A1 Verb Moods 15 min read Easy

German Modal Verb: können (can/be able to)

Use conjugated 'können' in position 2 and keep the main verb in the infinitive at the end.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'können' to express ability or possibility; remember that the modal verb takes the second position and the main verb goes to the end.

  • Conjugate 'können' based on the subject: Ich kann, du kannst, er/sie/es kann.
  • Place the main verb in its infinitive form at the very end of the sentence.
  • In questions, move 'können' to the front: 'Kannst du schwimmen?'
Subject + können + [rest of sentence] + Verb(infinitive)

Overview

German modal verbs, such as können (can, to be able to), are indispensable for conveying nuanced meaning. Unlike regular verbs that describe direct actions, modal verbs alter the circumstance or condition under which another action occurs. Specifically, können expresses ability (physical, mental, or learned skill) or possibility (something is feasible, or an opportunity exists).

It is among the most frequently used modal verbs and forms a foundational element of basic German expression, enabling you to articulate what individuals are capable of doing or what situations permit.

Understanding können introduces a fundamental aspect of German grammar: the modal verb structure. In a main clause, the modal verb itself is conjugated and occupies the second position, while the main action verb remains in its infinitive form and moves to the very end of the sentence. This characteristic structure, often termed the "Verb Sandwich" or "Bracket Sentence," is consistent across all German modal verbs.

Mastering können provides a template for comprehending other modals like müssen (must, to have to), wollen (to want to), sollen (should, to be supposed to), dürfen (may, to be allowed to), and mögen (to like).

This pattern highlights a core linguistic principle in German: the tendency to place essential grammatical information (the conjugated verb) early in the sentence for clarity, while allowing the core semantic content (the infinitive action verb) to provide a conclusive statement at the end. This structure creates a strong syntactic framework that helps organize complex thoughts, even at an A1 level.

How This Grammar Works

Modal verbs like können function by modifying the meaning of another verb, rather than describing an action directly. Consider the verb sprechen (to speak). The sentence Ich spreche Deutsch states a fact about your language skill.
However, incorporating können shifts the focus to your ability to perform that action: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. This transformation demonstrates the core grammatical mechanism.
The grammatical structure employed is a two-part verbal predicate, commonly visualized as the Verb Sandwich. In a simple declarative sentence, the modal verb können is conjugated to agree with its subject and consistently occupies the second position. The main action verb, which carries the primary meaning of the sentence, is then moved to the absolute end of the clause.
Crucially, this main verb always remains in its infinitive form (ending in -en or -n), regardless of the subject or tense of the modal verb.
This syntactic arrangement is a hallmark of German and differs significantly from English. For example, in Du kannst gut schwimmen (You can swim well), kannst is conjugated for du and holds the second position, while schwimmen (to swim) is placed at the sentence's conclusion in its infinitive form. This consistent pattern simplifies verb conjugation because only the modal verb requires changes.
The infinitive at the end provides a stable, unchanging component for the learner. Even in questions and subordinate clauses, while the conjugated können may shift its position (to first for yes/no questions, or to the very end in subordinate clauses), the infinitive main verb always anchors the end of its respective clause.
Core Rules for German Modal Verbs:
  1. 1The modal verb (können) is conjugated and placed in the second position of a main declarative clause.
  2. 2The main action verb is moved to the very end of the clause.
  3. 3The main action verb always remains in its infinitive form (e.g., gehen, schreiben, lesen).
| Sentence Type | Structure | Example German Sentence | English Translation |
|:---------------------|:------------------------------------------------------|:---------------------------------------------|:-------------------------------------------|
| Declarative | Subject + conjugated können + ... + infinitive verb | Ich kann heute nicht kommen. | I can't come today. |
| Yes/No Question | Conjugated können + Subject + ... + infinitive verb | Kannst du mir helfen? | Can you help me? |
| W-Question | W-word + conjugated können + Subject + ... + infinitive verb | Was kann ich für dich tun? | What can I do for you? |
| Subordinate Clause | Subordinating Conjunction + Subject + ... + infinitive verb + conjugated können | ...weil ich morgen nicht arbeiten kann. | ...because I cannot work tomorrow. |
Notice how the infinitive kommen, helfen, tun, and arbeiten consistently stay at the end. This structure is foundational to German sentence building and must be mastered early.

