Modal verbs do not need their own framework — they plug into the sentence structure you already know. The modal always sits in position 2. The main verb goes to the end as an Infinitiv. That same pattern holds whether you are in Präsens, Perfekt, passive, or Konjunktiv II. Modal stacking is the same frame with more verbs at the end.
Each modal expresses a different kind of relationship between the subject and the main action.
| müssen | Ich muss gehen. | I must / have to go. |
| können | Ich kann schwimmen. | I can / am able to swim. |
| dürfen | Du darfst hier parken. | You may / are allowed to park here. |
| wollen | Er will schlafen. | He wants to sleep. |
| sollen | Du sollst warten. | You are supposed to wait. |
| mögen / möchten | Ich möchte einen Kaffee. | I would like a coffee. |
The structure never changes regardless of which tense or construction you are using.
Modal in position 2. Main verb infinitiv at the end.
Nebensatz: the entire verb cluster moves to the end.
| Construction | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Präsens + Modal | Modal (P2) · INF (END) | Er kann kommen.He can come. |
| Präteritum + Modal | Modal-Prät. (P2) · INF (END) | Er konnte kommen.He was able to come. |
| Perfekt + Modal | haben (P2) · INF · Modal-INF (END) | Er hat kommen können.He has been able to come. |
| Futur I + Modal | werden (P2) · INF · Modal-INF (END) | Er wird kommen können.He will be able to come. |
| Passive + Modal | Modal (P2) · PII · werden (END) | Das muss gebaut werden.That must be built. |
| Konjunktiv II + Modal | Modal-Konj.II (P2) · INF (END) | Er könnte kommen.He could come. / He might come. |
| Passive Perfekt + Modal | Modal (P2) · PII · worden · sein (END) | Es hätte gemacht werden müssen.It would have had to have been done. |