Dutch Modal Verbs Explained
Modal verbs like kunnen, mogen, willen and moeten are everywhere in Dutch — and learning them unlocks polite, natural sentences fast. Here's how they work.
Why modal verbs matter
Modal verbs express ability, permission, desire and obligation — the backbone of everyday conversation. They also follow one neat structural rule.
The five core modal verbs
What each one means.
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| kunnen | can / be able to | Ik kan zwemmen. |
| mogen | may / be allowed | Mag ik binnenkomen? |
| willen | want to | Ik wil koffie. |
| moeten | must / have to | Ik moet werken. |
| zullen | shall / will | Zullen we gaan? |
The key pattern
Modal verbs send the main verb to the end of the sentence, in the infinitive: ‘Ik wil vanavond pizza eten.’ The modal is conjugated (wil), the action verb stays infinitive (eten) and goes last. This one pattern makes your Dutch instantly more natural — and modals are the politest way to ask for things: ‘Mag ik…’, ‘Kunt u…’, ‘Zou je…’
Speak naturally with modal verbs
Dutch Daily drills modal verbs in real conversation so polite, natural Dutch comes easily. Free to start.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the Dutch modal verbs?
The five core modals are kunnen (can), mogen (may), willen (want), moeten (must) and zullen (shall/will). They express ability, permission, desire and obligation.
How do modal verbs work in Dutch?
The modal verb is conjugated and the main action verb moves to the end of the sentence in its infinitive form: 'Ik wil pizza eten'.
What's the polite way to ask in Dutch?
Use modal verbs: 'Mag ik…' (may I), 'Kunt u…' (could you), 'Zou je…' (would you). These soften requests and sound much more natural.