Formation Pattern

1
The conjugation of können is irregular and adheres to a specific pattern characteristic of many German modal verbs in the present tense. The most significant irregularity is the vowel change from ö to a in all singular forms (ich, du, er/sie/es). Furthermore, the first-person singular (ich) and third-person singular (er/sie/es) forms are identical and notably have no ending. This absence of the typical -e for ich or -t for er/sie/es is a defining feature of modal verb conjugation and often a source of initial confusion for learners accustomed to regular verb patterns.
2
This pattern, where singular forms undergo a stem vowel change and ich/er/sie/es forms are identical and lack an ending, is crucial for understanding all modal verbs in German. It's not just an arbitrary change for können; it's a systemic feature of this verb class.
3
Let's examine the present tense conjugation of können:
4
| Person | Conjugation | Example Sentence (Infinitive verb at the end) | English Translation |
5
|:-----------------|:------------|:--------------------------------------------------------|:---------------------------------------------------|
6
| ich (I) | kann | Ich kann sehr gut Deutsch sprechen. | I can speak German very well. |
7
| du (you, fam.) | kannst | Kannst du morgen zum Markt kommen? | Can you come to the market tomorrow? |
8
| er/sie/es (he/she/it) | kann | Meine Schwester kann nicht kochen. | My sister cannot cook. |
9
| wir (we) | können | Wir können euch heute Abend besuchen. | We can visit you (plural informal) this evening. |
10
| ihr (you, pl. fam.) | könnt | Könnt ihr mir bitte das Buch geben? | Can you (all) please give me the book? |
11
| sie/Sie (they/you, form.) | können | Sie können hier parken, wenn Sie möchten. | They/You (formal) can park here if you wish. |
12
Step-by-Step Sentence Construction with können:
13
Identify your subject: Determine who or what is performing the action or possesses the ability/possibility. Examples include Ich, du, der Student der, die Gruppe die, das Kind das.
14
Conjugate können: Use the conjugation table above to match können to your identified subject. Remember the vowel change from ö to a for ich, du, er/sie/es, and that ich and er/sie/es have no ending.
15
Example: For subject der Student der, the conjugated form is kann.
16
Place conjugated können: In a main clause, this conjugated form must occupy the second position. This is non-negotiable for declarative sentences.
17
Example: Der Student kann... (The student can...)
18
Add other sentence elements: Integrate any time expressions (heute Abend), direct or indirect objects (den Bericht der), adverbs, or other descriptive elements between the modal verb and the main action verb.
19
Example: Der Student kann heute Abend den Bericht... (The student can tonight the report...)
20
Place the main action verb: Finally, take the infinitive form of the verb describing the actual action and place it at the very end of the sentence. This completes the "Verb Sandwich."
21
Complete Example: Der Student kann heute Abend den Bericht schreiben. (The student can write the report tonight.)
22
Another Example: Ich kann schnell laufen. (I can run fast.)
23
Another Example: Wir können dich besuchen. (We can visit you.)

