kan

Can (Kan)

Level 2

The Danish verb kan (from at kunne) is used to say what you are able to do, what you know how to do (like languages), or what is possible. It is always followed by a verb in its base form without 'at'.

How It Works

The verb kan is one of the most versatile modal verbs in Danish. It functions in four primary ways:

  • Ability: Physical or mental capability (e.g., 'I can swim').
  • Learned Skills: Danish uses kan for languages and skills where English would use 'know' or 'speak'. For example, Jeg kan dansk literally means 'I can Danish'.
  • Possibility: Expressing that something might happen (e.g., 'It can be cold').
  • Politeness: The past form kunne is used to make requests softer and more polite (e.g., 'Could you help me?').

Grammar Rules:
1. No 'at': Never use the infinitive marker at after kan. Use the bare infinitive.
2. Irregular Present: Most Danish verbs end in -r in the present tense, but kan is an irregular verb and stays as kan.
3. Word Order: In a standard sentence, kan takes the second position following the V2 rule.

Examples (5)

  1. Jeg kan svømme.

    I can swim.

    Word by Word: I can swim.

    This shows physical ability. Notice there is no 'at' before 'svømme'.

  2. Hun kan engelsk og tysk.

    She knows English and German.

    Word by Word: She can English and German.

    In Danish, you don't need to say 'speak' (tale) when talking about languages; 'kan' is enough.

  3. Det kan blive meget koldt i nat.

    It can get very cold tonight.

    Word by Word: It can become very cold in night.

    Here, 'kan' expresses a possibility.

  4. Kunne du række mig saltet?

    Could you pass me the salt?

    Word by Word: Could you reach me salt-the?

    The past form 'kunne' is used here for a polite request in the present.

  5. Jeg kan ikke huske det.

    I can't remember it.

    Word by Word: I can not remember it.

    In negative sentences, 'ikke' usually follows 'kan'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'at' after 'kan'.

    Jeg kan at tale dansk.
    Jeg kan tale dansk.

    Modal verbs like 'kan' are never followed by 'at'. They take the bare infinitive.

  • Adding an -r to the present tense.

    Han kanr svømme.
    Han kan svømme.

    While most Danish verbs take -r in the present tense, modal verbs like 'kan' are irregular and do not.

  • Using 'kan' for permission in formal settings.

    Different MeaningKan jeg gå nu?
    Må jeg gå nu?

    'Kan jeg gå nu?' is natural everyday Danish for asking permission. 'Må jeg gå nu?' is more formal and polite.

How It Connects

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kanLevel 2Can (Kan)

Learn This First

To use the modal verb 'kan', you need to understand how to use subject pronouns and how to structure a basic sentence. Additionally, you must be familiar with the infinitive form of verbs, as 'kan' is always followed by an infinitive without the particle 'at'.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

kunne