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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/German|German]]  → [[Language/German/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/German/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Talking About Obligations</div>
Welcome to this exciting lesson on "Talking About Obligations" in German! Understanding how to express obligations is an essential part of mastering any language, and German is no exception. Whether you're planning a trip to Germany, discussing your daily responsibilities, or simply trying to navigate conversations with native speakers, knowing how to articulate obligations will empower you and enhance your communication skills.
In this lesson, we will delve into the world of '''modal verbs''', which are pivotal in expressing necessity and obligation in German. Modal verbs are special verbs that modify the meaning of other verbs, allowing us to convey various nuances, such as ability, permission, and, of course, obligation. We will explore how to use these verbs correctly, provide numerous examples, and offer exercises to solidify your understanding. By the end of this lesson, you should feel confident in discussing your obligations in German!
== Lesson Structure ==
* '''Introduction to Modal Verbs''': What they are and why they matter
* '''Key Modal Verbs for Obligations''': Focusing on "müssen" (must) and "sollen" (should)
* '''Examples of Usage''': Practical examples to illustrate each point
* '''Exercises''': Practice scenarios to apply your knowledge
* '''Solutions and Explanations''': Detailed feedback on the exercises


<div class="pg_page_title">German Grammar → Modal Verbs → Talking About Obligations</div>
__TOC__
__TOC__


<h1>Talking About Obligations</h1>
=== Introduction to Modal Verbs ===
 
Modal verbs are a unique category of verbs that express necessity, ability, permission, or possibility. In German, they are integral to constructing sentences that convey obligations. Two primary modal verbs that we will focus on in this lesson are:
 
* '''müssen''' (must)
 
* '''sollen''' (should)
 
These verbs allow you to communicate what you ''have to do'' or what you ''should do''. Understanding how to use them will not only improve your grammatical skills but also enhance your ability to engage in meaningful conversations.
 
=== Key Modal Verbs for Obligations ===
 
Let’s take a closer look at our two main modal verbs for obligations:
 
==== 1. Müssen (Must) ====
 
The verb '''müssen''' is used to express strong obligations or necessities. It implies that something is required or unavoidable.


<p>In German, we use modal verbs to talk about obligations and responsibilities. These verbs indicate whether something is necessary, allowed or prohibited. They are called modal verbs because they modify the meaning of the verb they accompany. The most commonly used modal verbs for talking about obligations are "müssen", "sollen" and "dürfen".</p>
* '''Conjugation of Müssen''':


<h2>"Müssen": To Have To / Must</h2>
* Ich muss (I must)


<p>"Müssen" is used to express strong obligation or duty. It is the equivalent of "have to" or "must" in English. Here are some examples:</p>
* Du musst (You must - singular, informal)


<table class="wikitable">
* Er/Sie/Es muss (He/She/It must)
  <tr>
    <th>German</th>
    <th>Pronunciation</th>
    <th>English</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Ich muss arbeiten.</td>
    <td>[ɪç mʊs ˈaʁ.baɪ.tən]</td>
    <td>I have to work.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Du musst mir helfen.</td>
    <td>[du mʊst mɪʁ ˈhɛl.fən]</td>
    <td>You must help me.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Er muss um 6 Uhr aufstehen.</td>
    <td>[eːɐ̯ mʊs ʔʊm zɛk.s ʊfˈʃteː.ən]</td>
    <td>He has to get up at 6 o'clock.</td>
  </tr>
</table>


<h2>"Sollen": To Should / Ought to</h2>
* Wir müssen (We must)


<p>"Sollen" is used to express duty or moral obligation. It is the equivalent of "should" or "ought to" in English. Here are some examples:</p>
* Ihr müsst (You must - plural, informal)