When To Use It

Können is a highly versatile modal verb primarily used in two significant contexts: expressing ability or skill, and indicating possibility or opportunity. Grasping these distinctions is fundamental for accurate and nuanced communication in German.
  1. 1Ability or Skill (Fähigkeit): This is the most common and direct application of können. It signifies that someone possesses the innate talent, learned skill, physical capacity, or mental aptitude to perform an action. This aligns closely with the English "can" or "be able to."
  • Physical Ability: Ich kann zehn Kilometer laufen. (I can run ten kilometers.) This indicates a physical capacity.
  • Mental Ability/Knowledge: Er kann das Problem lösen. (He can solve the problem.) This refers to mental capability or understanding.
  • Learned Skill: Meine Freundin kann sehr gut Klavier spielen. (My friend can play the piano very well.) This highlights a developed skill.
  • Können Sie gut Deutsch sprechen? (Can you speak German well?) This asks about a language skill.
  1. 1Possibility or Opportunity (Möglichkeit): In this context, können indicates that something is feasible, that a situation allows for an action, or that an opportunity exists. It doesn't necessarily imply an inherent skill but rather external circumstances.
  • General Possibility: Es kann morgen regnen. (It can rain tomorrow.) This expresses a potential future event.
  • Situational Feasibility: Wir können das Auto heute reparieren. (We can repair the car today.) This suggests that the time or resources are available for the repair.
  • Offering an Opportunity/Suggestion: Sie können im Park spazieren gehen. (You can go for a walk in the park.) This implies it's an option or a suggestion.
  • Ich kann dir vielleicht helfen. (I can perhaps help you.) Here, vielleicht reinforces the idea of possibility rather than guaranteed ability.
Können for Polite Requests (A1-A2 introduction):
While können primarily denotes ability or possibility, it can also be used to form polite questions or requests, particularly in informal or semi-formal contexts. It's less formal than würden Sie... (would you...) but more direct than dürfen (may, allowed to).
  • Kannst du mir bitte das Salz geben? (Can you please give me the salt?) – Informal request.
  • Können Sie mir sagen, wo der Bahnhof ist? (Can you tell me where the train station der is?) – Formal, polite inquiry.
Distinguishing können from dürfen:
At the A1 level, a common point of confusion is between können (ability/possibility) and dürfen (permission/to be allowed to). While können addresses what you are able to do, dürfen addresses what you are permitted to do.
  • Ich kann schwimmen. (I am able to swim – I have the skill.)
  • Ich darf hier schwimmen. (I am allowed to swim here – I have permission.)
This distinction is vital. A native speaker would interpret these sentences very differently.

Common Mistakes

German learners frequently encounter specific challenges when using können. Recognizing these common pitfalls early can significantly accelerate your mastery of this essential modal verb.
  1. 1Forgetting the Infinitive at the End (The Half-Sandwich): The most prevalent mistake is failing to move the main action verb to the absolute end of the sentence and keep it in its infinitive form. Learners often try to conjugate both verbs or place the infinitive too early.
  • Incorrect: Ich kann spreche Deutsch. (Incorrectly conjugated sprechen and not at the end.)
  • Correct: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (Infinitive sprechen is at the end.)
  • Why it's wrong: German syntax requires the infinitive verb to occupy the final position in such constructions. Failing to do so breaks the fundamental "Verb Sandwich" structure, making the sentence grammatically incorrect and often difficult for a native speaker to parse.
  1. 1Incorrect Conjugation of können (Especially Singular Forms): The irregular vowel change from ö to a for ich, du, and er/sie/es, combined with the lack of an ending for ich and er/sie/es, is a frequent source of error.
  • Incorrect: Er könnt gut singen. (Using the ihr form or adding an ending to er.)
  • Correct: Er kann gut singen. (Correct singular form with vowel change and no ending.)
  • Incorrect: Ich könne das machen. (Using a subjunctive or incorrect vowel.)
  • Correct: Ich kann das machen.
  • Why it's wrong: Modal verbs have a specific, irregular conjugation pattern that must be memorized. Attempting to apply regular verb endings (like -t for er) or incorrect stem vowels disrupts this pattern.
  1. 1Word Order Issues (Misplacing können): While less common than the infinitive error, sometimes learners misplace the conjugated können in a declarative sentence.
  • Incorrect: Heute ich kann nicht kommen. (Placing ich before kann when heute is in position 1.)
  • Correct: Heute kann ich nicht kommen. (Verb in position 2, subject immediately after.)
  • Why it's wrong: The V2 (Verb-second) rule is a cornerstone of German main clause syntax. The conjugated verb, whether modal or main, must always be the second element in a declarative sentence. Other elements can occupy the first position, but the conjugated verb always follows immediately.
  1. 1Confusing können with dürfen or wissen: Although typically introduced later, A1 learners sometimes conflate können with other related concepts.
  • können vs. dürfen: Können is ability or possibility. Dürfen is permission.
  • Ich kann Auto fahren. (I know how to drive a car.)
  • Ich darf Auto fahren. (I am allowed to drive a car, e.g., I have a license.)
  • können vs. wissen: Können means to be able to do something (skill). Wissen means to know a fact.
  • Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I have the ability to speak German.)
  • Ich weiß, dass du Deutsch sprichst. (I know the fact that you speak German.)
  • Why it's wrong: Each of these verbs carries a distinct meaning. Using them interchangeably leads to semantic inaccuracies and can alter the intended message entirely.

