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Video Dictionary for Language Learners

The meaning of the German word "sollte" and how you use it

1
sollte
(modal verb) (subjunctive (Konjunktiv II)) (simple past) (ich / er/sie/es/man) should Whilst "sollen" generally has the meaning of "to be supposed to", when put into the simple past tense ("sollten") it actually gains the meaning of "should" ie; something that is recommended or advisable, rather than something that has been demanded or requested of you. Despite being the past tense form of the verb, in this example, it refers to the present. eg; "Er sollte gehen" - "He should go." · After modal verbs the second verb is put in the infinitive and sent to the end of the sentence. Eg; Ich will mit dir spielen (I want to play with you).

Clickable Example Sentences

These examples and translations are created specifically for language learners, and are manually reviewed. Click on words to look them up.
Er sollte zu Hause bleiben .
He should stay at home.
Ich sollte weniger rauchen .
I should smoke less.
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Video Examples

Video examples are manually reviewed for accuracy.
Wild Herbs: Garlic Mustard
Also das ist ein würziges Kraut , man sollte es als Würzkraut nehmen
So this is a spicy herb, you should use it as a seasoning herb
Tips for Student Housing Searches!
Daher sollte man sich das gut überlegen .
So you should consider it well.
A Tasty Child-Friendly Breakfast Idea
Jeder gute Tag sollte mit einem gesunden Frühstück beginnen .
Every good day should start with a healthy breakfast.
Quiz Yourself on " sollte"
2
sollte
(modal verb) (subjunctive (Konjunktiv II)) (simple past) (ich / er/sie/es/man) (to be supposed to); (to be meant to) [often untranslated] When put in the simple past, "sollen" --> "sollte", the verb generally takes on the meaning of "should", ie; something that is recommended or advisable. However, it can also be used to create a past tense meaning of "to be supposed to", ie; something was expected or demanded of someone by someone else. This often isn't translated directly into English.

Clickable Example Sentences

These examples and translations are created specifically for language learners, and are manually reviewed. Click on words to look them up.
Sie sollte uns helfen , kam aber nicht .
She was supposed to help us, but didn't come.
Er hatte von ihr verlangt , sie sollte pünktlich sein .
He asked her to be on time.
Quiz Yourself on " sollte"

Video Examples

Video examples are manually reviewed for accuracy.
Preparing for #Cometlanding
Sie sollte alles über den Kometen herausfinden und sehen , wie er sich verändert , wenn er wärmer und wärmer wird , während Philae die Oberfläche besuchen sollte .
She was supposed to find out everything about the comet and see how it changes if it becomes warmer and warmer, while Philae should visit the surface.
East Germany's Beloved Cross-Walk Man - Part 1 of 2
Menschlich und sympathisch sollte es sein , in den ersten Entwürfen hatte der Ampelmann sogar Finger und Mund .
It was meant to be human and personable, in the first drafts the traffic light man even had fingers and (a) mouth.
The Many Names for Germans
Ursprünglich sollte das nicht heißen , dass sie stumm waren , sondern dass man ihre Sprache nicht verstand .
Originally, this wasn't supposed to mean that they were mute, but rather that they [one] didn't understand their language.
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3
sollte
(verb) (simple past) (ich / er/sie/es/man) should (in the case of) This verb belongs to a group called "modal verbs". These verbs indicate obligations, permissions, preferences, likelihoods and abilities, and are usually used in combination with a second verb. (eg; I want + to play.) There are six modal verbs in German: dürfen (to be allowed to), können (to be able to), mögen (to like), müssen (to have to), sollen (to be supposed to), wollen (to want to). After modal verbs the second verb is put in the infinitive and sent to the end of the sentence. Eg; Ich will mit dir spielen (I want to play with you).

Clickable Example Sentences

These examples and translations are created specifically for language learners, and are manually reviewed. Click on words to look them up.
Wenn das wahr sein sollte , dann haben wir ein Problem .
If that should be true, then we have a problem.
Sollte er meine Hilfe brauchen , kann er mich anrufen !
Should he need my help he can call me!
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Video Examples

Video examples are manually reviewed for accuracy.
Wiener Werkstätte Founding: 1903
oder nur einfach als Schmuck dienen sollte .
or should simply serve as decoration.
German Words Used Around the World - Part 2 of 2
Sollte der Zug losfahren riefen sie - fertig !
If the train was to depart they would cry - ready!
What's the Beef with Vegetarians and Vegans?
Und sollte diese Auswahl nicht ausreichen , kann man immer noch auf verschiedene Nahrungsergänzungsmittel zurückgreifen .
And should this selection not be enough you [one] can also always fall back on different food supplements.
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4
sollte
(verb) (present) (ich / er/sie/es/man) would; should (questioning an assertion)
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Clickable Example Sentences

These examples and translations are created specifically for language learners, and are manually reviewed. Click on words to look them up.
Hast du Angst ? / Warum sollte ich Angst haben ?
Are you scared? / Why would I be scared?
Ich glaube , dass er es getan hat . / Warum sollte er es getan haben ?
I think that he did it. / Why would he have done it?
Quiz Yourself on " sollte"

Video Examples

Video examples are manually reviewed for accuracy.
Simple Adjectives - Describing Your Teacher
Warum sonst sollte er Lehrer sein ?
Why else would he be (a) teacher?
Banned from Walking on Their Own Street
Und wie sollte ich 'n Hubschrauber fahren , äh , fliegen !
And how would I drive, uh, fly a helicopter!
Finance Tip - Just Don't Check Your Bank Balance
Ich weiß gar nicht , was ich machen würde , wenn da irgendwann nichts mehr drauf sein sollte .
I don't know what I would do if there was ever nothing left in there.
Quiz Yourself on " sollte"
5
sollte
(modal verb) (simple past) (ich / er/sie/es/man) would; was to (referring to future in past tense) After modal verbs the second verb is put in the infinitive and sent to the end of the sentence. Eg; Ich will mit dir spielen (I want to play with you).

Clickable Example Sentences

These examples and translations are created specifically for language learners, and are manually reviewed. Click on words to look them up.
Er sollte die Heimat nicht wiedersehen .
He would not see his (the) home again.
Später sollte ich mehr über ihr Leben erfahren .
Later, I was to learn more about her life.
Quiz Yourself on " sollte"

Video Examples

Video examples are manually reviewed for accuracy.
Wiener Werkstätte Founding: 1903
Es sollte zwar schließlich das gesamte Vermögen Wärndorfers kosten ,
It would, admittedly, ultimately cost Wärndorfer's fortune
Wiener Werkstätte Founding: 1903
Eine Produktivgenossenschaft von Kunsthandwerkern , die auf das Leben Hoffmanns wie auch auf das Wiener Kunstleben eine tiefgreifende Wirkung haben sollte .
A productive cooperation of craftsmen, which would have a profound effect on Hoffmann's life and the Vienna art scene.
German News Reports on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Das war neunzehnhundert sieben und vierzig , als sie noch nicht ahnt wie bald sie diesen Dienst antreten sollte .
That was nineteen forty seven, when she had no idea how soon she would accede into service.
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