an action out of necessity
Nach dem Unfall mussten wir zu Fuß nach Hause gehen. - After the accident we must were walk home.

c) accept the inevitability of what happened
Das must ja so kommen, wir haben es geahnt. - This should have happen, we saw it coming.

d) Instead of müssen with negation there is = nicht brauchen + zu + Infinitiv
Mein Vater ist wieder gesund, ich brauche nicht nach Hause zu fahren. - My father is healthy again, I don’t need to to drive home.

sollen

a) require action to be performed in accordance with commandments, laws
Du sollst nicht toten. - You do not must kill.

b) demand the performance of an action in accordance with duty, morality
Jeder soll die Lebensart des anderen anerkennen. - Every must respect the other's way of life.

c) emphasize that the action is performed on someone’s order or instruction
Ich soll nüchtern zur Untersuchung kommen. Das hat der Arzt gesagt. - I must come on an empty stomach for the study. That's what the doctor said.

wollen

a) express a strong desire
Ich will dir die Wahrheit sagen. - I Want tell you the truth.

b) communicate your intention to do something, plans for the future
I'm December wollen wir in das neue Haus einziehen. - In December we we want move into a new house.

In some cases, the main verb may be omitted:

Ich muss nach Hause (gehen). Sie kann gut Englisch (sprechen). Er will in die Stadt (fahren). Ich mag keine Schlagsahne (essen).

A modal verb can be used without a main verb if the main verb is mentioned in the previous context:

Ich kann nicht gut kochen. Meine Mutter konnte es auch nicht. Wir haben es beide nicht gut gekonnt.

Conjugation of modal verbs

Conjugation tables for modal verbs need to be memorized.

Conjugation table for modal verbs in the present tense

Pronoun man in combination with modal verbs it is translated by impersonal constructions:

man kann - you can
man kann nicht - impossible, impossible
man darf - possible, allowed
man darf nicht - impossible, not allowed
man muss - necessary, necessary
man muss nicht - not necessary, not necessary
man soll - should, must
man soll nicht - should not

Conjugation table for modal verbs in the past tense Präteritum

Modal verbs in the past tense are most often used in Präteritum. In other past tenses, modal verbs are practically not used.

Place of a modal verb in a simple sentence

1. The modal verb is in a simple sentence In second place.

The second place in the sentence is occupied by the conjugated part of the predicate - the auxiliary verb haben. The modal verb is used in the infinitive and follows the full verb, occupying the last place in the sentence.

Präsens: Der Arbeiter will den Meister sprechen .

Präteritum: Der Arbeiter Wollte den Meister sprechen .

Perfect: Der Arbeiter hat den Meister sprechen wollen .

Plusquamperfect: Der Arbeiter hatte den Meister sprechen wollen .

Place of a modal verb in a subordinate clause

1. Modal verb in the form of present or imperfect stands in a subordinate clause last.

2. If a modal verb is used in perfect or plusquaperfect form, then it is also worth in the infinitive form in last place. The conjugated part of the predicate - the auxiliary verb - comes before both infinitives.

Präsens besuchen kann .

Präteritum: Es ist schade, dass er uns nicht be suchen konnte.

Perfect: Es ist schade, dass er uns nicht hat besuchen können.

Plusquamperfect: Es ist schade, dass er uns nicht hatte besuchen können.

) and irregular verbs (§ 28), in the German language there is a layer of so-called modal verbs. The features of the modal verb as such are difficult to understand for a non-linguist, so this concept itself is often used thoughtlessly. Everything here is quite simple: these verbs can express possibility, necessity, assumption, order or desire. If other verbs convey an action or state, then modal verbs express modality and reflect the speaker’s attitude to what is described in the sentence.

Verbs are modal können"to be able" durfen"to have a right", sollen"to be obliged (obliged, forced)" mussen"to have to (have a need)" wollen"want" and mögen"want". They can also drag in a verb here lassen“allow”, which in some cases expresses modality, although it is not actually modal. All these verbs belong to the group of irregular verbs, but are distinguished separately due to their lexical and grammatical features. Here we will look at the presence of verbs (preterite, see § 37). Modal verbs are characterized by the absence of personal endings in the first and third persons singular, as well as a change in the root vowel in the singular (with the exception of the verb sollen). Verb lassen conjugates as a strong with the umlaut of the root vowel in the second and third persons singular. Just memorize all these forms, repeat them and use them in conjunction with the examples. These are some of the most frequent verbs that you cannot do without in speech.

