Modal verbs/must – mustn't and needn't

Das Hifsverb must drückt einen Zwang aus - seine Verneinung mustn't ein Verbot. Das deutsche „nicht müssen“ wird mit needn't übersetzt.

You must keep it a secret.

(it is necessary that you do it)

You mustn’t tell anybody.

(it is necessary that you don´t do it)

You needn’t visit me in the hospital.

(it is not necessary that you do it)

Interactive exercises

1. Janet is ill and lies in bed. Fill in can, must, mustn’t or needn’t!

Janet: Do you think I can get up tomorrow?
Mum: Yes, I think you can, but you needn't go to school.
Janet: That’s good. Do you think I must stay at home for the rest of the week? Mum: Oh no, just for one or two days.
Janet: Must I take any medicine?
Mum: No, you needn't, but you mustn't do any sport for a while.
Janet: Must I see the doctor again?
Mum: Yes, you must, in about three days. But you needn't worry. You‘ll be OK soon.

2. needn’t or mustn’t?

Oh, you already know that, so I needn't() tell you. During an English test you mustn't() talk to your neighbour. Tim: “I can walk. You needn't() take me to school today, Dad.” She’ll be back soon, so you needn't() worry. In England you mustn't() drive on the right.