können
/ˈkœnən/
The German word for "can" is können. If unsure, use können. Wiktionary also lists chöne.
Meaning: to be able to, to know how to (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| können | /ˈkœnən/ /ˈkœnɛn/ (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland) |
|
| chöne | Alemannic German |
können is used to express that someone is able to do something or knows how to do something. While the English "can" can sometimes imply permission, können focuses on ability or possibility.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form chöne is used in Alemannic-German regions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form können is also used for the first-person plural (wir können) and third-person plural (sie können) forms. When using the first or third person singular, the stem vowel changes from ö to a, resulting in ich kann and er/sie/es kann. To express ability in the past, use the simple past tense konnte.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkœnən/
Did you know?
- The German word können is actually a distant relative of the English word 'know'.
- While English speakers often use 'can' to ask for permission, using können in German to ask 'Can I…?' may sound like you are questioning your own physical ability rather than asking for permission.
- German uses the modal verb können to express a 'theoretical possibility' that English often describes using 'might' or 'could'.
Examples in context
- Dies können wir tun.This we can do.This sentence shows how to use können to express what can be done.Tatoeba #440914 by Espi, translation #4803280 by Raringo
- Können Sie es hören?Can you hear it?This sentence uses können to ask about the ability to hear.Tatoeba #3557126 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3327476 by CK
- Sie können es haben.You can have it.This sentence uses können to express that someone is able to have something.Tatoeba #6643042 by Felixjp, translation #1895808 by CK
- Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.I can speak German.
- Darf ich Ihnen helfen?May I help you?
- Er vermag es, die Wahrheit zu sagen.He can tell the truth.
- Ich bin in der Lage, den Bericht zu schreiben.I am able to write the report.
- Ich kann heute Abend kommen.I can come tonight.
- Darf ich mir dein Buch ausleihen?Can I borrow your book?
- Kannst du mir bitte helfen?Can you please help me?
- Ich krieg das hin.I can do this.
- 2859 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are talking about learning a new language.
- MaximilianKannst du schon Japanisch sprechen?Can you speak Japanese already?
- JuliaNein, aber wir können zusammen lernen.No, but we can learn together.
- MaximilianDas ist eine gute Idee, Julia.That is a good idea, Julia.
- JuliaDann können wir morgen anfangen.Then we can start tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “can” translations and entries können, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries können, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
