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    German GCSE

    Modal Verb

    What Modal Verb means in German GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.

    Definitions of Modal Verb

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Verbs like können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, mögen that express ability, necessity, or desire. They send the main infinitive verb to the end of the sentence.
    AQA · Theme-based vocabulary (Higher): Local, national, international and global areas of interest (study guide)
    A verb that expresses necessity, possibility, or permission (e.g., müssen, können), which sends the main infinitive to the end of the sentence.
    Pearson Edexcel · Vocabulary: Irregular inflected verb forms (Higher only) (study guide)
    A verb that expresses necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. They modify another verb (the infinitive).
    Pearson Edexcel · Vocabulary: Irregular inflected verb forms (Foundation and Higher) (study guide)
    A verb expressing necessity, ability, or permission (können, müssen, sollen, wollen, dürfen, mögen).
    Pearson Edexcel · Thematic Context: Lifestyle and wellbeing (study guide)
    Verbs that express ability, permission, desire, or obligation (e.g., wollen, müssen, können).
    AQA · Theme-based vocabulary (Foundation): Current and future study and employment (study guide)
    A verb that expresses necessity, possibility, or permission (e.g., müssen, können, dürfen).
    AQA · Themes (study guide)

    Topics that use Modal Verb

    Related terms

    Using Modal Verb in the exam

    Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.

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