verb
must, to have to
A1
Müssen: modal verb meaning 'must' or 'to have to' (necessity or obligation). Uses auxiliary haben in perfect (habe gemusst). Present shows vowel change (ich muss, ihr müsst), past 'musste'. No passive forms as a modal; no imperative for du. Not reflexive. Irregular conjugation pattern.
Examples
Ich musste das tun.
I had to do that.
Du musst zuerst deine Hausaufgaben machen.
You must do your homework first.
Ich muss jeden Morgen früh aufstehen.
I have to get up early every morning.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a checklist with a big red 'MUSS' sticker — something required.
Sounds like English 'must' (similar sense of obligation).
Notes
Modal verb expressing necessity/obligation. Past participle 'gemusst'. The singular 'du' imperative is not commonly used; prefer full polite requests or the 'ihr' form when giving commands. | Modal verb; passive forms are not applicable.