Die Modalverben können und müssen im Präsens und ihre Stellung im Satz

Learn German A1: How to Use “Können” and “Müssen”

Do you want to speak about what you can do or what you must do? In German, you need Modalverben (modal verbs) for this.

Today, we will learn the two most important German modal verbs for beginners: können and müssen.

1. Können (Can / To be able to)

We use können to talk about ability or possibility. It shows what you are able to do.

• Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.)

• Wir können tanzen. (We can dance.)

2. Müssen (Must / To have to)

We use müssen when something is necessary or obligatory. It shows what you have to do.

• Ich muss arbeiten. (I have to work.)

• Du musst lernen. (You have to study/learn.)

How to Conjugate “Können” and “Müssen” (Present Tense)

Notice a special rule for A1: The forms for ich (I) and er/sie/es (he/she/it) are exactly the same, and they change their vowels!

The Sentence Structure Rule (Word Order)

Where do the verbs go? In a normal German sentence, the modal verb goes to Position 2. The other action verb goes to the very end of the sentence in its basic form (infinitive).

Position 1   Position 2 (Modal)    ...      End (Infinitive)
   Ich             kann          Deutsch        sprechen.
   Du              musst          heute         arbeiten.

A1 Tip: Never change the verb at the end! It always keeps its “-en” ending (like sprechen, arbeiten, lernen).

Quick Summary

• Können = Ability (What you can do)

• Müssen = Duty (What you have to do)

• The second verb always flies to the end of the sentence.