<table class="wikitable">
* Sie müssen (They must / You must - formal)
  <tr>
    <th>German</th>
    <th>Pronunciation</th>
    <th>English</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Ich soll früh ins Bett gehen.</td>
    <td>[ɪç zɔl fʁyː ɪns bɛt ˈɡeː.ən]</td>
    <td>I should go to bed early.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Du sollst mehr Gemüse essen.</td>
    <td>[du zɔlst meːɐ̯ ɡəˈmyː.zə ˈɛs.ən]</td>
    <td>You should eat more vegetables.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Er soll pünktlich sein.</td>
    <td>[eːɐ̯ zɔl ˈpʏŋkt.lɪç zaɪn]</td>
    <td>He ought to be punctual.</td>
  </tr>
</table>


<h2>"Dürfen": To Be Allowed to / May</h2>
==== 2. Sollen (Should) ====


<p>"Dürfen" is used to express permission or allowance. It is the equivalent of "be allowed to" or "may" in English. Here are some examples:</p>
The verb '''sollen''' is generally used to express recommendations or expectations. It suggests that something should be done, but it’s usually less compelling than '''müssen'''.


<table class="wikitable">
* '''Conjugation of Sollen''':
  <tr>
    <th>German</th>
    <th>Pronunciation</th>
    <th>English</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Ich darf heute früher nach Hause gehen.</td>
    <td>[ɪç dɑrf ˈhɔy̯.tə ˈfʁyː.ɐ næç haʊ̯s ˈɡeː.ən]</td>
    <td>I'm allowed to go home earlier today.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Du darfst hier nicht rauchen.</td>
    <td>[du dɑʁfst hiːɐ̯ nɪçt ˈʁaʊ̯.çən]</td>
    <td>You may not smoke here.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Er darf das Auto nicht fahren.</td>
    <td>[eːɐ̯ dɑʁf das ˈʔaʊ̯.toː nɪçt ˈfaː.ʁən]</td>
    <td>He is not allowed to drive the car.</td>
  </tr>
</table>


<h2>Other Modal Verbs</h2>
* Ich soll (I should)


<p>There are other modal verbs in German that are used to express different degrees of obligation, such as "wollen" (to want to), "können" (to be able to) and "mögen" (to like to).</p>
* Du sollst (You should - singular, informal)


<p>"Wollen" can express a strong desire or intention that can also involve obligation. For example, "Ich will Deutsch lernen" (I want to learn German) can imply that it is my obligation or responsibility to do so.</p>
* Er/Sie/Es soll (He/She/It should)


<p>"Können" is used to express ability or possibility, but can also imply obligation in some contexts. For example, "Ich kann morgen nicht kommen" (I can't come tomorrow) can imply that it is my obligation to be somewhere else.</p>
* Wir sollen (We should)


<p>"Mögen" expresses preference or liking, but can also be used as a polite way of making requests or giving commands. For example, "Möchtest du bitte das Fenster schließen?" (Would you please close the window?) is a polite way of asking someone to close the window, but it can also imply a sense of obligation or duty.</p>
* Ihr sollt (You should - plural, informal)


<h2>Conclusion</h2>
* Sie sollen (They should / You should - formal)


<p>Modal verbs are essential for expressing obligations and responsibilities in German. Knowing how to use them correctly will help you communicate more effectively and appropriately in different situations. So, practice using them in context and you will soon become more confident and fluent in German!</p>
=== Examples of Usage ===


<h2>Exercises</h2>
Now, let’s illustrate the use of both '''müssen''' and '''sollen''' through various examples. Below are tables that show German sentences alongside their pronunciation and English translations.


<p>Practice what you've learned with these exercises:</p>
==== Using Müssen ====


<ol>
{| class="wikitable"
  <li>Translate the following sentences into German:</li>
  <ol>
    <li>I have to study for my exam.</li>
    <li>You should call your mother.</li>
    <li>He is not allowed to drink alcohol.</li>
  </ol>
  <li>Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb:</li>
  <ol>
    <li>Ich _______ morgen früh aufstehen. (müssen / sollen / dürfen)</li>
    <li>Du _______ mir später helfen. (müssen / sollen / dürfen)</li>
    <li>Er _______ heute leider arbeiten. (müssen / sollen / dürfen)</li>
  </ol>
  <li>Write three sentences using different modal verbs to express obligation or responsibility.</li>
</ol>