Real Conversations

Understanding können in theory is one thing; observing its use in authentic, modern German communication offers deeper insight into its pragmatic function. Native speakers use können constantly to express everyday abilities, discuss possibilities, and make requests.

**1. Expressing Abilities and Skills (Fähigkeiten):

Text Message (Informal):* Kannst du gut kochen? Mein Backofen ist kaputt :( (Can you cook well? My oven der is broken :()

- Casual Conversation: Ich kann echt gut jonglieren. Das habe ich in der Schule gelernt. (I can really juggle well. I learned that in school.)

- Work Email (Brief): Frau Müller kann die Präsentation nächste Woche übernehmen. (Ms. Müller can take over the presentation die next week.) – Implies she is capable and available.

**2. Discussing Possibilities and Feasibility (Möglichkeiten):

Planning with Friends:* Wir können am Samstag ins Kino gehen, wenn du Zeit hast. (We can go to the cinema das on Saturday if you have time.) – Offering a suggestion.

- Problem Solving: Vielleicht können wir eine andere Lösung finden. (Perhaps we can find another solution die.) – Suggesting a possibility.

- Customer Service (Phone): Wir können das Paket leider erst morgen verschicken. (We can unfortunately only send the package das tomorrow.) – Stating a current limitation.

**3. Making Requests and Offers (Bitten und Angebote):

Quick Request (Friend):* Kannst du mir kurz helfen? Der Kasten ist zu schwer. (Can you help me quickly? The box der is too heavy.)

- Polite Inquiry (Formal): Können Sie mir bitte das Dokument per E-Mail senden? (Can you please send me the document das via email?) – A common formal request.

- Offering Assistance: Wenn du Hilfe brauchst, kann ich dir gerne helfen. (If you need help, I can gladly help you.)

**4. Können without an explicit second verb (Implied Action):

** Sometimes, especially in conversational German, the infinitive verb is omitted if the context makes it clear what is being referred to.

- Scenario: Someone asks if you speak German.

- Response: Ja, ich kann. (Yes, I can [speak German].) – The verb sprechen is implied.

- Scenario: Looking at a heavy box.

- Response: Das kann ich nicht. (That I cannot [lift/do].) – The action is understood from context.

These examples demonstrate the dynamic role können plays across various communicative situations, from informal chats to formal exchanges, always anchored by its core meanings of ability and possibility.

Quick FAQ

This section addresses some of the most frequently asked questions by German learners regarding the modal verb können.
Q1: Why do ich and er/sie/es both conjugate to kann and have no ending?
A1: This is a defining characteristic of most German modal verbs in the present tense. It's an irregularity where the first-person singular (ich) and third-person singular (er/sie/es) forms are identical and do not take the typical verb endings (-e for ich, -t for er/sie/es). It's part of the irregular conjugation pattern you must memorize for modals.
This pattern helps distinguish modals from regular verbs.
Q2: Do I always put the other verb at the very end of the sentence?
A2: Yes, in main clauses (declarative sentences, yes/no questions, W-questions) when used with a modal verb like können, the main action verb must be in its infinitive form at the absolute end of the clause. In subordinate clauses, both the infinitive and the conjugated modal verb move to the very end, with the infinitive usually preceding the modal: ...weil ich nicht arbeiten kann. This strict word order is crucial for German grammar.
Q3: What's the main difference between können and dürfen?
A3: Können expresses ability (physical, mental, skill-based) or possibility (something is feasible). Dürfen expresses permission or allowance (to be allowed to do something). For instance, Ich kann schwimmen means

Conjugation of 'können'

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

Meanings

The verb 'können' expresses physical ability, learned skills, or possibility.

