Can, may, to be able in German 🇩🇪

können info.

Tips to remember the German word “können”:
– One helpful tip is to associate the German word “können” with the English word “can,” as they have a similar meaning.
– Remember that “können” is an irregular verb in German, so its conjugation might be different from regular verbs.
– Practice using “können” in different contexts and sentences to familiarize yourself with its usage.

Explanations:
“Können” is a modal verb in German, which is used to express the ability, capability, or possibility of doing something. It is used to indicate someone’s skill or permission to perform an action. “Können” is also used to express knowledge or acquaintance with something or someone.

Other words that mean the same thing:
– Dürfen: meaning “to be allowed to” or “may.”
– Vermögen: meaning “to be capable of” or “to be able to.”
– Gestatten: meaning “to allow” or “to permit.”

Alternate meanings and slang:
– In slang or colloquial contexts, “können” is sometimes used to express doubt or disbelief about someone’s claims or statements. For example, “Das kannst du doch nicht ernst meinen!” (You can’t possibly mean that!).

Examples of sentences using “können”:
1. Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.)
2. Kannst du mir beim Umzug helfen? (Can you help me with the move?)
3. Wir können heute Abend ins Kino gehen. (We can go to the cinema tonight.)
4. Kannst du mir sagen, wo der Bahnhof ist? (Can you tell me where the train station is?)
5. Ich kann nicht glauben, dass du das geschafft hast! (I can’t believe you did it!)

Note: It’s important to remember that the translation of “können” depends on the context, and it can also be translated as “to be able to,” “to know how to,” or “to have the possibility to.”

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können info.

Tips to Remember “können”:
– Link “können” to its English cognates “can” and “know,” as they all share a similar root.
– Think of “könig” (king) and imagine that a king “can” do anything.
– Use mnemonic devices such as “Kids Often Need (to) Know Everything Now” to remember ‘können.’

Explanations:
– “Können” is a modal verb in German, used to express ability, permission, or possibility.
– Its conjugation varies with the subject (ich kann, du kannst, er/sie/es kann, etc.).
– It’s used in a similar way to the English verbs “can” and “may,” and the phrase “to be able to.”

Other Words That Mean the Same Thing:
– “Fähig sein” can be used to mean “to be capable” or “to be able to.”
– “Dürfen” is used specifically for permission and is closer to the English “may.”
– “Imstande sein” also means “to be able to” or “to be in a position to.”

Alternate Meanings/Slang:
– In slang, “können” can take on more casual meanings like “to be up for” or “to know one’s way around.”
– Sometimes it’s used to imply skill, as in “Er kann’s” (“He’s got it/he’s skilled”).

Examples of Sentences:
– “Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.” (I can speak German.)
– “Kann ich das Fenster öffnen?” (May I open the window?)
– “Sie kann gut singen.” (She can sing well.)
– “Wir können uns um 3 Uhr treffen.” (We can meet at 3 o’clock.)
– “Kannst du mir helfen?” (Can you help me?)

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