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{{German-Page-Top}}
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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/German|German]]  → [[Language/German/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/German/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Modal Verbs → Expressing Abilities</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/German|German]]  → [[Language/German/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/German/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Expressing Abilities</div>
 
Welcome to our lesson on '''Expressing Abilities''' in German! Understanding how to express abilities is crucial for communicating effectively in everyday situations. Whether you're chatting with friends, sharing your skills, or simply asking if someone can do something, mastering this topic will enrich your conversations and help you feel more confident in using the German language.
 
In this lesson, we will focus on '''modal verbs''', which are essential for expressing abilities and asking for permission. Modal verbs are unique because they modify the meaning of the main verb. In German, the most relevant modal verb for expressing abilities is '''"können"''' (can).
 
We’ll start with an overview of modal verbs, then dive into how to use them specifically for expressing abilities. After that, we'll provide a multitude of examples to illustrate these concepts. Finally, you'll get the chance to practice what you've learned with some exercises!


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In this lesson, we will learn how to use modal verbs to express abilities and ask for permission. Modal verbs are an important part of the German language and are used to convey various meanings and functions. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently express your abilities and ask for permission in German conversations.
=== Introduction to Modal Verbs ===
 
Modal verbs are a special category of verbs that express necessity, possibility, ability, or permission. In German, the most common modal verbs include:
 
* '''können''' (can)
 
* '''müssen''' (must)
 
* '''dürfen''' (may)
 
* '''sollen''' (should)
 
* '''wollen''' (want to)
 
For our lesson, we'll concentrate primarily on '''"können"''', which translates to "can" in English. This verb allows us to express what someone is able to do.
 
=== Using "können" to Express Abilities ===
 
To express abilities using "können," the structure generally looks like this:
 
'''Subject + können + base form of the verb'''
 
For example:
 
* '''Ich kann schwimmen.''' (I can swim.)
 
* '''Du kannst tanzen.''' (You can dance.)
 
== Examples of "können" in Action
 
Let’s look at some more examples of "können" in various contexts. Below is a table showcasing different sentences:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Ich kann spielen. || ɪç kan ˈʃpiːlən || I can play.
 
|-
 
| Du kannst lesen. || duː kanst ˈleːzən || You can read.
 
|-
 
| Er kann kochen. || eːr kan ˈkɔxən || He can cook.
 
|-
 
| Sie kann singen. || ziː kan ˈzɪŋən || She can sing.
 
|-
 
| Wir können reisen. || viːɐ̯ ˈkœnən ˈʁaɪ̯zən || We can travel.
 
|-
 
| Ihr könnt spielen. || iːɐ̯ kœnt ˈʃpiːlən || You (plural) can play.
 
|-
 
| Sie können arbeiten. || ziː ˈkœnən ˈaːʁbaɪ̯tən || They can work.
 
|-
 
| Ich kann Fahrrad fahren. || ɪç kan ˈfaːʁaːt ˈfaːʁən || I can ride a bicycle.
 
|-
 
| Er kann gut Deutsch sprechen. || eːr kan ɡuːt dɔʏtʃ ˈʃpʁɛçən || He can speak German well.
 
|-
 
| Wir können schwimmen gehen. || viːɐ̯ ˈkœnən ˈʃvɪmən ˈɡeːən || We can go swimming.
 
|}
 
As you can see, "können" is quite versatile!
 
=== Asking for Permission ===
 
In addition to expressing abilities, "können" is also used to ask for permission. The structure changes slightly when we want to seek approval for an action.
 
'''Subject + können + (verb) + (rest of the sentence)?'''
 
For example:
 
* '''Kann ich das machen?''' (Can I do that?)
 
* '''Kannst du mir helfen?''' (Can you help me?)
 
== Examples of Asking for Permission
 
Let’s see some examples of how to use "können" to ask for permission:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Kann ich gehen? || kan ɪç ˈɡeːən || Can I go?
 
|-
 
| Kannst du das ausleihen? || kanst du das ˈaʊ̯sˌlaɪ̯ən || Can you lend that?
 
|-
 
| Kann er mir helfen? || kan eːr miːɐ̯ ˈhɛlfən || Can he help me?
 
|-
 
| Kann sie das machen? || kan ziː das ˈmaχən || Can she do that?
 
|-
 
| Können wir hier sitzen? || ˈkœnən viːɐ̯ hiːʁ ˈzɪtsən || Can we sit here?
 
|-
 
| Könnt ihr mir bitte helfen? || kœnt iːɐ̯ miːɐ̯ ˈbɪtə ˈhɛlfən || Can you (plural) help me, please?
 
|-
 
| Können Sie das erklären? || ˈkœnən ziː das ɛkˈlɛːʁən || Can you (formal) explain that?
 
|-
 
| Kann ich das essen? || kan ɪç das ˈɛsn || Can I eat that?
 
|-
 
| Kannst du mir einen Bleistift geben? || kanst du miːr ˈaɪ̯nən ˈblaɪ̯ʃtɪft ˈɡeːbən || Can you give me a pencil?
 
|-
 
| Kann ich Ihr Buch lesen? || kan ɪç iːɐ̯ buːχ ˈleːzən || Can I read your book?
 
|}
 
Now that you have a good grasp of how to express abilities and ask for permission using "können," let’s put your knowledge to the test with some exercises!
 
=== Practice Exercises ===
 
Here are some exercises to help reinforce what you've learned. Each exercise will challenge you to apply the concepts of expressing abilities and asking for permission.
 
==== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks ====
 
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "können."
 
