durfen

"Durfen" is a modal verb in the German language, which is used to express permission or allowance. It is the present tense form of the verb "dürfen," which is derived from the Old High German word "durfan." The verb "dürfen" is irregular and has several forms in different tenses and moods.

In the present tense, "durfen" is used to indicate that someone is allowed to do something. For example, "Du darfst hier rauchen" translates to "You may smoke here." The past tense form of "dürfen" is "durfte," which is used to express permission in the past. For instance, "Er durfte das Auto nehmen" means "He was allowed to take the car."

The subjunctive form of "dürfen" is "dürfe," which is used to express hypothetical or conditional permission. For example, "Er würde das Auto nehmen, wenn er dürfte" translates to "He would take the car if he were allowed to."

"Durfen" is also used in negative sentences to express prohibition. For example, "Du darfst hier nicht rauchen" means "You may not smoke here." The past tense negative form is "durfte nicht," and the subjunctive negative form is "dürfe nicht."

In summary, "durfen" is a versatile verb in German that conveys permission, allowance, and prohibition in various tenses and moods. Its usage is essential for expressing permissions and prohibitions in both real and hypothetical situations.