<h2>Sources</h2>
! German !! Pronunciation !! English


<ul>
|-
  <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_modal_particles" title="German modal particles">German modal particles</a></li>
 
  <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_modal_verb" title="German modal verb">German modal verb</a></li>
| Ich muss zur Schule gehen. || ɪç mʊs tsuːʁ ˈʃuːlə ˈɡeːən || I must go to school.
</ul>
 
|-
 
| Du musst deine Hausaufgaben machen. || duː mʊst ˈdaɪnə ˈhaʊsˌaʊfˈɡaːbən ˈmaχən || You must do your homework.
 
|-
 
| Er muss arbeiten. || eːʁ mʊs ˈaʁbaɪtən || He must work.
 
|-
 
| Wir müssen früh aufstehen. || viːʁ ˈmʏsən fʁyː ˈaʊfˌʃteːn || We must get up early.
 
|-
 
| Ihr müsst die Regeln befolgen. || iːʁ mʏst diː ˈʁeːɡl̩n bəˈfɔlɡən || You must follow the rules.
 
|-
 
| Sie müssen zum Arzt gehen. || ziː ˈmʏsən tsʊm aʁtst ˈɡeːən || They must go to the doctor.
 
|}
 
==== Using Sollen ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Ich soll mehr Wasser trinken. || ɪç zɔl meːʁ ˈvasɐ ˈtʁɪŋkən || I should drink more water.
 
|-
 
| Du sollst pünktlich sein. || duː zɔlst ˈpʏŋktlɪç zaɪn || You should be on time.
 
|-
 
| Er soll seine Zähne putzen. || eːʁ zɔl ˈzaɪnə ˈt͡seːnə ˈpʊt͡sən || He should brush his teeth.
 
|-
 
| Wir sollen mehr Sport machen. || viːʁ zɔlən meːʁ ʃpɔʁt ˈmaχən || We should do more sports.
 
|-
 
| Ihr sollt nicht laut sprechen. || iːʁ zɔlt nɪçt laʊt ˈʃpʁɛçən || You should not speak loudly.
 
|-
 
| Sie sollen ihre Aufgaben erledigen. || ziː zɔlən ˈiːʁə ˈaʊfˌɡaːbən eˈʁleːdɪɡən || They should complete their tasks.
 
|}
 
=== Exercises ===
 
Now it’s time to put your knowledge into practice! Below are some exercises designed to help you apply what you have learned.
 
==== Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with "müssen" or "sollen". ====
 
1. Ich ___ meine Zähne putzen.
 
2. Du ___ jeden Tag lernen.
 
3. Er ___ zum Arzt gehen.
 
4. Wir ___ unsere Hausaufgaben machen.
 
5. Ihr ___ pünktlich kommen.
 
==== Exercise 2: Translate the sentences into German. ====
 
1. I must read the book.
 
2. You should call your friend.
 
3. She must finish her project.
 
4. We should eat healthy food.
 
5. They must clean their room.
 
==== Exercise 3: Create your own sentences using "müssen" and "sollen". ====
 
* Write three sentences using "müssen."
 
* Write three sentences using "sollen."
 
==== Exercise 4: Multiple Choice: Choose the correct verb (müssen or sollen). ====
 
1. Du ___ deine Aufgaben erledigen.
 
* a) müssen
 
* b) sollen
 
2. Wir ___ mehr lernen.
 
* a) müssen
 
* b) sollen
 
3. Er ___ das Auto waschen.
 
* a) müssen
 
* b) sollen
 
4. Ihr ___ euch gesund ernähren.
 
* a) müssen
 
* b) sollen
 
==== Exercise 5: Match the sentences. ====
 
Match the German sentences with their English translations.
 
1. Ich muss gehen.
 
2. Du sollst es versuchen.
 
3. Wir müssen helfen.
 
4. Sie sollen lachen.
 
a) You should try it.
 
b) They should laugh.
 
c) I must go.
 
d) We must help.
 
=== Solutions and Explanations ===
 
Let's review the exercises and provide detailed explanations for each solution.
 
