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; expressing possibility or polite suggestion in the subjunctive II form(possibility, polite request or suggestion)
a.used to indicate that something is possible
Es könnte morgen regnen.—It could rain tomorrow.
b.used to make a polite request or suggestion
Könnte ich bitte das Fenster öffnen?—Could I open the window, please?
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.