Pronoun	Infinitive
	können	durfen	sollen	mussen	wollen	mögen	lassen
ich (I)	kann (Can)	darf (Can)	soll (must)	muss (must)	will (Want)	mag (Wish)	lasse (allow)
du (You)	kannst (can)	darfst (can)	sollst (must)	must (must)	willst (Want)	magst (wish)	lässt (allow)
er/sie/es (he she it)	kann (Maybe)	darf (Maybe)	soll (must)	muss (must)	will (wants)	mag (wishes)	lässt (allows)
wir (We)	können (Can)	durfen (Can)	sollen (must)	mussen (must)	wollen (want)	mögen (we wish)	lassen (allow)
ihr (You)	könnt (you can)	durft (you can)	sollt (must)	müsst (must)	wollt (want to)	mögt (wish)	lasst (allow)
sie/Sie (they/you)	können (can/can)	durfen (can/can)	sollen (must)	mussen (must)	wollen (want/want)	mögen (wish/want)	lassen (allow/allow)

The use of modal verbs is a topic that deserves more careful consideration. Modal verbs, like many other verbs in the German language, can express not one meaning, which is assigned to them in dictionaries, but several. Much can be gleaned from context. It should also be remembered that modal verbs, as a rule, are not used independently, but in conjunction with other verbs that complement them. In this case, they say that the modal verb is an inflected part of a compound verbal predicate. For example:

• Ich kann alles verstehen.- I can understand everything.
• Ich muss anrufen.- I need (I have to) call.

Here are the verbs können And mussen are inextricably linked with verbs verstehen And anrufen. There may be other verbs as you wish. The more often you combine, the better you remember. Here, by the way, it should be noted in advance that such expressions as “I’m hungry” and “I’m thirsty” in German, as in many other European languages, traditionally have their own formulations: “ ich habe Hunger“/„ich bin hungrig" And " ich habe Durst“/„ich bin durstig“.

And now, in fact, let's move on to the meanings expressed by modal verbs. There are a lot of them, and you won't remember them right away, but the more often you use them, the better you will understand the contextual meaning of the verbs that convey these meanings. You can always easily navigate this lesson if you forget or miss something.

Let's start with the verb können - a verb that usually expresses the ability to do something, skill, physical ability, knowledge of something, and sometimes permission to do something. The verb very often appears in the speech of Germans, even where it is not entirely appropriate. For example, as in the last example, where it would be logically correct to put the verb durfen. However, there are things that seem familiar to Germans, despite the general rules of verb usage.

Similar to the wonderful verb discussed above durfen , which also expresses possibility, but this possibility is determined not so much physically as by permission or the right to act. When we say “I can,” we can mean “I am capable” and “I have the right.” Verb durfen refers specifically to the latter, which is its main difference from the verb können.

The next verb is sollen . It expresses, as a rule, a commanding nature, a necessity, a demand both from a third party and one’s own (moral duty). In an interrogative sentence, such a verb is used if a certain call or order must follow from the answerer, as well as in cases of some doubt.

Verb mussen similar to a verb sollen, if we consider it from the point of view of the Russian language, since it also expresses an obligation, but the nature of such an obligation is completely different. Often this verb expresses some kind of internal necessity or need, if you like. In some cases, the verb expresses a certain confidence of the speaker.

Verb wollen expresses a desire or intention, and quite a categorical, demanding one. It is opposed to the verb mögen, which expresses a “softer” desire.

Verb mögen also expresses desire, therefore in meaning it is connected with the verb wollen. The preterite conjunctive form of this verb is very often used, which looks like möchte for the first and third persons singular. It should be translated as “would like.” In one of the lessons on polite phrases, we encountered this form. It is also quite common and often appears in requests. In some cases, the meaning expressed by a verb can show the likelihood of something. Also verb mögen can be a synonym for the verb lieben, in this case it ceases to express modality.

Finally, the verb lassen can express, in combination with the infinitive, both assumption, permission, and order. As a full verb lassen has the meaning “to leave” and in this case it can no longer be modal.

Knowing modal verbs, you can easily express any request, wish, make it clear to your interlocutor who owes what to whom, etc. This is a very important and not the easiest topic, since there is a lot to remember, and in addition it is necessary to clearly distinguish those situations where it should be used können

The meaning of modal verbs. Modal are called such verbs that express not the action itself, but only attitude to action(Wed.: We we want study well. We Can study well. We must study well). Therefore, modal verbs in German are usually not used independently, i.e. without a second verb, which expresses the desired, possible or necessary action itself. This second verb always answers the question “what to do?” and stands in the infinitive, as in Russian ( Wed.: We want - what to do? - study well). Basic modal verbs in German: können(to be able), mussen(should) wollen(want). They are very common, without them it is often impossible to express a thought.

