Swedish Grammar 12: Modal verbs: kan, vill, måste and ska

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Modal verbs are extremely useful in everyday Swedish. They help you ask for help, explain what you want, and talk about plans or obligations.

THE KEY IDEA

A modal verb is followed by the infinitive without att: Jag kan simma, Jag vill lära mig svenska, Jag måste gå.

Examples you can use

Read the Swedish sentence first, then check the English meaning.

Swedish	English
Jag kan hjälpa dig.	I can help you.
Jag vill lära mig svenska.	I want to learn Swedish.
Vi måste gå nu.	We have to go now.
Jag ska ringa imorgon.	I will call tomorrow.
Du får sitta här.	You may sit here.

Expat tip

After a modal verb, use the infinitive without att: kan komma, not kan att komma.

QUICK PRACTICE

Check your understanding

Choose the correct sentence for “I want to speak Swedish.” Jag vill att tala svenska. Jag vill tala svenska. Jag vilja talar svenska.

Show answer and explanation

Jag vill tala svenska. — Use the modal vill followed by the infinitive tala, without att.

PATHWAY COMPLETE

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