Modal verbs (1)

A modal verb is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express ability, possibility, permission, or obligation. The modal verbs in Dutch that you are about to learn in part 1 are the following:

Kunnen (to can; ability)
Moeten (to must/have to; obligation)
Mogen (to may; permission)

Ik - kan / moet / mag
Jij/je - kunt/kan / moet / mag
U - kunt / moet / mag
Hij, zij/ze, het - kan / moet / mag
Wij/we - kunnen / moeten / mogen
Jullie - kunnen / moeten / mogen
Zij/ze - kunnen / moeten / mogen

In a sentence in the present tense, the modal verb takes the position of the conjugated verb. At the same time the main verb, now in its infinitive form, moves to the end of the sentence:

Thijs moet (conjugated verb) vanavond werken (infinitive verb). > Thijs has to work tonight.

Notes:
1. The verb forms for jij/je in a question sentence are:
Kun/kan jij?
Moet jij?
Mag jij?
2. For the phrase ´you can´ there are two options, either kunt or kan. Both forms are correct Dutch, but kunt is being used more in a formal context. On the other side kan is more informal.
3. The verbs mogen and moeten often appear with the preposition van. This preposition expresses who gives the permission or command to do what is expressed in the main verb:
Ik moet de hond uitlaten van mijn moeder.