1

Ability

Possessing the skill or physical capacity to do something.

“Ich kann schwimmen.”

“Sie kann Deutsch sprechen.”

2

Possibility

Something is possible or allowed.

“Das kann passieren.”

“Kann ich hier parken?”

Reference Table

Reference table for German Modal Verb: können (can/be able to)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + können + ... + Verb
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
Negative
Subj + können + nicht + ... + Verb
Ich kann nicht Deutsch sprechen.
Question
Können + Subj + ... + Verb?
Kannst du Deutsch sprechen?
Past
Subj + konnte + ... + Verb
Ich konnte Deutsch sprechen.
Perfect
Subj + haben + ... + Verb + können
Ich habe Deutsch sprechen können.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Könnten Sie mir bitte behilflich sein?

Könnten Sie mir bitte behilflich sein? (Asking for help)

Neutral
Können Sie mir bitte helfen?

Können Sie mir bitte helfen? (Asking for help)

Informal
Kannst du mir helfen?

Kannst du mir helfen? (Asking for help)

Slang
Kannst mal kurz helfen?

Kannst mal kurz helfen? (Asking for help)

Können Usage Map

können

Ability

  • schwimmen swim

Possibility

  • vielleicht maybe

Permission

  • erlaubt allowed
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Examples by Level

1

Ich kann gut schwimmen.

I can swim well.

2

Kannst du Deutsch?

Do you know German?

3

Wir können heute spielen.

We can play today.

4

Er kann nicht kommen.

He cannot come.

1

Kannst du mir bitte helfen?

Can you please help me?

2

Das kann jeder lernen.

Anyone can learn that.

3

Können wir hier parken?

Can we park here?

4

Ich kann das nicht glauben.

I cannot believe that.

1

Ich konnte gestern nicht arbeiten.

I couldn't work yesterday.

2

Hättest du das tun können?

Could you have done that?

3

Es könnte morgen regnen.

It could rain tomorrow.

4

Wir haben das nicht machen können.

We haven't been able to do that.

1

Man könnte meinen, es sei einfach.

One might think it is easy.

2

Das hätte besser gemacht werden können.

That could have been done better.

3

Könnten Sie mir kurz zuhören?

Could you listen to me for a moment?

4

Es kann nicht sein, dass er lügt.

It cannot be that he is lying.

1

Wie kann man nur so etwas sagen?

How can one even say such a thing?

2

Er kann von Glück reden.

He can count himself lucky.

3

Das kann wohl kaum wahr sein.

That can hardly be true.

4

Können Sie sich vorstellen, wie das ist?

Can you imagine what that is like?

1

Könnte es sich hierbei um ein Missverständnis handeln?

Could this be a misunderstanding?

2

Man kann es drehen und wenden, wie man will.

You can spin it however you want.

3

Das hätte nicht anders gekonnt sein können.

It could not have been otherwise.

4

Wer kann, der kann.

He who can, can.

Easily Confused

German Modal Verb: können (can/be able to) vs können vs. wissen

Both translate to 'know' in English.

German Modal Verb: können (can/be able to) vs können vs. dürfen

Both can mean 'can' in English.

German Modal Verb: können (can/be able to) vs können vs. mögen

Learners mix up 'can' and 'like'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ich kann spiele Fußball.

✓

Ich kann Fußball spielen.

Main verb must be at the end in infinitive.
✗

Ich kanns schwimmen.

✓

Ich kann schwimmen.

Don't add 's' to the verb.
✗

Kannst du schwimmt?

✓

Kannst du schwimmen?

Main verb must be infinitive.
✗

Ich kann nicht wissen.

✓

Ich weiß es nicht.

Use 'wissen' for facts, not 'können'.
✗

Ich habe gekonnt schwimmen.

✓

Ich habe schwimmen können.

Double infinitive rule in perfect tense.
✗

Können Sie mir helfen?

