They allow you to express ability, permission, obligation, desire, preference, and advice or intention. Not only are they used constantly in everyday conversation, but they also follow unique grammatical rules that differ from regular verbs—especially in sentence structure and conjugation.

 In this lesson, you'll learn the six core German modal verbs, their meanings, how to conjugate them in the present tense, and how to use them correctly in sentences. You’ll also discover how they change the meaning and tone of what you’re trying to say—making your German sound more natural and expressive. Whether you're ordering food, making plans, or sharing your opinions, mastering modal verbs will bring your communication to the next level. Let's get started!