Giving Advice and Following Orders (sollen)
sollen to express expectations, recommendations, or orders from others without sounding too aggressive.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'sollen' to express external expectations, advice, or instructions from someone else.
- Use 'sollen' for advice: 'Du sollst mehr Wasser trinken' (You should drink more water).
- Use 'sollen' for orders: 'Der Schüler soll das Buch lesen' (The student is to read the book).
- Conjugate 'sollen' like a normal verb, but remember 1st/3rd person singular are identical.
Overview
The German modal verb sollen expresses an obligation, advice, or instruction that originates from an external source. This is its defining characteristic, setting it apart from müssen (must), which conveys an internal drive or an absolute, unavoidable necessity. When you use sollen, you signal that the requirement, recommendation, or information comes from someone else, a rule, or a generally accepted notion, rather than your own will.
Understanding sollen is crucial at the A2 level because it allows you to precisely attribute the agency behind an action. For instance, Ich muss lernen. means I feel the need to study, or it's absolutely necessary from my perspective. In contrast, Ich soll lernen. implies that someone else (e.g., your teacher, your parents) expects or has told you to study.
This subtle yet powerful distinction is fundamental to expressing nuanced social interactions and reporting information in German.
Like all modal verbs, sollen works in conjunction with a main verb in its infinitive form. The conjugated modal verb typically occupies the second position in a main clause, while the infinitive main verb is placed at the very end, forming what is known as the verb bracket (Verbklammer). This consistent grammatical structure is a cornerstone of German sentence construction, ensuring clarity and conveying the specific modality that sollen introduces.
How This Grammar Works
Sollen functions as a modal verb, modifying the meaning of a main verb to indicate an external obligation, advice, or reported statement. Its grammatical behavior is consistent with other German modal verbs, centered around the verb bracket (Verbklammer). In a declarative main clause, the conjugated form of sollen invariably takes the second position, immediately after the subject or a topicalized element.Du sollst deine Mutter anrufen. (You should call your mother.). Here, Du is the subject, sollst is the conjugated modal verb in the second position, and anrufen (to call) is the infinitive main verb at the end. Even with additional sentence elements, this core structure remains fixed: Wir sollen das Protokoll bis morgen schreiben. (We are supposed to write the minutes by tomorrow.) The elements wir (subject), sollen (modal verb), and schreiben (infinitive main verb) maintain their relative positions.sollen appears in a subordinate clause (introduced by conjunctions like dass (that), weil (because), obwohl (although), or relative pronouns), the word order shifts. In these clauses, both the conjugated modal verb and the infinitive main verb move to the end of the clause. Crucially, the infinitive main verb generally precedes the conjugated modal verb.Ich weiß, dass du die Aufgabe erledigen sollst. (I know that you are supposed to complete the task.) Here, erledigen (to complete) comes before sollst. This specific verb order in subordinate clauses is a key marker of German syntax and requires careful attention.sollen is always in its unconjugated infinitive form. You will never conjugate the main verb when it is paired with a modal verb. Only sollen itself undergoes conjugation to agree with the subject of the sentence in person and number.Formation Pattern
sollen in the present tense (Präsens) is notably straightforward compared to other modal verbs. Unlike können or müssen, sollen retains its stem vowel o across all singular forms, meaning no vowel changes (no Umlaut) occur. This regularity simplifies memorization significantly for A2 learners.
Präsens conjugation table:
ich | soll | Ich soll den Text übersetzen. | I am supposed to translate the text. |
du | sollst | Du sollst deine Mutter anrufen. | You should call your mother. |
er/sie/es | soll | Er soll den Müll rausbringen. | He is supposed to take out the trash. |
wir | sollen | Wir sollen die Regeln beachten. | We should observe the rules. |
ihr | sollt | Ihr sollt eure Hausaufgaben machen. | You (all) should do your homework. |
sie/Sie | sollen | Sie sollen sich um das Projekt kümmern. | They/You should take care of the project. |
ich and er/sie/es forms: Both the first-person singular and third-person singular forms are soll. Critically, these forms have no ending, which is a consistent feature for all modal verbs in the present tense.
wir and sie/Sie forms (sollen) are identical to the infinitive. The ihr form (sollt) follows the standard -t ending for the second-person plural.
sollen typically uses its simple past form (Präteritum). This form is particularly common in written German and formal contexts. The Präteritum conjugation of sollen is sollte for the singular forms and sollten for the plural forms.
