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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 that something is required or obligatory. For example, Debo estudiar para el examen. (I must study for the exam.)

Probability: Deber can also express a high degree of probability or likelihood. For example, Deben ser las 3 de la tarde. (It must be 3 o’clock in the afternoon.)

Assumption: It can convey an assumption or deduction based on available information. For example, Debe estar enferma, no ha venido a trabajar. (She must be sick, she hasn’t come to work.)

Debt or Owing: In its literal sense, deber means “to owe” or “to be indebted.” For example, Le debo 50 dólares a mi amigo. (I owe my friend $50.)

Colloquial Usage: In some Latin American regions, deber can be used colloquially to express disbelief or skepticism. For example, ¿Debo creerte? (Should I believe you?) This usage implies doubt or questioning the truthfulness of a statement.

Real Life Examples of Deber in the Present Tense

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

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

Ella debe estar en camino, su vuelo salió hace una hora. (She must be on her way, her flight left an hour ago.)

Como somos un equipo, debemos apoyarnos unos a otros. (As we are a team, we must support each other.)

Los niños deben terminar sus tareas antes de jugar. (The children must finish their homework before playing.)

Para viajar a ese país, debes tener una visa vigente. (To travel to that country, you must have a valid visa.)

Mis amigos deben estar esperándome en el restaurante. (My friends must be waiting for me at the restaurant.)

¿A qué hora debemos reunirnos para la cena familiar? (What time must we meet for the family dinner?)

Los empleados deben usar el uniforme reglamentario. (Employees must wear the required uniform.)

Para aprobar el curso, debes entregar todos los trabajos a tiempo. (To pass the course, you must turn in all assignments on time.)

Mis padres deben estar orgullosos de mi logro académico. (My parents must be proud of my academic achievement.)

¿Deben los niños quedarse despiertos hasta tan tarde? (Should the children stay up so late?)

Para mantener una vida sana, debemos hacer ejercicio regularmente. (To maintain a healthy life, we must exercise regularly.)

Los ciudadanos deben pagar sus impuestos a tiempo. (Citizens must pay their taxes on time.)

Antes de tomar una decisión importante, debes considerar todas las opciones. (Before making an important decision, you must consider all options.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

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

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian 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.