Ich kann schwimmen.
English: I can swim.
- Language
- German
- Level
- A0
- Unit
- Hilfswörter und Grundverben
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
'Können' is a modal verb that shows ability, possibility, or permission.
When to use it
Use to say what someone can do or to ask politely.
Key forms
- ich kann
- du kannst
- er/sie/es kann
- wir können
- ihr könnt
- sie/Sie können
Examples
Sie kann noch nicht fahren.
English: She can't drive yet.
Kannst du mir helfen?
English: Can you help me?
Kann ich das Fenster öffnen?
English: Can I open the window?
Tips
- 'Können' changes with the subject; learn the forms.
- The main verb goes at the end in its basic form.
- In questions, put 'kann' first: 'Kannst du...?'
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