==== Exercise 1: Answers ====
 
1. Ich '''muss''' meine Zähne putzen.
 
2. Du '''sollst''' jeden Tag lernen.
 
3. Er '''muss''' zum Arzt gehen.
 
4. Wir '''müssen''' unsere Hausaufgaben machen.
 
5. Ihr '''sollt''' pünktlich kommen.
 
* '''Explanation''': In this exercise, "müssen" is used to indicate a strong obligation, while "sollen" suggests a recommendation.
 
==== Exercise 2: Answers ====
 
1. Ich '''muss''' das Buch lesen.
 
2. Du '''sollst''' deinen Freund anrufen.
 
3. Sie '''muss''' ihr Projekt beenden.
 
4. Wir '''sollen''' gesund essen.
 
5. Sie '''müssen''' ihr Zimmer aufräumen.
 
* '''Explanation''': Each translation captures the essence of obligation or recommendation using the respective modal verbs.
 
==== Exercise 3: Sample Answers ====
 
* "Ich muss jeden Tag joggen." (I must jog every day.)
 
* "Du musst die Fenster schließen." (You must close the windows.)
 
* "Wir müssen die Küche sauber halten." (We must keep the kitchen clean.)
 
* "Ich soll mehr lernen." (I should study more.)
 
* "Er soll seine Zeit besser planen." (He should plan his time better.)
 
* "Sie sollen freundlich sein." (They should be friendly.)
 
* '''Explanation''': Personal sentences help reinforce the understanding of obligations in real-life contexts.
 
==== Exercise 4: Answers ====
 
1. a) '''müssen'''
 
2. b) '''sollen'''
 
3. a) '''müssen'''
 
4. b) '''sollen'''
 
* '''Explanation''': The context of the sentences dictates which verb to use, reflecting necessity versus recommendation.
 
==== Exercise 5: Answers ====
 
1. c) I must go.
 
2. a) You should try it.
 
3. d) We must help.
 
4. b) They should laugh.
 
* '''Explanation''': This matching exercise reinforces the connection between German and English expressions of obligation.
 
Congratulations on completing this lesson on "Talking About Obligations" in German! You’ve taken an important step in your journey to mastering the language. Remember to practice regularly and incorporate these modal verbs into your everyday conversations. Keep up the good work, and see you in the next lesson!


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=German Grammar: Modal Verbs for Talking About Obligations | A1 German Course
 
|keywords=German grammar, modal verbs, talking about obligations, German lessons, complete German course, A1 German
|title=German Grammar Lesson on Obligations
|description=In this lesson of our A1 German course, you will learn how to talk about obligations and responsibilities using modal verbs.
 
|keywords=German grammar, modal verbs, obligations, müssen, sollen, learn German
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to express obligations in German using modal verbs like "müssen" and "sollen." Practice with examples and exercises to solidify your understanding.
 
}}
}}


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==Sources==
* [https://polyglotclub.com/wiki/Language/German/Grammar/Talking-About-Obligations German Grammar: Modal Verbs for Talking About Obligations]
* [https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-german/obligation German Translation of “obligation” | Collins English-German Dictionary]




==Related Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Two-Way-Prepositions|Two Way Prepositions]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Two-Way-Prepositions|Two Way Prepositions]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Inflections-of-adjectives|Inflections of adjectives]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Inflections-of-adjectives|Inflections of adjectives]]
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* [[Language/German/Grammar/How-to-Use-be|How to Use be]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/How-to-Use-be|How to Use be]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Prepositions|Prepositions]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Prepositions|Prepositions]]


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<span pgnav>
{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
|[[Language/German/Grammar/Expressing-Abilities|◀️ Expressing Abilities — Previous Lesson]]
|[[Language/German/Vocabulary/Shopping-for-Clothes|Next Lesson — Shopping for Clothes ▶️]]
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</span>

Latest revision as of 18:31, 31 July 2024

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GermanGrammar0 to A1 Course → Talking About Obligations

Welcome to this exciting lesson on "Talking About Obligations" in German! Understanding how to express obligations is an essential part of mastering any language, and German is no exception. Whether you're planning a trip to Germany, discussing your daily responsibilities, or simply trying to navigate conversations with native speakers, knowing how to articulate obligations will empower you and enhance your communication skills.

