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A2💪Modal Verbs
Modal Verbs
Modale verb
Modal verbs express ability, permission, necessity, or desire: kan (can), vil (will/want), skal (shall/will), må (must), bør (should). The main verb after a modal is always in the infinitive without 'å'.
Rule
Subject + modal + infinitive (without å)
Examples
Jeg kan snakke norsk.
I can speak Norwegian.
Du må lære grammatikk.
You must learn grammar.
Vi skal reise i morgen.
We will travel tomorrow.
Common Mistake
✗
Jeg kan å snakke norsk.
✓
Jeg kan snakke norsk.
Learners add 'å' before the infinitive after modals. Modal verbs take a bare infinitive — no 'å' is used.
English vs Norwegian
| English | Norsk |
|---|---|
| I can speak Norwegian. | Jeg kan snakke norsk. |
| You must learn grammar. | Du må lære grammatikk. |
| We will travel tomorrow. | Vi skal reise i morgen. |
English
I can speak Norwegian.
Norsk
Jeg kan snakke norsk.
English
You must learn grammar.
Norsk
Du må lære grammatikk.
English
We will travel tomorrow.
Norsk
Vi skal reise i morgen.