sollen

Definition & meaning

The verb sollen is a modal verb in German that translates primarily to "should" or "ought to." It is used in several contexts:

1. Obligation or Duty: It indicates that someone is expected or required to do something, often due to an external rule, moral duty, or a command from someone else. (e.g., "Du sollst nicht stehlen" – "Thou shalt not steal").
2. Advice or Recommendation: It is used to give or ask for advice. (e.g., "Was soll ich tun?" – "What should I do?").
3. Reported Instruction: It describes what someone else has requested or told a person to do. (e.g., "Er soll den Müll rausbringen" – "He is supposed to take out the trash").
4. Rumor or Claim: When used in the third person, it can express hearsay or a general claim. (e.g., "Er soll sehr reich sein" – "He is said to be very rich").
5. Future Intention (in the past): Sometimes it describes a predetermined destiny or event that was meant to happen. (e.g., "Es sollte anders kommen" – "Things were supposed to turn out differently").

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: sollen is an irregular modal verb. Because it is a modal verb, it is almost always used with a full verb in the infinitive at the end of the sentence.

Conjugation (Present Tense):

• ich soll
• du sollst
• er/sie/es soll
• wir sollen
• ihr sollt
• sie/Sie sollen

Origin: The word originates from the Old High German word scolan, which relates to "owing" or "being in debt." It shares a common root with the English word "shall."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• müssen ↗ (to have to/must - used for stronger necessity)
• sollten ↗ (the subjunctive form, often used for softer advice)
• verpflichtet sein ↗ (to be obliged/bound)
• beauftragt sein ↗ (to be tasked with)

Antonyms:

• dürfen ↗ (to be allowed to - implies permission rather than obligation)
• nicht müssen ↗ (not to have to - lack of obligation)