In Russian, opportunity, necessity, and desire can be expressed in two ways:

Possibility 1. We Can. = 2. Us Can.

Obligation 1. We must. = 2. Us need (must).

Desire 1. We we want. = 2. Us I want to.

In German, only the first method is used.

Wed:
They can(can) ( they can) work in the laboratory. Sie können im Labor arbeiten.

Except können, müssen, wollen modal verbs are also often used sollen And durfen.

Verb sollen close in value to mussen.

Wed.:
You want (you want) to visit the museum. Sie wollen das Museum be suchen.
Wir müssen (Wir sollen) jetzt viel arbeiten. We must (forced, we have to), we must (obliged, we should) work hard now.

Verb durfen close in value to können:

Wir können (Wir dürfen) dieses Buch in der Bibliothek bekommen. We can (=have the opportunity)
We can (=have the right, permission) to get this book from the library.

In most cases the differences in meaning between mussen And sollen(to be forced and to be obliged), between können And durfen(to have the opportunity and to have permission) are not very significant, they can be ignored and only the verbs können (to be able) and müssen (to have to) can be used in speech.

Task 1. Indicate which modal verbs should be used to say in German:

1. We need to finish work tomorrow. 2. Who should make a presentation at the seminar? 3. I want to take the exam in December. 4. Misha wants to play sports. 5. You can borrow foreign journals from the department or the library. 6. We can work in the reading room until seven o’clock in the evening.

Conjugation of modal verbs in the present

In present, all modal verbs have special singular forms (plural forms are formed according to the general rule):

	wollen	können	mussen	durfen	sollen
ich	will	kann	muss	darf	soll
du	willst	kannst	must	darfst	sollst
er	will	kann	muss	darf	soll

As can be seen from the table, the peculiarity of their conjugation is that they do not have personal endings in the 1st and 3rd person singular. numbers (these forms are the same), and also all (except sollen) change the root vowel into singular. number (these forms need to be remembered).

Task 2. Indicate which forms of the modal verbs given in brackets should be used instead of gaps in the following sentences:

1…. er den Text ohne Wörterbuch übersetzen? (können) 2. Ich... heute meinen kranken Freund besuchen. (wollen) 3. Welches Thema... du zum Seminar vorbereiten? (sollen) 4. Mein Freund… seinen Eltern helfen. (mussen)

Word order in a sentence with a modal verb

As can be seen from the examples above, in a German sentence the modal verb takes the place of the predicate (i.e. 2nd or 1st), and the verb in the infinitive, expressing the action itself, is used (unlike the Russian language) not immediately after the modal , but at the very end of the sentence.

The negation nicht with modal verbs (unlike all others) can be used immediately after the modal verb (but can also be used before the infinitive).

Task 3. Indicate in what order the German words should be used to say:

1. Tomorrow I want to visit my school friend. besuchen; morgen; will; meinen Schulfreund; ich.
2. When do you need to write a test? die Kontrollarbeit; wann; musst; schreiben; du?
3. Can you help me with German? du; in Germany; kannst; helfen; mir?
4. She can have good grades in all subjects. gute Noten; kann; haben; sie; in Allen Fachern.
5. Today we cannot work in the reading room. wir; im Lesesaal; arbeiten; heute; nicht; können.
6. He should be at home in the evening. er; muss; zu Hause; sein; am Abend.
7. I can't read English. ich; kann, nicht; Englisch; lesen.

Man with modal verbs müssen and können

When they want to say that some action must or can be performed, without indicating who exactly, they use the combination of man with modal verbs:

necessary, necessary - man muss (man soll)
you can - man kann (man darf)

You need to read a lot. (not specified to whom) Man muss viel lesen.
He needs to read a lot. (person indicated) Er muss viel lesen.
Can I finish my work today? (not specified to whom) Kann man die Arbeit heute beenden?
Can I finish my work today? (person indicated) Kann ich die Arbeit heute beenden?

As can be seen from these examples, man and the modal verb change places so that the modal verb always ends up in the place of the predicate, that is, in 2nd or 1st place.

If they want to say that this or that action is not necessary or cannot be performed, then they add the negation nicht:

not necessary, not necessary - man muss (soll) nicht impossible - man kann (darf) nicht

For example:

You don't need to finish work today. Man muss nicht die Arbeit heute beenden.
You can't work in peace here. Hier kann man nicht ruhig arbeiten.

Task 4. Indicate which of the following sentences should be translated using the combination man muss or man kann:

1. He needs to prepare a report. 2. I can go home for three days. 3. Special literature should be read without a dictionary. 4. Can I take books home from the reading room? 5. Can I come to you in the evening?

