dürfen
Modalverb (Modal) Level A2 ⭐ #14 Most CommonEnglish translation: may / to be allowed to / to have permission
Präsens (Present)
Permission or authorization
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| ich | darf | |
| du | darfst | |
| er/sie/es | darf | |
| wir | dürfen | |
| ihr | dürft | |
| sie/Sie | dürfen |
- Darf ich eine Frage stellen? — May I ask a question?
- Hier darf man nicht parken. — Parking is not allowed here.
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Frequently Asked Questions: DÜRFEN
Is "dürfen" a regular or irregular verb in German? ▾
"dürfen" is classified as a Modalverb (Modal) verb in German. Its characteristic conjugation pattern is "ich darf, du darfst, er darf / Präteritum: durfte (drops umlaut!)". Umlaut shifts to 'a' in present singular: ich darf, du darfst, er darf. In past (durfte), the umlaut is completely dropped. Negated 'nicht dürfen' means 'must NOT' (strict prohibition), NOT 'don't have to'.
What does "dürfen" mean in English? ▾
In English, "dürfen" translates primarily to "may / to be allowed to / to have permission". In natural speech, it is commonly used across CEFR level A2 contexts for everyday communication.
What is the most frequent mistake learners make with "dürfen"? ▾
A frequent error is saying "Hier darfst du nicht rauchen (meaning you don't have to)." instead of "Hier darf man nicht rauchen (It is strictly forbidden).". Why? 'Nicht dürfen' expresses forbidden prohibition (Must NOT), never optional choice.
What are common idioms or expressions with "dürfen"? ▾
A popular idiom is "Darf ich bitten?" which means "May I have this dance? / May I ask?" (e.g. "Darf ich um Ihre Aufmerksamkeit bitten?").
How can I practice and memorize "dürfen" conjugations? ▾
Use Verbpedia's built-in interactive flashcards, pronounce each form using native Web Speech audio, and complete the instant mini-quiz below. You can also print a distraction-free A4 cheat sheet using the Print button above.
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What does 'Du darfst hier nicht rauchen' mean?
Other Important German Verbs to Study
to be
to have
to become / will (future auxiliary)
can / to be able to
to go / to walk
to see / look
to know (facts/information)
to stay / remain
to give / there is (es gibt)
to speak / talk
to drive / ride / travel
to help (takes dative)
to take
to write
to run / to walk / to function
to bring / to take to
to drink
to think
should / ought to / to be supposed to
to find / to consider / to think of