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German Phrase

Wir müssen das bald reparieren.

/viːɐ̯ ˈmʏsn̩ das baːlt ʁepaˈʁiːʁən/
Meaning"We have to fix that soon."
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Meaning

The sentence states that there is an obligation to fix something in the near future. It conveys a clear, practical need and can be used in everyday conversation about household, work, or technical problems.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you and others are responsible for repairing an item or a situation that needs fixing soon – e.g., a leaking pipe, a broken bike, or a software bug that must be addressed promptly.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Wirmüssendasbaldreparieren

1

Modalverb „müssen“

„müssen“ expresses necessity; it is conjugated to match the subject (Wir müssen).

2

Verb‑Zweit‑Stellung

In main clauses the finite verb (müssen) occupies the second position, regardless of what comes first.

3

Adverb‑Platzierung

Time adverbs like „bald“ are placed before the infinitive at the end of the sentence.

4

Infinitiv am Satzende

With modal verbs the infinitive (reparieren) always comes after the modal verb, at the very end.

5

Akkusativpronomen „das“

„das“ refers to a neuter object and stands in the accusative case.

🗨In Conversation

A

Der Wasserhahn tropft ständig.

The faucet is dripping constantly.

Wir müssen das bald reparieren.

We have to fix that soon.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wir muss das bald reparieren.

    Verb must agree with the plural subject "Wir"; use "müssen".

  • Wir müssen das reparieren bald.

    The adverb "bald" should precede the infinitive, not follow it.

  • Wir müssen dieses bald reparieren.

    When referring to a previously mentioned neuter object, "das" is the correct pronoun; "dieses" changes the nuance and can be grammatically odd here.

↔Alternatives

  • Wir sollten das bald reparieren.

    We should fix that soon.

  • Wir müssen das schnell reparieren.

    We have to repair that quickly.

  • Wir müssen das in Kürze reparieren.

    We have to repair that shortly.

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Cultural Tip

In German, "müssen" signals a strong sense of duty. If you want to sound less forceful, switch to "sollen" or "sollten". Also, placing adverbs like "bald" before the infinitive is the natural order; moving it after the infinitive sounds awkward to native speakers.