Where does the second verb go with a German modal?

Example in context

Ich kann heute kommen. Ich muss morgen arbeiten. — I can come today. I must work tomorrow.

Kann and muss carry the person and tense. Kommen and arbeiten describe the action. In weil ich morgen arbeiten muss, the finite modal goes at the end of the subordinate clause.

Try it with input

When you hear a modal, predict that another verb may follow. Listen for it before translating the whole sentence. Compare the main and subordinate clauses in the examples.

Modal meanings depend on context. Some sentences omit an expected infinitive when the intended movement or action is clear.

Use captions for context

Jibber Jabber is our app. Its interactive captions and word lookup can help you check a word without leaving a German video. See our related guide; use a grammar reference when you need a full explanation.