How to Say “I Know German” in German

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Ich kann Deutsch
The English phrase "I know german" is expressed in German as Ich kann Deutsch.
This phrase is used to state that a person has the ability to speak or understand the German language.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase literally translates to "I can German". In this context, the verb können (to be able to) is used to express proficiency in a language.

Which one should you use?

While Ich kann Deutsch is a common elliptical way to express language proficiency, you can also use Ich kann Deutsch sprechen to be more explicit. If you want to specify your level of mastery, you might use more detailed phrases like Ich spreche Deutsch fließend (I speak German fluently) or Ich habe gute Deutschkenntnisse (I possess good German language skills).

How does it change in a sentence?

Adding the verb sprechen (to speak) to the phrase, as in Ich kann Deutsch sprechen, makes the sentence more explicit and formal than the common elliptical form Ich kann Deutsch.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid saying Ich weiß Deutsch. English speakers sometimes mistakenly use wissen (to know a fact) instead of können (to be able to/to know a skill) when referring to language proficiency.

Did you know?

  • The German word Deutsch is related to the Persian word tude, which means 'people' or 'nation'. Both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root.

Examples in context

  • Ich beherrsche Deutsch und kann problemlos in dieser Sprache kommunizieren.
    I know German and can communicate effortlessly in this language.
  • Ich kann Deutsch, aber nur ein bisschen. Vielleicht könnten wir ein paar Wörter austauschen!
    I know German, but only a little bit. Maybe we could exchange a few words!
  • Ich kann Deutsch, aber mein Englisch ist nicht so gut.
    I know German, but my English is not so good.
  • Ich kann Deutsch und ein bisschen Spanisch.
    I know German and a little bit of Spanish.

Example conversation

Lukas and Laura are talking about language skills at a cafe.

  1. Lukas

    Kannst du die Speisekarte lesen?
    Can you read the menu?
  2. Laura

    Ja, ich kann Deutsch.
    Yes, I know German.
  3. Lukas

    Das ist sehr hilfreich für uns.
    That is very helpful for us.
  4. Laura

    Kein Problem, ich bestelle für uns.
    No problem, I will order for us.

Sources

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Addison Natalie
Addison NatalieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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