Präteritum Conjugation Table:
ich | sollte |
du | solltest |
er/sie/es | sollte |
wir | sollten |
ihr | solltet |
sie/Sie | sollten |
Ich sollte das gestern machen. (I was supposed to do that yesterday.) This sentence clearly indicates a past external obligation that was either unfulfilled or simply a past expectation. Interestingly, the Präteritum form sollte also serves as the Subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II) form of sollen. In this capacity, sollte conveys softer, more polite advice or a recommendation in the present or future, rather than a direct order. For example, Du solltest einen Arzt aufsuchen. (You should/ought to see a doctor.) This is less forceful than Du sollst einen Arzt aufsuchen., which sounds more like a direct instruction.
Perfekt (present perfect) and Plusquamperfekt (past perfect) tenses exist for sollen, they are less frequently used in spoken German, especially when a main verb is present. These constructions often involve a double infinitive (e.g., Ich habe es machen sollen.). However, at the A2 level, mastering the Präsens and understanding the Präteritum/Konjunktiv II usage of sollte is paramount.
When To Use It
sollen lies in its ability to express various forms of external influence. Mastering these specific use cases will significantly enhance your communicative precision in German.Pflicht, Anweisung, Vorschrift)sollen. It indicates that an action is required or commanded by someone else, a rule, or an external authority. The speaker is relaying a directive.Du sollst dein Zimmer aufräumen.(Your parents told you to clean your room.)Man soll hier nicht rauchen.(Smoking is not permitted here; it's a rule.)Die Studenten sollen ihre Referate pünktlich abgeben.(The university/professor requires students to submit their presentations on time.)
Ratschlag, Empfehlung)Sollen can convey advice, suggesting what is sensible, advisable, or generally considered correct, often based on external wisdom or another person's suggestion. While sollte (Konjunktiv II) offers softer advice, sollen can be used for more direct or emphatic recommendations.Du sollst einen Pullover anziehen; es wird kalt.(Someone advised you to put on a sweater because it will get cold.)Man soll viel Wasser trinken, um gesund zu bleiben.(It is generally recommended to drink a lot of water to stay healthy.)Ihr sollt euch gut auf die Prüfung vorbereiten.(The teacher is strongly recommending you prepare well for the exam.)
Gerücht, Behauptung Dritter)sollen is to report something that someone else has said, or something that is generally believed or rumored, without the speaker vouching for its truth. It indicates that the information comes from a third party, and the speaker is merely relaying it.Der neue Film soll sehr gut sein.(People say the new film is very good; it's rumored to be good.)Sie soll gestern die Firma verlassen haben.(She is said to have left the company yesterday; it's an allegation.)Die Universität soll neue Regeln einführen.(It is rumored that the university will introduce new rules.)
Zweck, Absicht)sollen can express the intended purpose or function of something, or what something is supposed to achieve. This is often seen with inanimate objects or plans.Diese Maschine soll den Produktionsprozess beschleunigen.(This machine is intended to speed up the production process.)Der Plan soll uns aus der Krise helfen.(The plan is supposed to help us out of the crisis.)Was soll diese Taste?(What is this button for? / What is this button supposed to do?)
rhetorische Frage)Sollen can be used in rhetorical questions to express surprise, indignation, impossibility, or a sense of helplessness. These questions often don't expect a literal answer but convey a strong emotion or a perceived absurdity.Was soll das denn?(What's that supposed to mean/for? - expressing annoyance or confusion.)Wo soll ich das wissen?(How am I supposed to know that? - implying impossibility.)Wie soll ich das schaffen?(How am I supposed to manage that? - expressing doubt or overwhelm.)
höfliche Anregung, Angebot)Konjunktiv II sollte is often used for polite advice, the Präsens form sollen can also be part of a polite offer or suggestion, especially in questions.Soll ich Ihnen beim Tragen helfen?(Shall I help you carry it? - a polite offer.)Sollen wir einen Kaffee trinken gehen?(Shall we go for a coffee? - a polite suggestion.)
sollen from similar modal verbs like müssen (internal necessity) and dürfen (permission), you gain profound control over the nuance of your German expressions. Sollen always points to a source of obligation or information outside the speaker's immediate will or perception.Common Mistakes
sollen presents several pitfalls for German learners, primarily due to direct translation from English or a lack of full appreciation for its specific nuance. Avoiding these common errors is key to fluent and accurate expression.sollen with müssenmüssen for any form of 'must' or 'should', overlooking the crucial distinction between external (sollen) and internal/absolute (müssen) obligation. Remember: müssen comes from within the speaker or an undeniable, objective necessity; sollen comes from an outside source.- Incorrect:
Ich muss meine Eltern anrufen, sie haben es gesagt.(My parents told me, so it's external.) - Correct:
Ich soll meine Eltern anrufen, sie haben es gesagt.(The obligation originates from the parents' instruction.) - Incorrect:
Du musst die Gesetze befolgen, es ist wichtig.(While true, 'important' doesn't mean it's your internal drive. It's a societal rule.) - Correct:
Du sollst die Gesetze befolgen.(The law requires it, an external mandate.)
