In German
sollen
Meaning: should, to be supposed to
Example sentences
IchsollmehrSportmachen.
I should exercise more.
Dusollstpünktlichsein.
You're supposed to be on time.
Wassollichtun?
What should I do?
Grammar note
Present tense: ich soll, du sollst, er/sie/es soll, wir sollen, ihr sollt, sie/Sie sollen. Unlike other modal verbs, “sollen” has no umlaut anywhere, so the singular forms just drop the final “-en”.
Common mistake
Don't confuse “sollen” (an obligation that comes from someone else — advice, instructions, expectations) with “müssen” (a stronger, often self-driven necessity). “Du sollst mehr schlafen” is advice; “Du musst schlafen” is closer to a requirement.
Quick check
Which modal verb expresses an expectation from someone else — “supposed to”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How is “sollen” different from “müssen”?
“Sollen” expresses an external expectation or advice; “müssen” expresses a stronger necessity or requirement.
Does “sollen” have an umlaut?
No — unlike “können”, “müssen” and “dürfen”, “sollen” has no umlaut to drop in the singular.