Können Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Können" is used as verb with the meaning of "can", "to be able to" or "may".

Essential properties of "können"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

  • Infinitive: können
  • Simple past: konnte
  • Participle: gekonnt

See full conjugation of können

irregulartransitive
Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "können" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To express ability or capacity"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.I can speak German.
  2. Sie kann sehr gut schwimmen.She can swim very well.
  3. Wir können das Problem lösen.We can solve the problem.

2.) "To express possibility"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Es kann morgen regnen.It can rain tomorrow.
  2. Das kann nicht wahr sein.That cannot be true.
  3. Es kann sein, dass er zu spät kommt.It can be that he comes too late.

3.) "Expressing permission or authorization"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Du kannst hier parken.You can park here.
  2. Kinder können nach dem Essen spielen.Children can play after eating.
  3. Sie kann jetzt nach Hause gehen.She can go home now.
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