VERB
können/ˈkœnən/can; to be able to; may
können is a German verb that means can, to be able to, or may. It is pronounced /ˈkœnən/. In conjugation, the simple past is "konnte" and the past participle is "gekonnt".
Definitions
1.to be able to do something; to have the ability or possibility(ability/possibility)
a.expressing ability or skill
Ich kann schwimmen.—I can swim.
b.expressing possibility or circumstances
Das kann gefährlich sein.—That can be dangerous.
2.to be allowed to (less strong than ‘dürfen’)(permission)
a.sometimes used to politely offer or seek permission
Kann ich Ihnen helfen?—Can I help you?
Conjugation
| Infinitive | können |
|---|---|
| Present (ich) | kann |
| Present (du) | kannst |
| Present (er/sie/es) | kann |
| Preterite (ich) | konnte |
| Participle II | gekonnt |
| Konjunktiv II (ich) | könnte |
| Imperative (singular) | — |
| Imperative (plural) | — |
| Auxiliary | haben |
Frequently asked questions
- What does "können" mean in English?
- "können" means can, to be able to, or may. It is a German verb.
- How do you pronounce "können"?
- "können" is pronounced /ˈkœnən/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
- What is the past participle of "können"?
- The past participle (Partizip II) of "können" is "gekonnt", used with the auxiliary "haben".
- What is the simple past of "können"?
- In the simple past (Präteritum), "können" becomes "konnte" in the first person singular.
- What part of speech is "können"?
- "können" is a verb in German.
