dürfen is a core German modal verb used to grant or deny permission. As a modal, it changes form with the subject and pairs with a main verb in its infinitive, which moves to the sentence end.
- Expresses permission, prohibition, or the right to do something
- Main verb remains infinitive and moves to sentence-final position
*dürfen* expresses permission and the right to do something.
The main verb remains in the infinitive and moves to the sentence end.
Conjugation of dürfen
Here is the present tense conjugation of dürfen, showing its use as a modal verb for permission:
| Subject | Conjugation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ich | darf | Ich darf gehen. | I may go. / I am allowed to go. |
| du | darfst | Du darfst spielen. | You may play. |
| er/sie/es | darf | Er darf bleiben. | He may stay. |
| wir | dürfen | Wir dürfen kommen. | We may come. |
| ihr | dürft | Ihr dürft essen. | You (pl.) may eat. |
| sie/Sie | dürfen | Sie dürfen fragen. | They/You (formal) may ask. |
- Only ich, er/sie/es use darf; du gets darfst
- wir, sie (they), and formal Sie share dürfen
- ihr uses dürft
For 'ich', *dürfen* becomes 'darf'.
The form 'dürfen' is used with wir, sie (they), and Sie (formal).
Basic Sentence Structure with dürfen
dürfen + main verb (infinitive) at the end:
- Subject + dürfen (conjugated) + main verb (infinitive) → for statements
- For questions, Dürfen + subject + main verb (infinitive)?
Examples:
- Wir dürfen schwimmen. (We may swim.)
- Darfst du gehen? (May you go? / Are you allowed to go?)
- Sie dürfen nicht rauchen. (They are not allowed to smoke.)
Use: Subject + dürfen (conjugated) + main verb (infinitive).
Negative Form
Add nicht after the conjugated dürfen for negation of permission:
- Subject + dürfen + nicht + main verb (infinitive)
Example:
- Du darfst nicht gehen. (You may not go.)
Correct: Du darfst nicht essen.
Add 'nicht' after the conjugated *dürfen*.
Examples in Context
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich darf heute länger bleiben. | I may stay longer today. |
| Darfst du Auto fahren? | Are you allowed to drive? |
| Er darf keine Süßigkeiten essen. | He’s not allowed to eat sweets. |
| Wir dürfen hier parken. | We are allowed to park here. |
| Dürfen wir Fragen stellen? | May we ask questions? |
| Sie dürfen das Museum besuchen. | They may visit the museum. |
*dürfen* means 'may' or 'to be allowed to' (permission).
Yes, *dürfen* expresses prohibition when negated.
Dürfen is essential for talking about permission in German. Mastering its conjugation and sentence structure unlocks a key way to express what someone may or may not do.
- dürfen = may / to be allowed (permission)
- Conjugated: ich darf, du darfst, er/sie/es darf, wir/sie/Sie dürfen, ihr dürft
- Use dürfen + infinitive; negate with nicht after dürfen
*dürfen* means 'to be allowed to' or 'may'.
Conjugate *dürfen* and place the main verb in the infinitive at the end.
Correct: Sie dürfen reisen.