ich kann
ich kann is the German phrase for "I can".
This phrase is used to express that someone has the ability or permission to do something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb kann is the first-person singular conjugation of the modal verb können. Other forms of this verb include du kannst (you can), er/sie/es kann (he/she/it can), wir können (we can) and ihr könnt (you plural can). When using ich kann with another verb, the second verb is placed at the very end of the sentence in its infinitive form.
Did you know?
- In German, saying Ich kann without a following verb can sometimes be a shorthand for 'I know how' or 'I have mastered it', especially when referring to a musical piece or a poem.
- If a German speaker says Ich kann nicht, they aren't always saying they lack the ability. It is frequently used as a polite but firm way to decline an invitation, meaning 'I can't make it'.
- While ich kann usually means ability, using it to mean 'permission' is becoming less common. Modern speakers often prefer ich darf to specifically denote that they are allowed to do something.
Examples in context
- Ich kann es hören.I can hear it.This example shows how to use ich kann to express the ability to hear.Tatoeba #8728508 by Yorwba, translation #6358574 by CK
- Ich kann es lesen.I can read it.This example shows how to use ich kann to express the ability to read.Tatoeba #12051719 by mayabe, translation #6358571 by CK
- Ich kann es spüren.I can feel it.This example shows how to use ich kann to express the ability to feel.Tatoeba #1841962 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1841705 by CK
- Ich kann das tun.I can do that.
- Ich bin fähig dazu.I am capable of it.
- Ich besitze die Fähigkeit dazu.I possess the ability to do it.
- Ich schaffe das.I can manage that.
- Kein Problem, ich kriege das hin.No problem, I can handle it.
- Das kann ich schon.I can already do that.
- Ich kann kochen.I can cook.
- Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.I can speak German.
- Ich kann schwimmen.I can swim.
- Ich kann Klavier spielen.I can play the piano.
- Ich kann gut schwimmen.I can swim well.
- Ich kann wunderschön Klavier spielen.I can play the piano beautifully.
- 1173 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing plans for the weekend.
- SarahKannst du am Samstag kommen?Can you come on Saturday?
- MaximilianJa, ich kann kommen.Yes, I can come.
- SarahDas ist toll, Maximilian!That is great, Maximilian!
- MaximilianIch freue mich darauf.I am looking forward to it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
