sollte
/ˈzɔltə/
The English word 'should' is expressed in German using sollte. Wiktionary also lists sollen and müsste.
Meaning: expressing obligation (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| sollte | /ˈzɔltə/ |
| sollen | /ˈzɔlən/ /ˈsɔlɛn/ |
| müsste | /ˈmʏstə/ |
This verb is used to express obligation. Depending on the form you choose, the nuance of that obligation shifts from a duty or command to a recommendation or a hypothetical necessity.
Which one should you use?
The forms used depend on the strength of the obligation you wish to convey. The indicative form sollen often implies that an action is a matter of duty or that someone else has commanded the action (to be supposed to / to be told to). The form sollte is used for providing advice or recommendations. For a stronger, more hypothetical necessity, such as saying something 'would have to' be the case, use müsste.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɔltə/
Did you know?
- While sollen expresses obligation, it is frequently used in news reports to convey hearsay or rumors, similar to saying 'it is said that'.
- The word Soll is also used as a technical term in accounting and bookkeeping to refer to the 'debit' side of an account.
- The English 'should' and German sollte both descend from the same ancient Proto-West Germanic root, meaning 'to owe' or 'to be under a debt'.
Examples in context
- Es sollte so sein.It should be like this.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use sollte.Tatoeba #642920 by Manfredo, translation #505900 by CK
- So sollte es sein.That's how it should be.Tatoeba #2189720 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2160866 by Hybrid
- Was sollen wir tun?What should we do?This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use sollen.Tatoeba #1521280 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2954150 by CK
- Sie sollte pünktlich zur Besprechung kommen.She should come to the meeting on time.
- Er sollte sich höflich verhalten.He should behave politely.
- Sie sollten den Bericht gründlich prüfen.You should thoroughly review the report.
- Du solltest zu der Party kommen.You should come to the party.
- Ich würde an deiner Stelle das Buch lesen.I would read the book if I were you.
- Wenn du das Spiel gewinnen möchtest, solltest du hart trainieren.If you want to win the game, you should train hard.
- 4853 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are planning their day.
- MaximilianWir sollten heute früher losgehen.We should leave earlier today.
- JuliaHast du recht, es gibt viel Verkehr.You're right, there is a lot of traffic.
- MaximilianDu sollte auch deine Jacke mitnehmen.You should also take your jacket.
- JuliaDanke, das mache ich.Thanks, I'll do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “should” translations and entries sollte, sollen, müsste, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sollen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
