Proficiency in modal verbs requires the manipulation of auxiliary structures to modify the mood of a sentence, shifting from factual assertions to expressions of obligation, ability, permission, and intent. Candidates must demonstrate syntactic control over the 'Satzklammer' (sentence bracket), placing the conjugated modal in the second position and the dependent infinitive at the clause boundary. Mastery includes accurate conjugation across tenses, particularly the imperfect for narrative contexts, and the use of the subjunctive II for politeness and hypothetical scenarios.
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