Meaning and Usage
The verb können in German means can or to be able to. It expresses ability, possibility, or permission to do something. It is commonly used to talk about skills, opportunities, and potential.
Verb Type
Können is an irregular modal verb in German. Like other modal verbs, it changes its stem in the present tense and is followed by an infinitive verb when forming sentences.
Present Tense Conjugation
Here is the conjugation of können in the present tense:
| German Pronoun | German Conjugation | English Conjugation | German Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ich | kann | can | Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. | I can speak German. |
| du | kannst | can | Du kannst gut singen. | You can sing well. |
| er/sie/es | kann | can | Er kann klug sein. | He can be smart. |
| wir | können | can | Wir können heute kommen. | We can come today. |
| ihr | könnt | can | Ihr könnt das Buch lesen. | You (pl) can read the book. |
| sie/Sie | können | can | Sie können schnell laufen. | They/You (formal) can run fast. |
Past Tense and Other Tenses
Können uses the auxiliary verb haben in the perfect tense and the past participle gelernt.
Example:
Ich habe es nicht können machen.
(I could not do it.)
Usage with Infinitives
Können is typically followed by an infinitive without zu in sentences:
- Ich kann schwimmen. (I can swim.)
- Kannst du mir helfen? (Can you help me?)
Related Modal Verbs
Like können, other German modal verbs are müssen (must), dürfen (may), wollen (want), sollen (should), and mögen (like). These verbs also affect the conjugation pattern and sentence structure.
Summary
Können is an essential modal verb used to express capability and permission. It is irregular in the present tense and works closely with a following infinitive verb to complete the meaning in German sentences.
