Modal verbs (Modalverben) are a special form in German. They add meaning about the manner/mode in a sentence. The conjugation of modal verbs in the active voice (Aktiv) and in the passive voice (Passiv)
Modal verbs (Modalverben) are a special form in German. They add meaning about the manner or mode of an action in a sentence. Conjugating modal verbs in the active voice (Aktiv) and in the passive voice (Passiv) differs and can be confusing for learners. In today's article, we will together distinguish how modal verbs are used with these two forms.
Let's get started!!!
Below is a table distinguishing Aktiv and Passiv in the most common tenses:
Aktiv | Passiv | |
Present tense (Präsens) | In an active sentence, the modal verb occupies the second position in the sentence and the main verb must move to the end of the sentence in its uninflected infinitive form (Infinitive): Ich muss heute so viele Hausaufgaben machen. (Today I have to do so much homework.) | In a passive sentence, the modal verb is also placed in the second position in the sentence, just as in an active sentence. Werden is in its infinitive form (Infinitive) and is placed at the end of the sentence. Partizip II (PII) stands immediately before werden. Die Blumen müssen gegossen werden. (The flowers must be watered.) |
Past tense (Präteritum) | Same as in the present tense, but the modal verb is conjugated in the past tense Der Schüler musste die Aufgabe machen. (The student had to complete the task.) | Same as in the present tense, but the modal verb is conjugated in the past tense Die Aufgabe musste gemacht werden. (The task had to be done.) |
Present Perfect (Perfekt) | The modal verb will be in its infinitive form at the end of the sentence. Before the modal verb is the main verb in the infinitive (Infinitive). The auxiliary verb haben is conjugated according to the subject in the present tense, standing in the second position in the sentence. Du hast die Aufgabe lösen können. (You were able to complete the task.) | The modal verb will be in its infinitive form at the end of the sentence. But before the modal verb is Partizip II (PII) + werden. The auxiliary verb haben is also conjugated according to the subject in the present tense, standing in the second position in the sentence. Die Aufgabe hat gelöst werden können. (The task could have been solved.) |
Future Tense (Futur I)
| The auxiliary verb werden is conjugated in the present tense according to the subject, standing in position 2 in the sentence. The modal verb will be in its infinitive form at the end of the sentence. Before the modal verb is the main verb in the infinitive. Sie wird die Aufgabe lösen müssen. (She will have to solve the task.) | The auxiliary verb werden is conjugated in the present tense according to the subject, standing in position 2 in the sentence. The modal verb will be in its infinitive form at the end of the sentence. Before the modal verb is Partizip II (PII) + werden. Die Aufgabe wird gelöst werden können. (The task may be solved in the future.) |
Knowledge test
Active and passive sentences with modal verbs
- 1.
Ich soll die Tür dekorieren.
- 2.
Wir können das Auto waschen.
- 3.
Du musst die Lampe reparieren.