When to use “müssen” and “brauchen … zu” in German
German learners frequently find it challenging to use the verbs "müssen" and "brauchen" correctly. This article covers everything you need to understand about these two verbs.
The dilemma of "müssen" vs. "brauchen … zu"
Students often confuse "müssen" and "brauchen," which can mean "must," "have to," or "not have to," because in many languages these concepts are similar. However, in German, these verbs are not only in different groups but also follow different grammatical rules. Let's learn more about them.
Recommended study materials on the topic:
Exercise – German modal verbs in the present tense (incl. answers)
Exercise – German modal verbs in the past tense (incl. answers)
Conversation exercise – speaking with modal verbs in the present tense
Conversation exercise – speaking with modal verbs in the past tense
A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
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The German modal verb “müssen”
In German, "müssen" is a modal verb used to express necessity or obligation. It translates to "have to" or "must" in English. However, when "müssen" is negated, it means "not have to," which is different from "must not" (the latter is expressed as "nicht dürfen" in German).
"Müssen" is always paired with a second verb placed at the end of the sentence, which is in its base form. This verb remains the same for both "I" (ich) and "he/she/it" (er, sie, es). Like many modal verbs, "müssen" undergoes a vowel change where "ü" changes to "u" in the singular form, and it doesn't follow the regular pattern in the past tense.
For example:
Die Schüler müssen die Hausaufgaben machen. → The students have to do their homework.
Ich muss heute nicht arbeiten. → I do not have to work today.
Other options to express “müssen”:
Es ist (nicht) notwendig / erforderlich / unumgänglich … zu + Infinitiv → It is (not) necessary / required / unavoidable …
Es bleibt nichts anderes übrig. → There is no alternative.
Wir haben keine andere Wahl. → We have no other choice.
Conjugation of “müssen”
Präsens (present tense)
ich muss
du musst
er muss
sie muss
es muss
wir müssen
ihr müsst
sie müssen
Präteritum (simple past)
ich musste
du musstest
er musste
sie musste
es musste
wir mussten
ihr musstet
sie mussten
Perfekt (present perfect)
hat gemusst
Remember: "Müssen" means "must / have to," becomes "not have to" & pairs with a base-form verb at the sentence end.
The German verb “brauchen”
"Brauchen" means "to need" in German, is regular, and when used as a negated substitute for "müssen" (as "nicht brauchen"), always requires "zu" before the infinitive form of the second verb at the sentence's end.
For example:
Die Schüler brauchen die Hausaufgaben nicht zu machen. → The students do not have to do their homework.
Ich brauche heute nicht zu arbeiten. → I do not have to work today.
Remember: To replace “nicht müssen” you have to use “nicht brauchen” and add “zu” plus an infinitive verb to the end of the sentence.
Conclusion
I hope this article helps you understand when to use each verb correctly. Be sure to also explore how "müssen" differs from "dürfen" in German.
Bis bald!
Steffie
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