to be supposed to
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to be supposed to
Expresses that someone has to or is expected to do something according to a rule, an instruction, or other people's expectations.
Du sollst deine Hausaufgaben vor dem Abendessen machen.
You are supposed to do your homework before dinner.
to be told to
Expresses an assignment, request, or command, especially when someone passes it on to another person or gives it explicitly.
Der Arzt sagt, ich soll mich noch eine Woche schonen.
The doctor says I am supposed to take it easy for another week.
to be intended to
Expresses that an action is planned, intended, or meant for a particular purpose.
Die neue Regelung soll den Verkehr in der Innenstadt verbessern.
The new regulation is intended to improve traffic in the city center.
reportedly
Expresses an assumption or information that has not been personally confirmed; according to what others say, something is the case.
Der neue Nachbar soll früher als Journalist gearbeitet haben.
The new neighbor reportedly used to work as a journalist.
should I ...?
Used in questions when someone wants to know what they should do or asks for advice or a decision.
Soll ich dich morgen vom Bahnhof abholen?
Should I pick you up from the train station tomorrow?
What is that supposed to mean?
An informal question expressing one's lack of understanding, annoyance, or criticism of an action.
Was soll das, warum hast du einfach meine Sachen genommen?
What is that supposed to mean? Why did you just take my things?
supposedly
Expresses in a question or statement that something is allegedly the case or that the speaker doubts a claim.
Das soll ein besonders gutes Restaurant sein?
Is that supposed to be a particularly good restaurant?
'Sollen' (to be supposed to) is normally used with a second verb in the infinitive. In a main clause, this infinitive comes at the end of the sentence; in a subordinate clause, 'sollen' and the infinitive appear together at the end.
Wir sollen morgen früher anfangen.
We are supposed to start earlier tomorrow.
When negating a sentence, 'nicht' (not) usually comes before the infinitive. This negates the action itself—the action someone has been asked or required to perform.
Du sollst heute nicht so spät ins Bett gehen.
You are not supposed to go to bed so late today.
This meaning is often indicated by expressions such as 'laut Hausordnung' (according to the house rules), 'nach den Regeln' (according to the rules), or 'laut Plan' (according to plan). They show that the expected action comes from a rule or requirement.
Laut Hausordnung sollen die Bewohner nach 22 Uhr leise sein.
According to the house rules, residents are supposed to be quiet after 10 p.m.
When an instruction is passed on, the person or institution giving the instruction often comes first, followed by a subordinate clause with 'soll' (is supposed to). The person carrying out the action is then the subject of the subordinate clause.
Der Trainer sagt, wir sollen vor dem Spiel viel Wasser trinken.
The coach says we are supposed to drink plenty of water before the game.
When talking about plans and measures, 'sollen' (to be intended to) is often combined with verbs such as 'verbessern' (to improve), 'verhindern' (to prevent), and 'ermöglichen' (to enable). The subject is often a regulation, project, or measure.
Die neue Ampel soll Unfälle an dieser Kreuzung verhindern.
The new traffic light is supposed to prevent accidents at this intersection.
For information about the past that has not been personally confirmed, 'sollen' (reportedly) is often used with an extended infinitive: the past participle plus 'haben' (to have) or 'sein' (to be).
Der Politiker soll die Entscheidung schon am Montag getroffen haben.
The politician reportedly made the decision as early as Monday.
In questions with 'Soll ich ...?' (Should I ...?), the person carrying out the action is the subject. A dative often identifies the person for whom something is done.
Soll ich dir die Unterlagen morgen mitbringen?
Should I bring you the documents tomorrow?
'Was soll das?' (What is that supposed to mean?) is a fixed, informal question. Depending on the situation, the short form can sound surprised, annoyed, or critical.
Was soll das? Warum hast du die Tür abgeschlossen?
What is that supposed to mean? Why did you lock the door?
In 'Das soll ... sein?' (Is that supposed to be ...?), the question form often expresses doubt about a claim. The emphasis is often on the part the speaker finds unbelievable.
Das soll ein sicherer Weg sein?
Is that supposed to be a safe route?
