Modale werkwoorden
Modal verbs express ability, permission, obligation, desire, and suggestion. They are always followed by an infinitive at the end of the clause. Choosing the right modal is the key skill.
| Infinitive | ik / hij form | Meaning | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moeten | moet | must / have to | obligation / necessity | Ik moet werken. I must work. |
| mogen | mag | may / allowed | permission | Mag ik binnenkomen? May I come in? |
| kunnen | kan | can / able to | ability / possibility | Ik kan goed zwemmen. I can swim well. |
| willen | wil | want to | desire / wish | Ik wil koffie drinken. I want to drink coffee. |
| zullen | zal | shall / will | suggestion / future | Zullen we beginnen? Shall we start? |
Practice: "Can I borrow your dictionary?" — use ___ ik jouw woordenboek lenen?
mag — Asking permission uses mogen: Mag ik jouw woordenboek lenen?
Practice: "I want to go to the film tonight." — Ik ___ vanavond naar de film gaan.
wil — willen expresses desire. ik wil → Ik wil vanavond naar de film gaan.
<strong>Moeten</strong> expresses that something <em>must</em> be done — either external obligation or logical necessity. Often translates as "have to" in everyday English.
Practice: De kinderen ___ om half negen op school zijn. (must)
moeten — External requirement → moeten: De kinderen moeten om half negen op school zijn.
<strong>Mogen</strong> asks or grants <em>permission</em>. Do not confuse with kunnen (ability) — "may I?" is mogen, "can I?" (physically able) is kunnen.
Practice: ___ ik de deur dichtdoen? (May I close the door?)
mag — Asking permission: Mag ik de deur dichtdoen?
<strong>Kunnen</strong> expresses what someone is <em>able</em> to do. Also used for polite requests (less formal than mogen).
Practice: Ik ___ goed zwemmen. (I can swim well)
kan — Ability: ik kan. Ik kan goed zwemmen.
<strong>Zullen we…?</strong> is the standard Dutch way to make a suggestion — "shall we…?". Do not use willen we for suggestions.
Practice: "Shall we go to the film?" — ___ we naar de film gaan?
zullen — Suggestions use zullen we: Zullen we naar de film gaan?
Practice Modal Verbs Quiz with modal verb cards
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