A modal verb is used to express the modality of an action. Modal verbs: Können - able to Wollen - want Müssen - have to Sollen - should Dürfen - allowed to Mögen - like For example - KÖNNEN: Theo KANN heute Fußball spielen. - Theo is able to play football today. The verb 'können' expreses if Theo is able to do something today. Other modal verbs express if an an action is e.g. possible or obligatory.