Modalverb können
können — for English Speakers
Introduction
German können works like English 'can' — expressing ability or permission. The big difference is word order: the main verb goes to the end of the sentence in its infinitive form. So 'I can swim' becomes 'Ich kann schwimmen' — the structure is the same, but können conjugates irregularly with a vowel change (kann, kannst, kann).
German vs English
In German
Ich kann schwimmen. (modal + infinitive at end)
In English
I can swim. (modal + infinitive right after)
Key Difference
Word order is the same in simple sentences, but in longer ones the infinitive moves further to the end.
In German
Kann ich...? (question by inverting verb + subject)
In English
Can I...? (same inversion pattern)
Key Difference
Question formation works identically — invert modal and subject.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
Ich kann schwimmen gut.
In German, the infinitive must go to the end — adverbs come before it, not after.
Er kann spricht Deutsch.
Using a conjugated verb instead of the infinitive after a modal — English does this right but German learners still conjugate by habit.
Practice Examples
Kannst du mir helfen?
Can you help me?
Ich kann gut kochen.
I can cook well.
Wir können morgen kommen.
We can come tomorrow.
Memory Tip
Modal verbs are bossy — they kick the main verb to the end of the sentence in its naked (infinitive) form.
View Grammar Rule
Modalverb können
können — A1
Practice Exercises
Modalverb können Übungen
8 exercises
Other Languages
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