01
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
01 / 05
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 werden
to become / will
'werden' and 'können' are both very important verbs and often appear together with another verb. Even so, they have different functions. 'werden' is used for the future, for a change, or in the form 'würde' for wishes and polite sentences. 'können' describes an ability, a possibility, or an assumption. Learners may confuse them because both can stand as auxiliary verbs before an infinitive: 'Ich werde kommen' (I will come) talks about the future, while 'Ich kann kommen' (I can come) talks about possibility. So pay attention to whether you mean time and change or ability and possibility.
können
Sie kann heute nicht kommen, weil sie arbeiten muss.
She cannot come today because she has to work.
werden
Am Wochenende werde ich für die Prüfung lernen.
I will study for the exam on the weekend.
In real life
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