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Conjugation Chart of “Deber” (to must, should) in the Present Tense

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Understanding the Present Tense of “Deber”

The Present Tense of deber is used to express obligation, duty, or probability in the present moment. For example, Debo estudiar para el examen. (I must study for the exam.)

Deber is a regular -er verb, so its conjugations in the present tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

How to Use Deber in the Present Tense

Deber generally means “to owe” or “must/should”, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

Obligation: This is the most common meaning, indicating something that is required or necessary, for example, Debo estudiar para el examen. (I must study for the exam.)

Probability: It can express a logical assumption or deduction, for example, Deben ser las 8, el sol ya salió. (It must be 8 o’clock, the sun has already risen.)

Debt: It can refer to owing something, usually money, for example, Le debo 20 euros a mi amigo. (I owe my friend 20 euros.)

Recommendation: It can suggest what is advisable or recommended, for example, Debes comer más frutas y verduras. (You should eat more fruits and vegetables.)

Colloquial Usage (Slang): In some informal contexts, it can be used to express surprise or disbelief, for example, ¡Debes estar bromeando! (You must be joking!)

Real Life Examples of Deber in the Present Tense

Hoy debo terminar el informe para la reunión de mañana. (Today I must finish the report for tomorrow’s meeting.)

¿Debes trabajar este fin de semana? (Do you have to work this weekend?)

Ella debe estudiar mucho para aprobar el examen. (She has to study a lot to pass the exam.)

Debemos llegar temprano para conseguir buenos asientos. (We must arrive early to get good seats.)

Ustedes deben respetar las reglas de la casa. (You all must respect the house rules.)

¿Debéis entregar el proyecto esta semana? (Do you all have to submit the project this week?)

Ellos deben ahorrar dinero para su futuro. (They have to save money for their future.)

Antes de salir, debo asegurarme de cerrar todas las ventanas. (Before leaving, I must make sure to close all the windows.)

¿Qué debes hacer para prepararte para el examen? (What do you have to do to prepare for the exam?)

Los niños deben comer frutas y verduras todos los días. (Children must eat fruits and vegetables every day.)

Debemos ser más conscientes del medio ambiente. (We must be more environmentally conscious.)

Ustedes deben llegar a tiempo a la cita. (You all must arrive on time for the appointment.)

¿Debéis presentar un informe al final del proyecto? (Do you all have to submit a report at the end of the project?)

Ellos deben ser más organizados con sus tareas. (They have to be more organized with their tasks.)

Para mantener una vida saludable, debo hacer ejercicio regularmente. (To maintain a healthy life, I must exercise regularly.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Deber (to must, should) in the Present Tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.