VERB
können/ˈkœnən/can; to be able to; to know how to
können is a German verb that means can, to be able to, or to know how 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 skill or opportunity(general ability/possibility)
a.to have the ability, skill, or possibility
Kannst du Deutsch sprechen?—Can you speak German?
2.to be allowed to do something (in informal contexts)(permission)
a.to have permission
Du kannst jetzt gehen.—You can go now.
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 to know how 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.
