können

Modal Verb Können

Level 1

können (can/be able to) is a modal verb used for skills (I can swim), possibilities (It can rain), and casual permission (Can I go?).

How It Works

The verb können is one of the most frequent words in German. It belongs to a group called 'preterite-present' verbs, which have unique conjugation patterns.

1. Conjugation (Present Tense)
Notice the stem change from ö to a in the singular forms, and that the 'ich' and 'er/sie/es' forms have no ending:

  • ich kann
  • du kannst
  • er/sie/es kann
  • wir können
  • ihr könnt
  • sie/Sie können

2. Sentence Structure
In a standard sentence, können takes the second position (the 'verb slot'). The main verb (the action) is pushed to the very end of the sentence and stays in its basic infinitive form. This is known as the sentence bracket.

3. Primary Uses

  • Ability: Physical or mental skills. Ich kann schwimmen. (I can swim.)
  • Possibility: Something that might happen. Das kann wahr sein. (That can/could be true.)
  • Permission: Used informally. Kann ich mal telefonieren? (Can I make a call?) For formal permission, use dürfen.

Examples (5)

  1. Ich kann gut Deutsch sprechen.

    I can speak German well.

    Word by Word: I can well German speak.

    Shows ability. Note how 'sprechen' is at the very end.

  2. Kannst du mir helfen?

    Can you help me?

    Word by Word: Can you me help?

    A question where the modal verb moves to the first position.

  3. Wir können heute ins Kino gehen.

    We can go to the cinema today.

    Word by Word: We can today into the cinema go.

    Shows a situational possibility or suggestion.

  4. Er kann heute nicht kommen.

    He cannot come today.

    Word by Word: He can today not come.

    Negation with 'nicht' usually comes before the final infinitive.

  5. Das kann gefährlich sein.

    That can be dangerous.

    Word by Word: That can dangerous be.

    Expressing a logical possibility.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong word order by putting the main verb too early.

    Ich kann schwimmen im See.
    Ich kann im See schwimmen.

    In German, the main verb must go to the very end of the clause when used with a modal verb.

  • Adding a '-t' to the third person singular (er/sie/es).

    Er kannt Fußball spielen.
    Er kann Fußball spielen.

    Modal verbs are irregular; the 1st (ich) and 3rd (er/sie/es) person singular forms never have an ending.

  • Confusing 'können' with 'wissen' for facts.

    Ich kann, wo er wohnt.
    Ich weiß, wo er wohnt.

    Use 'können' for skills and abilities, but use 'wissen' for factual knowledge.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

könnenLevel 1Modal Verb Können

Learn This First

To use the modal verb 'können', you must be familiar with personal pronouns for conjugation, the general concept of present tense verb endings, and basic German sentence structure, as modal verbs introduce a second verb at the end of the clause.

Words in This Pattern