Ab wann darf man wählen? Present and past modal verbs
Learning outcomes
I can use modal verbs in the present and the imperfect tense to discuss important issues and developments.
I can recognise, write and pronounce [w], [qu] and [zw].
Ab wann darf man wählen? Present and past modal verbs
Learning outcomes
I can use modal verbs in the present and the imperfect tense to discuss important issues and developments.
I can recognise, write and pronounce [w], [qu] and [zw].
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Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- Modal verbs express necessity or possibility. Use them with a 2nd verb in the infinitive at the end of the sentence.
- 'Dürfen' refers to permission required from another person. 'Können' refers to the ability to do something.
- The stems of modal verbs are irregular, with vowel changes in most singular forms. 'Sollen' is the exception.
- Modal verbs are mostly used in the imperfect tense when they describe past events. Remove any umlauts in the imperfect.
- [w] sounds like 'Welt', [qu] is pronounced the same as [kw] and sounds like 'bequem', and [zw] sounds like 'zwanzig'.
Keywords
Modal verb - verb of necessity or possibility ('must', 'can', 'want') used with a 2nd verb in the infinitive
Imperfect - single-word tense used most often for modal verbs when they describe past events; otherwise used mainly to narrate past events in writing
Common misconception
'Können' and 'dürfen' both mean 'can' in English.
Whilst we often use 'can' to translate both verbs in English, they are different in meaning. 'Dürfen' refers to permission - 'may I/am I allowed to?'. 'Können' refers to the ability to do something - 'can I/am I able to?'.
To help you plan your year 11 German lesson on: Ab wann darf man wählen? Present and past modal verbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 German lesson on: Ab wann darf man wählen? Present and past modal verbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
disability
energy
opinion
majority
law
speech
to report, reporting
to burn, burning
to stop, hold, deliver
to trade, deal, act
to reach, be enough
to smile, smiling
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
[w]
[qu]
[zw]
I was allowed to
I was able to
I ought to
I would like (to)
I wanted to
I had to