Müssen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Müssen" is used as verb with the meaning of "must", "have to" or "need to".

Essential properties of "müssen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

Infinitive: müssen
Simple past: musste
Participle: gemusst

irregular

Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "müssen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To have to, must (obligation/necessity)"

Definition: "Indicates an obligation or necessity to do something."
Translation(s): must, have to, need to
Synonym(s): sollen
Antonym(s): dürfen
Related word(s): müssen, Verpflichtet sein, notwendig sein

📝 Some usage examples:

Ich muss zur Arbeit gehen.I have to go to work.
Du musst deine Hausaufgaben machen.You must do your homework.
Wir müssen jetzt los.We have to leave now.

2.) "To must, to have to (strong assumption/high probability)"

Definition: "Expresses a strong assumption or high probability."
Translation(s): must be, has to be, must have
Synonym(s): dürfen
Related word(s): Wahrscheinlich, Vermutlich

📝 Some usage examples:

Er muss schon zu Hause sein.He must already be home.
Das muss ein Fehler sein.That must be a mistake.
Sie müssen sehr müde sein.They must be very tired.

3.) "To have to be done (passive construction)"

Definition: "Used in passive constructions to indicate that something has to be done."
Translation(s): must be, has to be
Synonym(s): Erledigt werden müssen
Related word(s): sollte, Benötigt

📝 Some usage examples:

Das Formular muss ausgefüllt werden.The form must be filled out.
Die Arbeit muss bis morgen fertig sein.The work must be finished by tomorrow.
Das Problem muss gelöst werden.The problem must be solved.

4.) "To need to (physical/biological necessity)"

Definition: "Indicates a physical or biological necessity."
Translation(s): must, need to, have to
Synonym(s): Brauchen
Related word(s): Benötigen, Erfordern

📝 Some usage examples:

Ich muss schlafen.I need to sleep.
Du musst etwas essen.You need to eat something.
Wir müssen Wasser trinken.We need to drink water.

5.) "To must, to have to (moral/ethical obligation)"

Definition: "Expresses a moral or ethical obligation."
Translation(s): must, ought to, should, have to
Synonym(s): sollen
Related word(s): verpflichtet sein, geboten

📝 Some usage examples:

Man muss anderen helfen.One must help others.
Wir müssen die Wahrheit sagen.We must tell the truth.
Du musst die Regeln befolgen.You must follow the rules.

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