Modal Verbs
Master the Norwegian modal verbs: kan, må, vil, skal, bør. Learn how they express ability, necessity, desire, and obligation, and how to combine them with infinitives.
1Introduction to Modal Verbs
Norwegian modal verbs express ability, permission, necessity, desire, or obligation. The main modals are: kan (can), må (must), vil (will/want), skal (shall/will), bør (should). Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive WITHOUT "å". Unlike regular verbs, modals have special conjugation patterns.
Examples
Jeg kan svømme.
I can swim.
kan + infinitive (no 'å')
Du må gå nå.
You must go now.
må + infinitive
Hun vil reise til Norge.
She wants to travel to Norway.
vil + infinitive
Vi skal spise middag.
We're going to eat dinner.
skal for planned future
2Kan (Can / Be Able To)
"Kan" expresses ability, possibility, or permission. Present: kan, Past: kunne. It's one of the most versatile modal verbs. Use "kan" for what you are able to do, what is possible, or to ask for/give permission informally.
Examples
Kan du hjelpe meg?
Can you help me?
kan for ability/request
Jeg kan snakke tre språk.
I can speak three languages.
kan for ability
Det kan være sant.
It could be true.
kan for possibility
Hun kunne ikke komme i går.
She couldn't come yesterday.
kunne = past of kan
3Må (Must / Have To)
"Må" expresses necessity or obligation - something you have to do. Present: må, Past: måtte. "Må ikke" means "must not" (prohibition), while "trenger ikke" means "don't have to". Be careful: "må ikke" is stronger than "trenger ikke"!
Examples
Jeg må jobbe i morgen.
I have to work tomorrow.
må = must/have to
Du må ikke røyke her.
You must not smoke here.
må ikke = must not (prohibition)
Vi måtte vente lenge.
We had to wait a long time.
måtte = past of må
Du trenger ikke komme.
You don't have to come.
trenger ikke = don't have to
4Vil and Skal (Will / Want / Shall)
"Vil" expresses desire or willingness. "Skal" indicates future plans, intentions, or what is supposed to happen. Vil is about wanting; skal is about plans or obligations. Past forms: vil → ville, skal → skulle.
Examples
Jeg vil ha kaffe.
I want coffee.
vil ha = want (to have)
Vil du bli med?
Do you want to come along?
vil for invitations
Vi skal flytte neste måned.
We're going to move next month.
skal for planned future
Hva skal du gjøre?
What are you going to do?
skal in questions about plans
5Bør (Should / Ought To)
"Bør" expresses recommendation or advice - what someone should do. It's softer than "må" (must). Past: burde. Use "bør" when giving advice or suggestions, not commands.
Examples
Du bør hvile deg.
You should rest.
bør for advice
Vi bør gå nå.
We should go now.
bør = should (recommendation)
Han burde ha ringt.
He should have called.
burde ha + past participle
Bør jeg ta med paraply?
Should I bring an umbrella?
bør in questions