✓

Können Sie mir helfen?

Correct, but ensure formal 'Sie'.
✗

Ich kann das machen können.

✓

Ich kann das machen.

Don't double modal verbs.
✗

Ich würde können gehen.

✓

Ich könnte gehen.

Use Konjunktiv II for 'could'.
✗

Er hat gekonnt.

✓

Er hat es gekonnt.

Können often needs an object.
✗

Wenn ich kann, komme ich.

✓

Wenn ich kann, komme ich.

Correct, but watch for tense.
✗

Das kann nicht wahr sein können.

✓

Das kann nicht wahr sein.

Avoid redundant modals.
✗

Er kann gut Deutsch.

✓

Er kann gut Deutsch (sprechen).

Sometimes 'sprechen' is implied but better stated.
✗

Könntest du mir helfen?

✓

Könnten Sie mir helfen?

Register mismatch.
✗

Ich kann nicht anders als zu lachen.

✓

Ich kann nicht anders, als zu lachen.

Punctuation error.

Sentence Patterns

Ich kann ___ gut.

Kannst du ___?

Ich kann heute nicht ___, weil ich arbeiten muss.

Könntest du mir bitte ___?

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Kannst du heute kommen?

Ordering Food very common

Kann ich eine Pizza haben?

Job Interview common

Ich kann gut im Team arbeiten.

Travel common

Können Sie mir den Weg zeigen?

Social Media occasional

Wer kann mir helfen?

Delivery App common

Kann ich das Essen stornieren?

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💡

The 'End-Verb' Rule

Always look for the main verb at the end of the sentence. If you see 'können', the action is at the end.
⚠️

Don't Conjugate the Main Verb

The main verb must stay in the infinitive form. Never say 'Ich kann spiele'.
🎯

Use 'können' for polite requests

Using 'Könnten Sie...' is much more polite than 'Können Sie...'.
💬

Directness

In German, 'Kannst du...' is not rude, it's just direct.

Smart Tips

Put the modal in the second position and the action at the end.

Ich kann spielen Fußball. → Ich kann Fußball spielen.

Start with the modal verb.

Du kannst mir helfen? → Kannst du mir helfen?

Use 'konnte' instead of 'könnte'.

Ich könnte gestern schwimmen. → Ich konnte gestern schwimmen.

If you can replace 'know' with 'have the skill to', use 'können'.

Ich weiß Klavier spielen. → Ich kann Klavier spielen.

Pronunciation

/kœnən/

Vowel change

The 'ö' sound is made by rounding your lips while saying 'e'.

Question

Kannst du ↗ schwimmen?

Rising intonation for yes/no questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Können is like a 'can' of soda; you open it to release your potential abilities.

Visual Association

Imagine a person juggling (the main verb) while standing on a platform labeled 'können'. The platform holds them up, and the balls stay in the air at the end.

Rhyme

Können is the verb for what you can do, put the main verb at the end, it's true!

Story

Max wants to be a superhero. He says, 'Ich kann fliegen' (I can fly). He tries to jump, but he falls. He realizes he needs to practice. 'Ich kann üben' (I can practice).

Word Web

könnenkannkannstkonntegekonntkönnte

Challenge

Write down 5 things you can do today using 'Ich kann...'.

Cultural Notes

Germans value directness. 'Kannst du...' is perfectly polite for friends.

Austrians often use more formal 'Sie' forms in public.

Swiss German speakers often use 'können' in specific dialectal ways.

Comes from Old High German 'kunnan', meaning 'to know' or 'to be able'.

Conversation Starters

“

Was kannst du gut machen?

“

Kannst du heute Abend ausgehen?

“

Könntest du dir vorstellen, im Ausland zu leben?

“

Wie kann man die Welt verbessern?

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über drei Dinge, die du gut kannst.
Was kannst du heute nicht machen, weil du beschäftigt bist?
Wenn du alles können könntest, was würdest du wählen?
Reflektiere über eine Fähigkeit, die du früher nicht konntest.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Conjugate 'können' for 'ich'.

