ˈkœnən

Line drawing of können
Coloured illustration of können
#36 of 5,000 Core 1000

Translation

to be able to, can; to know how to

Grammar

Verb typemodal, irregular (preterite-present)

Irregular verb. A full conjugation table for irregular verbs is coming soon. For now, use a reference like Wordreference or RAE.

Examples

schwimmen.

I can swim well.

helfen?

Could you help me, please?

gestern leider .

Unfortunately we could not come yesterday.

Where this fits

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German · Free printables

können: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the German word "können" (to be able to, can; to know how to): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

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This word is part of lesson 1.