Modal verbs are "auxiliary" verbs, meaning they work together with another verb to complete the meaning of a sentence. In Dutch, when you use a modal verb, the modal verb is conjugated and stays in the second position (in statements), while the main verb moves to the very **end of the sentence** in its infinitive form.

The Big Five Modal Verbs (Plural)

Word Order Rule

1. Kunnen (Ability)

Used to express skill or possibility.

• Wij kunnen goed Nederlands spreken.
  (We can speak Dutch well.)
• Kunnen jullie ons morgen helpen?
  (Can you help us tomorrow?)
• Wat kunnen wij vandaag leren?
  (What can we learn today?)
• Waar kunnen zij Nederlands oefenen?
  (Where can they practise Dutch?)

2. Willen (Desire)

Used to express a wish or intention.

• Zij willen een nieuwe auto kopen.
  (They want to buy a new car.)
• Willen wij vanavond pizza eten?
  (Do we want to eat pizza tonight?)
• Wat willen jullie morgen doen?
  (What do you want to do tomorrow?)
• Waarom willen zij Duits leren?
  (Why do they want to learn German?)

3. Moeten (Obligation)

Used for tasks, rules, or strong advice.

• Jullie moeten nu naar huis gaan.
  (You must go home now.)
• Zij moeten veel huiswerk maken.
  (They have to do a lot of homework.)
• Wat moeten wij vandaag doen?
  (What do we have to do today?)
• Wanneer moeten jullie hier zijn?
  (When do you have to be here?)

4. Mogen (Permission)

Used to ask or give permission.

• Mogen wij hier parkeren?
  (Are we allowed to park here?)
• Jullie mogen de tekst lezen.
  (You may read the text.)
• Waar mogen zij niet roken?
  (Where are they not allowed to smoke?)
• Wat mogen wij hier doen?
  (What are we allowed to do here?)