Kannst du heute arbeiten?
Can you work today?
German A1 · Lesson 26/30 · Free
Modal verbs
In this lesson you will learn to express ability, obligation, and desire.
Lektion 2601 · First, listen
Dialogue in context
Listen to the complete conversation and follow the translation.
AnnaKannst du heute arbeiten?Can you work today?
02 · Essential phrases
Listen and repeat
Learn each expression as a complete block.
Ja, aber ich muss um fünf Uhr gehen.
Yes, but I need to leave at five.
Möchtest du vorher einen Kaffee?
Would you like a coffee before?
Ja, gern.
Yes, with pleasure.
Kannst du morgen länger bleiben?
Can you stay longer tomorrow?
Leider nicht.
Unfortunately, no.
können, müssen
express ability, obligation, and desire
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen shows the structure of modal verbs: the modal, kann, is in second position and the main verb, sprechen, goes to the end, in the infinitive.
03 · Understand the logic
Explanation
Keep the German visible while you listen to the explanation.
Explanation 1
Dialog im Kontext
Notice the pattern: the modal in second position and the main verb at the end.
Explanation 2
müssen
need to or have to, for obligation. Again the modal in second position; when the meaning is obvious, the main verb can even disappear:
Explanation 3
einen Kaffee
Ich möchte einen Kaffee is the most polite modal: möchte, would like. Here there is no second verb, only the object: einen Kaffee, in the accusative.
Explanation 4
Kannst du heute arbeiten?
Someone asks if you can work today. Answer out loud with
04 · Review
Test what you learned
Choose the correct translation and check your answer instantly.