Ich ___ schwimmen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kann
Ich takes 'kann'.
Select the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich kann Fußball spielen.
Main verb at the end.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Du kannst gut singst.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Du kannst gut singen.
Infinitive required.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Können wir dir helfen?
Question order.
Translate to German. Translation

I can speak German.

Answer starts with: Ich...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
Standard word order.
Match the subject to the verb. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir - können
Wir takes 'können'.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

er / können / nicht / kommen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er kann nicht kommen.
Negation placement.
Conjugate for 'ihr'. Conjugation Drill

Ihr ___ das machen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: könnt
Ihr takes 'könnt'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Conjugate 'können' for 'ich'.

Ich ___ schwimmen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kann
Ich takes 'kann'.
Select the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich kann Fußball spielen.
Main verb at the end.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Du kannst gut singst.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Du kannst gut singen.
Infinitive required.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

können / wir / helfen / dir / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Können wir dir helfen?
Question order.
Translate to German. Translation

I can speak German.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.
Standard word order.
Match the subject to the verb. Match Pairs

Match: Wir / können

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir - können
Wir takes 'können'.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

er / können / nicht / kommen

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er kann nicht kommen.
Negation placement.
Conjugate for 'ihr'. Conjugation Drill

Ihr ___ das machen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: könnt
Ihr takes 'könnt'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the correct form of 'können'. Fill in the Blank

___ ihr mir bei den Hausaufgaben helfen?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Könnt
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

nicht / ich / heute / kommen / kann

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich kann heute nicht kommen.
Translate to German. Translation

We can go to the cinema.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir können ins Kino gehen.
Which question is correct? Multiple Choice

Asking for the Wi-Fi password:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Kannst du mir das Passwort geben?
Match the pronoun to the correct form of 'können'. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ich - kann
Fix the word order. Error Correction

Ich kann spielen gut Fußball.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich kann gut Fußball spielen.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Sie (formal) ___ hier warten.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: können
Select the correct sentence for ability. Multiple Choice

He can speak English.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er kann Englisch sprechen.
Reorder the question. Sentence Reorder

mir / helfen / du / kannst / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Kannst du mir helfen?
Translate: 'They can sing.' Translation

They can sing.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie können singen.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

In German, modal verbs act as 'helpers' that frame the sentence, pushing the actual action to the end to provide clarity.

No, use 'wissen'. 'Ich weiß, wo er wohnt' (I know where he lives).

Mostly, but it can also express possibility: 'Das kann wahr sein' (That can be true).

Use 'konnte': 'Ich konnte schwimmen' (I could swim).

Not at all. It is the standard way to ask for things.

The modal verb is the first verb, and the other two go to the end in infinitive form.

Yes, 'Ich werde schwimmen können' (I will be able to swim).

German 'können' conjugates for person, while English 'can' does not.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

poder

German requires the main verb at the end, Spanish does not.

French high

pouvoir

French word order is subject-verb-infinitive, German is subject-modal-infinitive-at-end.

Japanese moderate

dekiru

Japanese is agglutinative, German uses a separate modal verb.

Arabic moderate

yastati'

Arabic word order is VSO or SVO, German is strictly SOV for the main verb.

Chinese moderate

néng

Chinese verbs do not conjugate, German verbs conjugate for person.

English high

can

English 'can' does not conjugate (no 'kannst') and does not move the main verb.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
German 'Must': Using the Verb 'müssen'

Continue With

A1 Requires

The 'Modal Sandwich': Verb at the End

Overview German sentence structure often presents a significant departure from English, particularly concerning verb pla...
A2 Requires

No 'zu' After Modal Verbs (können, wollen, müssen)

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B2

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B2

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B2

German Irrealis: Wishes and 'What-Ifs' (Konjunktiv II)

Overview German `Konjunktiv II`, often termed the **Irrealis**, represents the mood of unreality, possibility, and desir...
B2

Reporting What Others Said: Modal Verbs (Konjunktiv I)

Overview Konjunktiv I, specifically with modal verbs, is a critical grammatical mood in German primarily employed for **...
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