dürfen
/ˈdʏrfən/
The German verb for 'may' in the sense of having permission is dürfen. Wiktionary also lists können.
Meaning: have permission to (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| dürfen | /ˈdʏrfən/ |
| können | /ˈkœnən/ /ˈkœnɛn/ (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland) |
The verb is used to express that one is allowed to do something. It is distinct from expressing ability or possibility.
Which one should you use?
Use dürfen to express permission. In contrast, können is used to express ability or possibility.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form dürfen is noted as colloquial. For the name of the fifth month, the term Wonnemonat is used in formal or literary contexts and means 'month of bliss'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular form of dürfen in the present tense is darf, and the simple past form is durfte.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdʏrfən/
Did you know?
- The verb dürfen is an unexpected relative of the Ancient Greek word τέρπω, which means 'to delight' or 'to please'.
- While dürfen specifically denotes permission, German speakers often use it to signal a prohibition when used with nicht.
Examples in context
- Sie können es haben.You may have it.This sentence shows how to use können.Tatoeba #6643042 by Felixjp, translation #3326708 by CK
- Sie dürfen das essen.You may eat this.This sentence shows how to use dürfen.Tatoeba #11419168 by mayabe, translation #7538301 by CK
- Sie dürfen hier parken.You may park here.Tatoeba #1314916 by Esperantostern, translation #61734 by CK
- Ich werde meine Präsentation im Mai halten.I will give my presentation in May.
- Der Wonnemonat Mai lockt mit blühenden Blumen und warmem Sonnenschein.The blissful month of May entices with blooming flowers and warm sunshine.
- Lasst uns im Mai einen Ausflug machen!Let's go on a trip in May!
- Wir treffen uns am ersten Mai im Park.We're meeting at the park on the first of May.
- Kommst du Ende Mai nach Österreich?Are you coming to Austria at the end of May?
- 172 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “may” translations and entries dürfen, können, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dürfen, können, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
