Modals are a type of helping verb that extend the meaning of the main verb in a sentence.
The modal verbs in German are used to express ability, necessity, obligation, permission or possibility. Modals are also used if the speaker believes something is certain, possible or impossible.
The German modals are:
- dürfen (be allowed to/may)
- können (be able to/can)
- mögen (to like/may)
- müssen (to have to/must)
- sollen (to ought to/should)
- wollen(to want to)
Students of German must master the use of the modal verbs as soon as possible.