VERB
können/ˈkœnən/can; be able to
können is a German verb that means can or be able to. 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 to do something(ability, possibility)
a.to be able (skill)
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.—I can speak German.
b.to be able (possibility, circumstances)
Heute kann ich nicht kommen.—Today I can't come.
2.to be allowed to; as a polite form to request or ask(request)
a.to ask for permission or favor
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 or be able to. 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.
