German Phrase
Es soll später regnen.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘It is supposed to rain later.’ It conveys a forecast or expectation rather than a definite prediction. The speaker is relying on a weather report or a feeling that rain is likely.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to talk about an expected weather change that isn’t 100 % certain—e.g., after hearing a forecast, seeing dark clouds, or when planning outdoor activities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Essollspäterregnen
Impersonal 'es'
In German, weather statements often start with the impersonal pronoun 'es' which has no specific referent.
Modal verb 'sollen'
Here 'sollen' expresses an expectation or forecast (someone expects it to rain). It is conjugated in the present tense, third‑person singular.
Verb‑final infinitive
When a modal verb is used, the main verb stays in its infinitive form and moves to the end of the clause.
Adverb placement
Time adverbs like 'später' normally appear between the modal verb and the infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
Siehst du die dunklen Wolken?
Do you see the dark clouds?
Ja, es soll später regnen.
Yes, it’s supposed to rain later.
✕Common Mistakes
Es soll später regnet.
After a modal verb you must use the infinitive, not the conjugated form.
Es soll später wird regnen.
Do not combine two future markers; choose either 'soll' or 'wird'.
Es soll späteres regnen.
The adverb stays unchanged; do not turn it into an adjective.
↔Alternatives
Es wird später regnen.
It will rain later.
Später soll es regnen.
Later it is supposed to rain.
Es könnte später regnen.
It might rain later.
Cultural Tip
Germans love to talk about the weather, and using 'sollen' adds a polite, slightly tentative tone—perfect for small talk. In formal weather reports you’ll often hear 'Es soll' or 'Es wird' rather than the more casual 'Es regnet bald.' Remember that the impersonal 'es' is always required in such statements, even if the subject is obvious.