sollen in the second position and the main verb infinitive at the end of a main clause, or, more commonly, misplacing them in subordinate clauses. This often happens under the influence of English word order.- Incorrect (Main Clause):
Du sollst anrufen deine Mutter. - Correct (Main Clause):
Du sollst deine Mutter anrufen. - Incorrect (Subordinate Clause):
Ich weiß, dass du sollst die Aufgabe erledigen. - Correct (Subordinate Clause):
Ich weiß, dass du die Aufgabe erledigen sollst.
sollen is regular, errors can occur, especially with the ich/er/sie/es forms (which are both soll) or the ihr form (sollt). These forms can be confused with other modal verbs or regular verb endings.- Incorrect:
Ich sollst das machen.(Confusingichwithdu.) - Correct:
Ich soll das machen. - Incorrect:
Er sollt die Tür öffnen.(Confusingerwithihr.) - Correct:
Er soll die Tür öffnen.
zu with the Infinitivezu before their accompanying infinitive. This is a common error stemming from English constructions likeConjugation of Sollen
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
|
Ich
|
soll
|
|
Du
|
sollst
|
|
Er/Sie/Es
|
soll
|
|
Wir
|
sollen
|
|
Ihr
|
sollt
|
|
Sie/sie
|
sollen
|
Meanings
Sollen expresses an obligation imposed by a third party, a moral duty, or a piece of advice.
Advice
Giving or asking for recommendations.
“Du sollst mehr schlafen.”
“Soll ich das Fenster öffnen?”
Instruction/Order
Reporting what someone else has commanded.
“Der Chef sagt, ich soll den Bericht schreiben.”
“Die Kinder sollen ihre Hausaufgaben machen.”
Future Intention/Destiny
Something that is planned or destined to happen.
“Das soll ein tolles Hotel sein.”
“Es soll morgen regnen.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + soll + ... + Inf
|
Ich soll gehen.
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + soll + nicht + ... + Inf
|
Ich soll nicht gehen.
|
|
Question
|
Soll + Subj + ... + Inf?
|
Soll ich gehen?
|
|
Past
|
Subj + sollte + ... + Inf
|
Ich sollte gehen.
|
|
Perfect
|
Subj + haben + ... + sollen
|
Ich habe gehen sollen.
|
Formality Spectrum
Sie sollten dies tun. (Giving advice)
Du sollst das tun. (Giving advice)
Mach das mal. (Giving advice)
Tu das einfach. (Giving advice)
Sollen Usage Map
Advice
- Gesundheit Health
Orders
- Arbeit Work
Hearsay
- Wetter Weather
Examples by Level
Ich soll lernen.
I should study.
Was soll ich tun?
What should I do?
Du sollst schlafen.
You should sleep.
Wir sollen gehen.
We should go.
Der Lehrer sagt, ich soll das Buch lesen.
The teacher says I am to read the book.
Soll ich dir helfen?
Should I help you?
Er soll heute kommen.
He is supposed to come today.
Was soll das bedeuten?
What is that supposed to mean?
Es soll morgen regnen.
It is supposed to rain tomorrow.
Du solltest mehr Sport treiben.
You should do more sports.
Ich soll das Projekt bis Freitag fertigstellen.
I am to finish the project by Friday.
Sollten wir nicht lieber gehen?
Shouldn't we rather go?
Das soll ein sehr gutes Restaurant sein.
They say that is a very good restaurant.
Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Er soll angeblich reich sein.
He is supposedly rich.
Was hätte ich tun sollen?
What should I have done?
Hätte ich das wissen sollen?
Should I have known that?
Es sollte alles ganz anders kommen.
Everything was supposed to turn out differently.
Man sollte meinen, dass er es wüsste.
One would think he knows it.
Sollte es Probleme geben, rufen Sie an.
Should there be problems, call me.
Was soll aus uns werden?
What is to become of us?
Es sollte nicht sein.
It was not meant to be.
Sollte er tatsächlich kommen, so werde ich bereit sein.
Should he actually come, I will be ready.
Das soll wohl ein Witz sein!
That's supposed to be a joke!
Easily Confused
Both imply obligation, but the source of the obligation differs.
Both are modal verbs, but one is about duty, the other about desire.
Sollte is the past tense or Konjunktiv II of sollen.
Common Mistakes
Ich sollst gehen.
Ich soll gehen.