Video on the topic “Modal verbs in German”:

Modal verbs are verbs with the meaning of desire, possibility, ability, obligation:

• wollen - want
• können - be able to, be able to
• mussen - to be due, must
• sollen - to be due, must
• durfen -
• mögen -

These verbs are conjugated in a special way:

Some verbs have a single and completely understandable meaning - cf. wollen - want, können - be able, others seem to duplicate each other - cf. mussen - to be due, must and sollen - to be due, must, and still others generally have a whole range of meanings - cf. durfen - be able, have permission, dare, mögen - want, desire; be able; love, like. Let us explain all these meanings.

Verb wollen used in ordinary expressions of will:

• Ich will schlafen. - I want to sleep.
• Willst du nach Berlin fahren? - Do you want to go to Berlin?

In addition, this verb is involved in the formation of the imperative 1st l. plural "wollen wir" - Let's(do not confuse this form with wir wollen - we want):

• Wollen wir eine Pause machen! - Let's take a break!
• Wollen wir tanzen! - Let's Dance!

The verb wollen denotes desire and will in general. And how to express a wish in a polite form, see below (verb mögen).

The phrases “I’m hungry” and “I’m thirsty” in German are not associated with a verb of will, but with indications of hunger or thirst. Wed:

• Ich habe Hunger. - I want to eat.
• Ich habe Durst. - I'm thirsty.

Verb können means opportunity, ability, ability:

• Sie können mit dem Bus fahren. - You can go by bus.
• Ich kann gut schwimmen. - I can swim well/I am a good swimmer.

With language designations, the verb können can be used without another verb:

• Ich kann Russisch und Englisch. - I speak Russian and English.
• Ich kann ein wenig Deutsch. - I speak German a little bit.

The verbs müssen and sollen have the same basic meaning - to be due, must. But the shades of meaning of these verbs are completely different. Mussen means necessity as a result of internal conviction or objective circumstances (cf. the English verb must):

• Ich muss gehen. - I have to go.
• Alle Schüler müssen Hausaufgaben machen. - All schoolchildren must do their homework.

Sollen means necessity as a consequence of some considerations, rules, etc. and expresses a recommendation (cf. the English verb should). This verb is translated into Russian by the impersonal phrase “should”:

• Sie sollen weniger essen. - You should eat less.
• Soll ich meinen Pass zeigen? - Do I need to show my passport?

It is clear that I have no internal need to show my passport, and the need in this case is related to some circumstances or considerations. Compare two examples:

• Christa muss viel arbeiten. - Krista has to work hard.
• Christa soll viel arbeiten. - Krista should work hard.

The first example means that Christe have to work hard, second - what does she care? should to work a lot. You need to pay special attention to the difference between the verbs müssen and sollen in everyday life, since sollen is used in a number of familiar situations:

• Sie sollen nach rechts gehen. - You need to go right.
• Soll ich gleich bezahlen? - Should I pay right away?
• Wo soll ich den Schlüssel lassen? - Where should I leave the key?

The same pair as the verbs müssen and sollen, only in relation to possibility, is formed by the verbs können and dürfen. Verb können means the possibility as a result of free self-determination:

• Ich kann dieses Buch kaufen. - I can buy this book.
• Sie kann Tennis spielen. - She knows how to play tennis.

Verb durfen means possibility as a result of permission, permission:

• Darf ich fragen? - Can I ask?
• Wir dürfen diese Bücher nehmen. - We can borrow these books.

In various everyday matters, dürfen is used:

• Darf ich hinaus? - May go out?
• Darf ich gehen? - Can I go?

And it is no coincidence that on the packaging of low-calorie margarine, etc. for those who like to monitor their weight it is written:

• Du darfst! - You can!

Verb mögen- perhaps the most peculiar of all modal verbs. Firstly, in the present tense it means “to love, like”, etc.:

• Ich mag Fisch. - I like fish.
• Magst du Schwarzbrot? - Do you like black bread?

Secondly, this verb is mostly used in the subjunctive mood of the past tense (preterite) and then means a wish expressed in a polite form:

• Ich möchte diese Jacke kaufen. - I would like to buy this jacket.
• Möchten Sie weiter gehen oder bleiben wir hier? - Would you like to go further, or will we stay here?

The verb mögen in the past subjunctive mood is conjugated as follows:

When expressing any wishes in everyday life, the phrase “ich möchte” actually replaced the direct expression of will “ich will”. So if you want to buy something, watch something, etc., say “ich möchte” - and you can’t go wrong! But how can we say: “to want means to be able”? Very simply: Wer will, der kann!