The verb können means "to be able to" or "can," and it is used to express ability, possibility, or permission.
As a modal verb, können is conjugated according to the subject, and it is typically followed by an infinitive at the end of the clause.
*können* expresses ability, possibility, and permission.
'können' translates as 'can,' 'to be able to,' and sometimes 'may.'
Conjugation: Können
The stem for 'können' is könn- (used with typical modal endings).
The present tense of können shows a stem change for some forms and follows a typical modal verb pattern:
| Subject | Conjugation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ich | kann | Stem changes to "kann-" |
| du | kannst | |
| er/sie/es | kann | |
| wir | können | Regular stem "könn-" |
| ihr | könnt | |
| sie/Sie | können |
For 'wir' is 'können,' for 'ihr' is 'könnt.'
Usage: Ability, Possibility, Permission
können is used when someone is able to do something, when something can possibly happen, or when permission is (informally) implied.
- Ability: Ich kann schwimmen. (I can swim.)
- Possibility: Wir können morgen anfangen. (We can start tomorrow.)
- Permission (informal): Du kannst hier sitzen. (You may sit here.)
'können' is used for ability, possibility, and informal permission.
Sentence Examples
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. | I can speak German. |
| Kannst du mir helfen? | Can you help me? |
| Er kann heute nicht kommen. | He cannot come today. |
| Wir können das machen. | We can do that. |
| Könnt ihr das erklären? | Can you (pl.) explain that? |
'They can dance' is 'Sie können tanzen.'
Exercises
- Conjugate können in present tense for all subjects.
- Translate: "I can read," "You (sing.) can drive," "We can see it," "They can come," "Can you (pl.) swim?"
- Create three sentences with können showing ability, possibility, and permission.
Conclusion
können is a fundamental German modal verb for expressing what someone is able to do, what is possible, or what can be permitted.
- Use the correct conjugation for the subject, noting the stem change for ich/er/sie/es.
- Pair können with an infinitive for full sentences about capability or possibility.
'können' expresses ability, possibility, and permission.
können, to be able to/can