German Modal Particles

Overview

German modal particles (Modalpartikel) are uninflected words that are used mainly in the spontaneous spoken language in colloquial German. Their function is to reflect the mood or attitude of the speaker and to highlight and emphasize the sentence's focus.

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July 10, 2023

Stephen Sovenyhazy

Looking for a faster reado on this topic? Check out our article on German Interjections here. “Modalpartikeln”, or “modal particles” are filler words that add a nuance, or “color” to a German sentence. By using a modal particle, the speaker can convey his or her attitude, a feeling, or a certain assumption about a specific topic to what is being said. They are typically used within an informal context, and would not be found in official letters or documents, newspaper articles or a scientific article or book. Because they only add a nuance to a sentence, and do not change the meaning or the context, they can always be omitted, especially when one is still not quite sure how to use them.

A confusing aspect of German modal particles is that many of them can be used as adverbs or other words, depending on context. They have a literal/direct translation, but this translation can no longer be used, when using the word as a modal particle. The word “ja” for example, can be used as a modal particle, but it cannot be translated with “yes” when used as one. It is often said that there are no modal particles in the English language, and while there may be words that serve a similar purpose, it is best to try not to translate them, but instead, try to understand the mood or quality they each convey. Below is a list of some of the most common modal particles. Compare the translation of the sentence without the modal particle, and the sentence with, and observe how they are different.

When trying to insert the literal translation of each word into the translated sentence, it becomes clear that it cannot be used when using the it as a modal particle. We cannot say “Today is yes Tuesday!”, or “Get times up!”.
Here are examples of the same words used in sentences that do not use them as a modal particle. The words here are not used to convey a certain feeling or attitude. Hence, the direct translations can be used:

Sie kommt heute nicht mit, denn sie hat kein Geld.
She will not come along today, because she has no money.
Ich habe den Arzt drei mal angerufen.
I called the doctor three times.
Das letzte Spiel haben sie verloren, doch Meister wurden sie trotzdem.
They lost the last game, but they won the Championship anyway.
Ja, ich habe Geld, aber Zeit habe ich nicht.
Yes, I have money, but time I do not have.
Halt! Bleiben Sie stehen!
Stop! Don’t move!
Der Fussboden ist eben.
The floor is even.
Wir haben eigentlich drei Abteilungen!
We actually have three departments!

Highlighted Author:

Stephen Sovenyhazy

Stephen is the President of CORE Languages having founded the company in 2007. His focus is on empowering those with a need for community, culture and communication. For over a decade, CORE has helped businesses achieve their strategic international goals by empowering employees to learn and find joy in communicating in a new language and cultural context. With our online instructor-led courses, we now bring this to community members across the globe. A quote from Stephen. "When I started teaching, I sought to bring that same energy, dedication, and sense of purpose into my own classrooms. I founded CORE Languages to expand that vision, seeing the growing need for language training options designed to meet the unique needs of business environments. For over a decade, CORE has helped businesses achieve their strategic international goals by empowering employees to learn and find joy in communicating in a new language and cultural context. With our online instructor-led courses, we now bring this to community members across the globe. It’s a privilege to do what we do and share what we love with you.”

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Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The CEFR is an international standard used to describe language ability. Here are specific details of the CEFR for this topic.

General Explanation:

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Specific Capabilities at this Level

Writing:

I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

Spoken Production:

I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions.

Spoken Interaction:

I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).

Reading:

I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

Listening:

I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.