verb of necessity, possibility, expectation or obligation used with a 2nd verb in the infinitive

modal verb meaning 'should', 'be supposed to', 'ought to'

form of 'sollen' expressing obligation in a softer, more polite way

Hitzefrei: 'müssen' vs 'sollen', 'sollen' vs 'sollte'

German

This unit revisits a wide range of grammar, including modal verbs, the future tense, two-verb structures. It introduces the conditional 'würd-' with gern and lieber and 'hätte' and wäre'. Pupils learn to distinguish müssen vs sollen, and dürfen vs können regarding responsibilites and future plans.

People and lifestyle: Aufwachsen, Altersgrenzen und Zukunftspläne

Match the modal verbs to their English meanings.

Which of the young people below would definitely be eligible for 'Hitzefrei' in very hot weather?

'Man sollte die Umwelt schützen. Man muss weniger oft Auto fahren.'. Which set of translations of the modal verbs in this sentence is correct?

Which of these is not expressed by the verb 'sollen'?

Ich soll schnell nach Hause gehen, denn meine Eltern warten auf mich.

Ich muss zum Arzt gehen, denn ich bin krank.

Match the moods expressed by modal verbs with the most appropriate German sentence.

Match the following nouns to the correct genders.

Which modal verb does not change its vowel in any present tense forms?

Modal verbs usually occur with a verb in the {{}} form at the end of the sentence.

Which of these modal verb sentences are grammatically correct?

Wir __________ (must) morgen einkaufen gehen! Du __________ (want) am Fest teilnehmen, aber man __________ (is allowed to) keine Jeanshose tragen -  __________  (should) ich dir neue Kleidung kaufen?

Starter Quiz