Line drawing of können
Coloured illustration of können
#36 of 1,000Core 1000

Translation

to be able to, can; to know how to

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Grammar

Verb typemodal, irregular (preterite-present), perfect with haben

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

Examples

.

I can swim well.

?

Could you help me, please?

.

Unfortunately we could not come yesterday.

Where this fits

Used in

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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.

This word is taught in chapter 1, lesson 7: können, an, noch and 11 more words.