Ich soll gehen das.
Ich soll das gehen.
Ich soll gehe.
Ich soll gehen.
Ich muss das machen (when advice is meant).
Ich soll das machen.
Er sollte kommen gestern.
Er sollte gestern kommen.
Ich habe gesollt.
Ich habe sollen.
Was soll ich tun?
Was soll ich tun?
Er sagt, er soll kommen.
Er sagt, er solle kommen.
Ich soll das nicht machen müssen.
Ich sollte das nicht machen müssen.
Soll ich das haben gemacht?
Hätte ich das machen sollen?
Es soll regnen, aber es tut nicht.
Es sollte regnen, aber es tut es nicht.
Man soll das wissen.
Man sollte das wissen.
Sollte er kommen, ich gehe.
Sollte er kommen, gehe ich.
Das soll ein Witz sein?
Das soll wohl ein Witz sein?
Sentence Patterns
Ich soll ___ ___.
Soll ich ___ ___?
Du solltest ___ ___.
Hätte ich ___ ___ sollen?
Real World Usage
Sie sollen die Medizin nehmen.
Ich soll den Bericht schreiben.
Soll ich kommen?
Das soll das beste Eis sein!
Wo soll ich parken?
Soll ich das Essen vor die Tür stellen?
Use for advice
Don't confuse with 'müssen'
Hearsay usage
Directness
Smart Tips
Use 'solltest' instead of 'sollst' to sound less like you are giving an order.
Use 'soll' to report what you heard without taking responsibility for the truth.
Use 'Was soll ich...?' to ask for guidance in a new situation.
Use 'hätte... sollen' for things you regret not doing.
Pronunciation
Sollen
The 'o' is short and open. The 'll' is a clear, long 'l' sound.
Question
Soll ich ↗ gehen?
Rising intonation for yes/no questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Sollen sounds like 'shall' in English, which also implies obligation.
Visual Association
Imagine a boss pointing at a clock (the order) and you nodding. The clock represents the external expectation.
Rhyme
Sollen is what others say, you should do it anyway.
Story
My boss told me I should finish the report. I didn't want to, but I knew I should. So, I sat down and started typing.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about what your boss or teacher expects you to do today.
Cultural Notes
Germans value directness. If a boss says 'Sie sollen das machen', it is a direct order, not a suggestion.
Doctors use 'sollen' to give medical advice. It is seen as professional guidance.
Using 'solltest' (Konjunktiv II) is much softer and more polite than 'sollst'.
Derived from Old High German 'solan', meaning 'to be obliged'.
Conversation Starters
Was soll ich am Wochenende machen?
Soll ich heute Abend kochen?
Was sollte man in Berlin sehen?
Was hätte ich in dieser Situation tun sollen?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Ich ___ das Buch lesen.
Du ___ mehr Wasser trinken. (Advice)
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich soll trinke Wasser.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
He is supposed to come.
Answer starts with: Er ...
A: Ich bin krank. B: Du ___ zum Arzt gehen.
Use 'sollen' for hearsay about the weather.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIch ___ das Buch lesen.
Du ___ mehr Wasser trinken. (Advice)
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich soll trinke Wasser.
soll / ich / was / tun / ?
He is supposed to come.
A: Ich bin krank. B: Du ___ zum Arzt gehen.
Use 'sollen' for hearsay about the weather.
Match 'sollen' to its function.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesIhr ___ mehr Sport machen.
Wir soll pünktlich kommen.
soll / Das Wetter / morgen / gut / sein / .
Should we go home?
Which sentence means 'He is said to be famous'?
Match the subject with its form of 'sollen'.
Du ___ Tee trinken.
Ich solle meine E-Mails lesen.
Soll / das Fenster / ich / öffnen / ?
You (formal) should wait.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it is also used for orders and hearsay.
Ich soll, du sollst, er soll, wir sollen, ihr sollt, sie sollen.
No, use 'wollen' for your own wishes.
Because 'sollen' is a modal verb, which requires the main verb to be in the infinitive at the end.
'Sollte' is the Konjunktiv II form, used for polite advice.
Yes, use 'sollte' for past obligations.
It can be both formal and informal depending on the context.
Use 'Ich sollte...' or 'Ich hätte... sollen'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Deber
German uses 'sollen' more frequently for hearsay.
Devoir
French relies on context to distinguish obligation levels more than German.
Beki
Japanese 'beki' is rarely used in casual conversation.
Yajib
Arabic lacks the specific 'hearsay' usage of 'sollen'.
Yinggai
Chinese verbs do not conjugate, making the structure simpler.
Should
English 'should' is a modal that doesn't conjugate.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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