You use modal verbs in Präteritum when you talk about what someone could, had to, was allowed to, wanted to, or was supposed to do in the past. They describe ability, obligation, permission, intention, or duty — but in a past situation. Examples: Ich konnte gestern nicht kommen. → I couldn’t come yesterday. Wir mussten früh aufstehen. → We had to get up early. Er durfte nicht laut sprechen. → He wasn’t allowed to speak loudly. Sie wollte allein bleiben. → She wanted to stay alone. Ich sollte vor