Subjective Use of Modal Verbs (Subjektive Bedeutung von Modalverben)

Modal verbs in German can have subjective meanings beyond their standard uses. They are used to express claims (Behauptungen) and assumptions (Vermutungen), allowing speakers to convey information about assumptions, probabilities or speculation.

1. Expressing Claims (Behauptung mit “sollen” und “wollen”)

Modal verbs sollen and wollen are used to report information or claims where the speaker does not take full responsibility for the truth of the statement.

A. “sollen” → Reported Speech, Alleged Information

Sollen is used to report something heard from another source. It expresses alleged facts or rumors.

Examples:

Er soll sehr reich sein.
He is said to be very rich.

Sie soll die Prüfung bestanden haben.
She is supposed to have passed the exam.

Das neue Gesetz soll nächste Woche beschlossen werden.
The new law is said to be decided next week.

Rule:

• Use sollen when referring to something heard from others.
• Often used in news reports, gossip, or rumors.

B. “wollen” → Claims (often doubtful)

Wollen is used when someone claims something, but the speaker doubts it or does not fully believe it.

Examples:

Er will das Auto für nur 500 Euro gekauft haben.
He claims to have bought the car for only 500 euros.

Sie will den Präsidenten persönlich getroffen haben.
She claims to have met the president in person.

Er will von dem Problem nichts gewusst haben.
He claims not to have known anything about the problem.

Rule:

• Wollen expresses doubt about the truth of a claim.
• It is often used in a skeptical tone.

2. Expressing Assumptions (Vermutung mit “müssen”, “dürfen”, “können”, “nicht können”)

Modal verbs are also used to express different levels of probability about a situation.

A. “müssen” → Strong Assumption / High Probability

Müssen is used when the speaker is almost certain about something.

Examples:

Er muss krank sein.
He must be sick.

Sie muss sehr müde sein, sie hat die ganze Nacht gearbeitet.
She must be very tired; she worked all night.

Das muss ein Missverständnis sein.
That must be a misunderstanding.

Rule:

• Müssen expresses a high degree of certainty based on evidence.

B. “nicht können” → Strong Negative Assumption (Impossibility)

Nicht können is used when something is logically impossible.

Examples:

Das kann nicht wahr sein!
That cannot be true!

Er kann nicht in Berlin sein, ich habe ihn gerade in Hamburg gesehen.
He can’t be in Berlin; I just saw him in Hamburg.

Das kann nicht stimmen.
That can’t be right.

Rule:

• Nicht können is used when something is logically ruled out.

C. “dürfen” in Konjunktiv II → Assumption (Polite or Cautious Guessing)

Dürfen in Konjunktiv II (dürfte) is used for cautious or polite speculation.

Examples:

Das dürfte richtig sein.
That is probably correct.

Sie dürfte schon angekommen sein.
She has probably already arrived.

Das dürfte eine schwierige Aufgabe sein.
That is probably a difficult task.

Rule:

• Dürfte expresses a probability but less certainty than “müssen”.
• Used in polite or careful speech.

D. “können” → Possible Assumption (High Probability)

Können is used when something is likely or possible.

Examples:

Das kann wahr sein.
That could be true.

Er kann schon zu Hause sein.
He might already be home.

Das kann ein interessantes Angebot sein.
That might be an interesting offer.

Rule:

• Können expresses a likely assumption but with some uncertainty.

E. “können” in Konjunktiv II → Hypothetical Possibility

Könnte (Konjunktiv II of “können”) expresses a weak possibility.

Examples:

Das könnte stimmen.
That could be true.

Er könnte der Täter sein.
He could be the perpetrator.

Das könnte ein Fehler gewesen sein.
That could have been a mistake.

Rule:

• Könnte is used for hypothetical situations or weak possibilities.

3. Sentence Structure & Word Order

Present/Future Assumptions: Modal Verb + Infinitive at the End

Er muss krank sein.
He must be sick.

Das kann eine gute Idee sein.
That could be a good idea.

Past Assumptions: Modal Verb + Perfect Infinitive (haben/sein + Participle)

Sie muss den Bus genommen haben.
She must have taken the bus.

Er soll ein Genie gewesen sein.
He is said to have been a genius.

5. Summary & Tips