TOPIC · Verbs (Verben)

Active and passive sentences with modal verbs

A2B1

The learner will be able to understand and apply the use of modal verbs in both active and passive voices in German.

This lesson will focus on modal verbs used in active and passive voice sentences in German. Modal verbs such as "können" (can), "müssen" (must), "wollen" (want), "dürfen" (may), and "sollen" (should) convey the speaker's intention regarding necessity, ability, permission, or obligation. Understanding their use in both voices is important for clear communication.

Active Voice

In the active form, the modal verb is placed in the second position of the sentence, and the main verb appears at the end in its infinitive form. Here are some examples:

SentenceMeaning
Ich kann schwimmen.I can swim.
Er muss lernen.He must learn.
Wir wollen spielen.We want to play.

Passive Voice

In the passive voice, the modal verb also occupies the second position. However, we add "werden" in the infinitive at the end of the sentence, with the past participle of the main verb placed before it. Here are some examples:

SentenceMeaning
Das Spiel muss gewonnen werden.The game must be won.
Die Aufgabe kann gelöst werden.The task can be solved.
Die Regeln sollen beachtet werden.The rules should be observed.

Different Tenses

Here’s a brief overview of the use of modal verbs in both active and passive voices across various tenses:

TenseActivePassive
PresentIch muss arbeiten.Die Arbeit muss gemacht werden.
Past (Präteritum)Ich musste arbeiten.Die Arbeit musste gemacht werden.
Present PerfectIch habe arbeiten müssen.Die Arbeit hat gemacht werden müssen.
Future IIch werde arbeiten müssen.Die Arbeit wird gemacht werden müssen.

Conclusion

Modal verbs are essential for constructing meaningful sentences in German. Focus on using the correct structure in both active and passive constructions, and practice with different tenses!