Assumptions with modal verbs

In German, when we want to express assumptions, we can use modal verbs (Modalverben). Depending on the modal verb, one can adjust the strength of the assumption (high or low probability of occurring). Today's article will introduce assumptions with modal verbs.

Let's get started!!!

1. Können

• Normally the verb können is used to express ability or possibility. When you want to express an assumption with a very low probability of occurring, you can use the Konjunktiv II of können, which is könnten.

Es könnte sein, dass es heute noch regnet.

(Today it might still rain.)

• When you want to make a slightly stronger prediction, use können.

Es kann sein, dass es heute noch regnet.

(Today it can still rain.)

!!! Note: When adding kein or nicht, the assumption with können will be IMPOSSIBLE.

Es kann heute nicht regnen.

(It cannot rain today.)

2. Dürfen

• When you want to express an assumption stronger than könnten and können, use dürfen in Konjunktiv II, which is dürften.

Es dürfte heute noch regnen.

(Today it is likely to rain.)

  →  The probability of rain is relatively high.

3. Müssen

• An assumption with müssten (Konjunktiv II) is stronger than dürften, with a high probability of occurring.

Es müsste heute noch regnen.

(Today it will rain.)

• An assumption with müssen is a very strong assumption; the action or event will certainly happen.

Er muss heute zum Arzt.

(He must go to the doctor today.)

  →  He will certainly go to the doctor today. 

!!! An assumption with können can be used like müssen when nur is added:

Das kann nur meine Freundin wissen!

= Das muss meine Freundin wissen!(My girlfriend surely knows this.)

4. Sollen

• The modal verb sollen can be used when you want to express the expectation that something will happen.

Nach der Wettervorhersage soll es heute noch regnen.

(According to the weather forecast, it will rain today.)

  → Using sollen in this case, the speaker predicts that it will rain but needs additional information as a basis for their assumption.

• The speaker can also express an expectation about an action or event that regularly occurs using sollten. Eigentlich can be added to increase the degree of certainty.

Es sollte (eigentlich) heute noch regnen.

(It (really) should have rained today.)

5. Mögen

• The verb mögen acknowledges that an action or event is actually taking place. In a subjunctive sentence with mögen, ja or schon can be added to confirm that the assumption is correct.

Es mag (ja) sein, dass es heute noch regnet, aber ich brauche keinen Regen.

(It may well rain today, but I don't need rain.)

 → It is already raining.

Es mag (schon) sein, dass du recht hast, aber ich habe trotzdem Zweifel.

(You may be right, but I still have doubts.)

 → You were right.

*** Additionally, when you want to express conjecture, you can use adverbs with equivalent meanings.

Er muss zu Hause sein.

= Er ist ganz sicher zu Hause.

(He is certainly at home.)

In summary:

dürfte

bestimmt

75%

kann

vermutlich 

50%

könnte

möglicherweise

40%

mag

vielleicht (unsicher)

30%