Significado
To state an inability to do something.
Contexto cultural
Germans value 'Direktheit' (directness). Saying 'Ich kann nicht' is seen as more helpful than a vague 'maybe'. Austrians might use 'Das geht sich nicht aus' as a more common regional alternative to 'Ich kann nicht' when talking about time. In Swiss German, you'll hear 'Ich cha nid'. It's used with the same frequency and directness as in Germany. In a German office, 'Ich kann das nicht bis morgen fertigstellen' is a respected way to manage a workload, whereas in some other cultures, it might be seen as a lack of effort.
The 'Leider' Trick
Always add 'leider' (unfortunately) if you want to sound polite. 'Ich kann leider nicht' sounds 100% friendlier than just 'Ich kann nicht'.
Word Order
If you add a verb, it MUST go to the end. 'Ich kann nicht [kommen]'. Don't put it in the middle!
Significado
To state an inability to do something.
The 'Leider' Trick
Always add 'leider' (unfortunately) if you want to sound polite. 'Ich kann leider nicht' sounds 100% friendlier than just 'Ich kann nicht'.
Word Order
If you add a verb, it MUST go to the end. 'Ich kann nicht [kommen]'. Don't put it in the middle!
Honesty over Politeness
In Germany, it's better to say 'Ich kann nicht' early than to say 'Maybe' and cancel last minute.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word to say 'I cannot come today'.
Ich ___ heute nicht kommen.
The first person singular ('Ich') conjugation of 'können' is 'kann'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct refusal:
The verb must be in the second position, followed by the negation.
Complete the dialogue with a polite refusal.
A: Kommst du morgen? B: Tut mir leid, ___.
'Ich kann nicht' is the most common and neutral way to decline an invite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a restaurant and are too full for dessert.
'Ich kann nicht mehr' is used when you've reached your limit, including being full.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
When to use 'Ich kann nicht'
Skills
- • Playing instruments
- • Speaking languages
- • Cooking
Physical
- • Running fast
- • Lifting heavy
- • Swimming
Social
- • Parties
- • Meetings
- • Dates
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosIch ___ heute nicht kommen.
The first person singular ('Ich') conjugation of 'können' is 'kann'.
Select the correct refusal:
The verb must be in the second position, followed by the negation.
A: Kommst du morgen? B: Tut mir leid, ___.
'Ich kann nicht' is the most common and neutral way to decline an invite.
You are at a restaurant and are too full for dessert.
'Ich kann nicht mehr' is used when you've reached your limit, including being full.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is a complete and grammatically correct sentence in response to a question.
'Nicht' negates the ability/verb, 'kein' negates a noun. Use 'Ich kann kein Deutsch' but 'Ich kann nicht kommen'.
It can be blunt. Better to say: 'Das kann ich leider zeitlich nicht einrichten' (I can't fit that into my schedule).
Use 'Ich kann nicht mehr'. This is common when tired or full after eating.
Mostly, but it can also express a possibility, like 'Das kann sein' (That could be).
Use the past tense: 'Ich konnte nicht'.
Yes, 'Ich kann nicht' covers both 'I am unable' and 'I don't have the skill'.
Say 'Ich kann gerade nicht'.
A very casual way is 'Geht nicht' (Doesn't work).
Because 'können' is an irregular modal verb. The 'ich' form is 'kann'.
Frases relacionadas
Ich darf nicht
similarI am not allowed
Ich schaffe das nicht
similarI can't manage/finish this
Ich mag nicht
contrastI don't want to
Ich bin nicht fähig
specialized formI am not capable
Das geht nicht
similarThat doesn't work / That's not possible