In this lesson, we will delve into the world of modal verbs, which are pivotal in expressing necessity and obligation in German. Modal verbs are special verbs that modify the meaning of other verbs, allowing us to convey various nuances, such as ability, permission, and, of course, obligation. We will explore how to use these verbs correctly, provide numerous examples, and offer exercises to solidify your understanding. By the end of this lesson, you should feel confident in discussing your obligations in German!

Lesson Structure[edit | edit source]

  • Introduction to Modal Verbs: What they are and why they matter
  • Key Modal Verbs for Obligations: Focusing on "müssen" (must) and "sollen" (should)
  • Examples of Usage: Practical examples to illustrate each point
  • Exercises: Practice scenarios to apply your knowledge
  • Solutions and Explanations: Detailed feedback on the exercises

Introduction to Modal Verbs[edit | edit source]

Modal verbs are a unique category of verbs that express necessity, ability, permission, or possibility. In German, they are integral to constructing sentences that convey obligations. Two primary modal verbs that we will focus on in this lesson are:

  • müssen (must)
  • sollen (should)

These verbs allow you to communicate what you have to do or what you should do. Understanding how to use them will not only improve your grammatical skills but also enhance your ability to engage in meaningful conversations.

Key Modal Verbs for Obligations[edit | edit source]

Let’s take a closer look at our two main modal verbs for obligations:

1. Müssen (Must)[edit | edit source]

The verb müssen is used to express strong obligations or necessities. It implies that something is required or unavoidable.

  • Conjugation of Müssen:
  • Ich muss (I must)
  • Du musst (You must - singular, informal)
  • Er/Sie/Es muss (He/She/It must)
  • Wir müssen (We must)
  • Ihr müsst (You must - plural, informal)
  • Sie müssen (They must / You must - formal)

2. Sollen (Should)[edit | edit source]

The verb sollen is generally used to express recommendations or expectations. It suggests that something should be done, but it’s usually less compelling than müssen.

  • Conjugation of Sollen:
  • Ich soll (I should)
  • Du sollst (You should - singular, informal)
  • Er/Sie/Es soll (He/She/It should)
  • Wir sollen (We should)
  • Ihr sollt (You should - plural, informal)
  • Sie sollen (They should / You should - formal)

Examples of Usage[edit | edit source]

Now, let’s illustrate the use of both müssen and sollen through various examples. Below are tables that show German sentences alongside their pronunciation and English translations.

Using Müssen[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Ich muss zur Schule gehen. ɪç mʊs tsuːʁ ˈʃuːlə ˈɡeːən I must go to school.
Du musst deine Hausaufgaben machen. duː mʊst ˈdaɪnə ˈhaʊsˌaʊfˈɡaːbən ˈmaχən You must do your homework.
Er muss arbeiten. eːʁ mʊs ˈaʁbaɪtən He must work.
Wir müssen früh aufstehen. viːʁ ˈmʏsən fʁyː ˈaʊfˌʃteːn We must get up early.
Ihr müsst die Regeln befolgen. iːʁ mʏst diː ˈʁeːɡl̩n bəˈfɔlɡən You must follow the rules.
Sie müssen zum Arzt gehen. ziː ˈmʏsən tsʊm aʁtst ˈɡeːən They must go to the doctor.

Using Sollen[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Ich soll mehr Wasser trinken. ɪç zɔl meːʁ ˈvasɐ ˈtʁɪŋkən I should drink more water.
Du sollst pünktlich sein. duː zɔlst ˈpʏŋktlɪç zaɪn You should be on time.
Er soll seine Zähne putzen. eːʁ zɔl ˈzaɪnə ˈt͡seːnə ˈpʊt͡sən He should brush his teeth.
Wir sollen mehr Sport machen. viːʁ zɔlən meːʁ ʃpɔʁt ˈmaχən We should do more sports.
Ihr sollt nicht laut sprechen. iːʁ zɔlt nɪçt laʊt ˈʃpʁɛçən You should not speak loudly.
Sie sollen ihre Aufgaben erledigen. ziː zɔlən ˈiːʁə ˈaʊfˌɡaːbən eˈʁleːdɪɡən They should complete their tasks.

Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now it’s time to put your knowledge into practice! Below are some exercises designed to help you apply what you have learned.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with "müssen" or "sollen".[edit | edit source]

1. Ich ___ meine Zähne putzen.

2. Du ___ jeden Tag lernen.

3. Er ___ zum Arzt gehen.

4. Wir ___ unsere Hausaufgaben machen.

5. Ihr ___ pünktlich kommen.

Exercise 2: Translate the sentences into German.[edit | edit source]

1. I must read the book.

2. You should call your friend.

3. She must finish her project.

4. We should eat healthy food.

5. They must clean their room.

Exercise 3: Create your own sentences using "müssen" and "sollen".[edit | edit source]

  • Write three sentences using "müssen."
  • Write three sentences using "sollen."

Exercise 4: Multiple Choice: Choose the correct verb (müssen or sollen).[edit | edit source]

1. Du ___ deine Aufgaben erledigen.

  • a) müssen
  • b) sollen

2. Wir ___ mehr lernen.

  • a) müssen
  • b) sollen

3. Er ___ das Auto waschen.

  • a) müssen
  • b) sollen

4. Ihr ___ euch gesund ernähren.

  • a) müssen
  • b) sollen

Exercise 5: Match the sentences.[edit | edit source]

Match the German sentences with their English translations.

1. Ich muss gehen.

2. Du sollst es versuchen.

3. Wir müssen helfen.

4. Sie sollen lachen.

a) You should try it.

b) They should laugh.

c) I must go.

d) We must help.

Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]

Let's review the exercises and provide detailed explanations for each solution.

Exercise 1: Answers[edit | edit source]

1. Ich muss meine Zähne putzen.

2. Du sollst jeden Tag lernen.

3. Er muss zum Arzt gehen.

4. Wir müssen unsere Hausaufgaben machen.

5. Ihr sollt pünktlich kommen.

  • Explanation: In this exercise, "müssen" is used to indicate a strong obligation, while "sollen" suggests a recommendation.

Exercise 2: Answers[edit | edit source]

1. Ich muss das Buch lesen.

2. Du sollst deinen Freund anrufen.

3. Sie muss ihr Projekt beenden.

4. Wir sollen gesund essen.

5. Sie müssen ihr Zimmer aufräumen.

  • Explanation: Each translation captures the essence of obligation or recommendation using the respective modal verbs.

Exercise 3: Sample Answers[edit | edit source]

  • "Ich muss jeden Tag joggen." (I must jog every day.)
  • "Du musst die Fenster schließen." (You must close the windows.)
  • "Wir müssen die Küche sauber halten." (We must keep the kitchen clean.)
  • "Ich soll mehr lernen." (I should study more.)
  • "Er soll seine Zeit besser planen." (He should plan his time better.)
  • "Sie sollen freundlich sein." (They should be friendly.)
  • Explanation: Personal sentences help reinforce the understanding of obligations in real-life contexts.

Exercise 4: Answers[edit | edit source]

1. a) müssen

2. b) sollen

3. a) müssen

4. b) sollen

  • Explanation: The context of the sentences dictates which verb to use, reflecting necessity versus recommendation.

Exercise 5: Answers[edit | edit source]

1. c) I must go.

2. a) You should try it.

3. d) We must help.

4. b) They should laugh.

  • Explanation: This matching exercise reinforces the connection between German and English expressions of obligation.

Congratulations on completing this lesson on "Talking About Obligations" in German! You’ve taken an important step in your journey to mastering the language. Remember to practice regularly and incorporate these modal verbs into your everyday conversations. Keep up the good work, and see you in the next lesson!

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