können
can / be able to
Expresses an ability or a learned skill.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann sehr gut schwimmen.
I can swim very well.
können
to be able to
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Meanings
können
can
Expresses a possibility or an opportunity.
EXAMPLE
Wir können uns morgen treffen, wenn du Zeit hast.
We can meet tomorrow if you have time.
können
can / may
Used colloquially to give or ask for permission (instead of 'dürfen').
EXAMPLE
Kann ich kurz dein Handy benutzen?
Can I use your phone for a moment?
können
could / might
Expresses an assumption or logical conclusion, often in the subjunctive II (könnte).
EXAMPLE
Das Geräusch könnte von der Heizung kommen.
The noise could be coming from the heating.
können
know / master
Means to know something or have mastered something.
EXAMPLE
Er kann das ganze Gedicht auswendig.
He knows the whole poem by heart.
Usage tips
Sentence structure with modal verbs
'Können' is a modal verb. In a main clause, it stands in position 2, and the second verb (the infinitive) stands at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann dich morgen vom Bahnhof abholen.
I can pick you up from the train station tomorrow.
Irregular conjugation
Pay attention to the irregular conjugation in the present tense. In the singular forms (ich, du, er/sie/es), the vowel 'ö' changes to 'a'. The first and third person singular are identical: 'ich kann' (I can), 'er kann' (he can).
EXAMPLE
Er kann nicht kommen, weil er krank ist.
He can't come because he's sick.
Use with accusative object
When 'können' is used without a second verb but with a direct accusative object, it means 'etwas beherrschen' (to have mastered something) or 'etwas wissen' (to know something). This is often the case with languages, poems, or skills.
EXAMPLE
Sie kann fließend Spanisch.
She knows fluent Spanish.
Register note
In colloquial speech, 'können' is very often used to ask for permission. In more formal situations, 'dürfen' (may / to be allowed to) is more precise, but 'Kann ich...?' (Can I...?) is completely common in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Kann ich mal kurz telefonieren?
Can I make a quick phone call?
Assumptions with 'könnte'
The subjunctive II form 'könnte' (could / might) is used to express a possibility, an assumption, or a polite suggestion. It is weaker and less certain than the normal 'kann' (can).
EXAMPLE
Es könnte heute noch regnen.
It could still rain today.
Compare with
können vs schaffen
to manage / create
“Können” and “schaffen” can both refer to completing a task by a deadline. “Können” asks about ability or possibility, while “schaffen” emphasizes that the task will actually be completed under the specific circumstances. For a deadline, “schaffen” is therefore often more precise.
können
Kannst du den Bericht bis morgen fertig schreiben?
Can you finish writing the report by tomorrow?
schaffen
Schaffst du es, den Bericht bis morgen fertig zu schreiben?
Can you manage to finish writing the report by tomorrow?
In real life
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