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Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs — Present Tense

Pronounkunnenmogenmoetenwillenzullenhoeven
ik
jij/jekunt/kanwilt/wilzult/zal
u
hij/zij
wij
jullie
zij
Modal verbs take position 2 (conjugated). The main verb goes to the END of the clause as an infinitive: "Ik kan Nederlands spreken."

Meanings and Usage

VerbCore meaningExample
ability / possibilityIk kan zwemmen. (I can swim.)
permissionJe mag hier niet parkeren. (You may not park here.)
obligation / necessityJe moet werken. (You must work.)
want / wishIk wil koffie. (I want coffee.)
future / intention / promiseIk zal je helpen. (I will help you.)
hoeven (+ niet/geen)negative necessityJe hoeft niet te komen. (You don't need to come.)

Hoeven is almost always used with "niet" or "geen" and requires "te" before the infinitive.