sollen
Translation
should, to be supposed to, is said to (hearsay)
Examples
Du sollst zum Arzt gehen.
You should go to the doctor.
Er soll sehr reich sein.
He is said to be very rich.
Was soll ich jetzt machen?
What should I do now?
Grammar Patterns
should do ((sth.)) Du sollst deine Hausaufgaben machen.
is said to be ((sth.)) Der Film soll gut sein.
Similar Words
Synonyms: müssen (must - stronger); Antonyms: dürfen (allowed to)
Etymology
From Germanic 'skulan', cognate with English 'shall' and 'should'.
Memory Tips
Think of English 'shall' or 'should'. Also related to 'Schuld' (debt) -> obligation to pay.