1. Ich _______ schwimmen. (can)
 
2. Du _______ tanzen. (can)
 
3. Er _______ gut Deutsch sprechen. (can)
 
4. Wir _______ nach Berlin fahren. (can)
 
5. Sie _______ das machen. (can)
 
'''Answers:'''
 
1. kann
 
2. kannst
 
3. kann
 
4. können
 
5. können
 
==== Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences ====
 
Rewrite the following sentences to ask for permission using "können."
 
1. Ich möchte das sehen.
 
2. Du möchtest gehen.
 
3. Er möchte das kaufen.
 
4. Wir möchten hier bleiben.
 
5. Sie möchten helfen.
 
'''Answers:'''
 
1. Kann ich das sehen?
 
2. Kannst du gehen?
 
3. Kann er das kaufen?
 
4. Können wir hier bleiben?
 
5. Können sie helfen?
 
==== Exercise 3: Translate to German ====
 
Translate the following English sentences into German using "können."
 
1. I can ride a bike.
 
2. You can read that book.
 
3. He can cook very well.
 
4. We can play soccer.
 
5. They can help us.
 
'''Answers:'''
 
1. Ich kann Fahrrad fahren.
 
2. Du kannst dieses Buch lesen.
 
3. Er kann sehr gut kochen.
 
4. Wir können Fußball spielen.
 
5. Sie können uns helfen.
 
==== Exercise 4: Create Sentences ====
 
Create sentences using "können" for the following subjects and verbs.
 
1. Ich / schwimmen
 
2. Du / tanzen
 
3. Er / spielen
 
4. Wir / reisen
 
5. Sie / arbeiten
 
'''Sample Answers:'''
 
1. Ich kann schwimmen.
 
2. Du kannst tanzen.
 
3. Er kann spielen.
 
4. Wir können reisen.


== Modal Verbs in German ==
5. Sie können arbeiten.


Modal verbs are a special category of verbs in German that are used to express certain attitudes, abilities, possibilities, or obligations. In English, modal verbs include words like "can," "could," "may," "might," "must," "shall," "should," "will," "would," and "ought to." In German, the most commonly used modal verbs are "können" (can), "müssen" (must), "dürfen" (may), "sollen" (should), "wollen" (want), and "mögen" (like).
==== Exercise 5: Match the Questions ====


Modal verbs differ from regular verbs in that they are always used in combination with another verb in its infinitive form. The modal verb determines the mood, tense, and aspect of the sentence, while the infinitive verb provides the main action. For example:
Match the questions on the left with the correct responses on the right.


* Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.)
1. Kann ich das haben?   a) Ja, du kannst.
* Wir müssen früh aufstehen. (We must wake up early.)
* Darf ich das Fenster öffnen? (May I open the window?)
* Du solltest mehr Sport treiben. (You should do more sports.)


== Expressing Abilities with Modal Verbs ==
2. Kannst du mir helfen?  b) Nein, das kannst du nicht.


One of the main functions of modal verbs is to express abilities. Let's take a closer look at how each modal verb is used to convey different levels of ability:
3. Können wir hier sitzen?  c) Ja, ich kann.


=== Können (Can) ===
4. Kann er das machen?  d) Ja, wir können.


The modal verb "können" is used to express the ability or possibility to do something. It is often translated as "can" in English. Here are some examples:
'''Answers:'''


* Ich kann Deutsch sprechen. (I can speak German.)
1 - b
* Sie kann gut singen. (She can sing well.)
* Kannst du schwimmen? (Can you swim?)
* Wir können morgen ins Kino gehen. (We can go to the cinema tomorrow.)


=== Müssen (Must) ===
2 - a


The modal verb "müssen" is used to express the necessity or obligation to do something. It is often translated as "must" in English. Here are some examples:
3 - d


* Ich muss zur Arbeit gehen. (I must go to work.)
4 - c
* Er muss seine Hausaufgaben machen. (He must do his homework.)
* Musst du heute Abend arbeiten? (Do you have to work tonight?)
* Wir müssen früh aufstehen. (We must wake up early.)


=== Dürfen (May) ===
==== Exercise 6: Fill in the Correct Modal Verb ====


The modal verb "dürfen" is used to express permission or the lack thereof. It is often translated as "may" in English. Here are some examples:
Fill in the correct form of the modal verb for each sentence.


* Darf ich das Fenster öffnen? (May I open the window?)
1. Ich _______ (can) tanzen.
* Du darfst hier nicht rauchen. (You may not smoke here.)
* Dürfen wir das Auto benutzen? (May we use the car?)
* Sie dürfen den Park nicht betreten. (They may not enter the park.)


=== Sollen (Should) ===
2. Du _______ (can) fahren.


The modal verb "sollen" is used to express advice, recommendations, or expectations. It is often translated as "should" in English. Here are some examples:
3. Wir _______ (can) essen.


* Du solltest mehr Sport treiben. (You should do more sports.)
4. Sie _______ (can) spielen.
* Er sollte früher zu Bett gehen. (He should go to bed earlier.)
* Soll ich dir helfen? (Should I help you?)
* Ihr solltet euch beeilen. (You should hurry.)


=== Wollen (Want) ===
5. Er _______ (can) lesen.


The modal verb "wollen" is used to express desires, intentions, or wishes. It is often translated as "want" in English. Here are some examples:
'''Answers:'''


* Ich will ein Eis essen. (I want to eat ice cream.)
1. kann
* Sie will nach Deutschland reisen. (She wants to travel to Germany.)
* Wollt ihr mitkommen? (Do you want to come along?)
* Er will das Buch lesen. (He wants to read the book.)


=== Mögen (Like) ===
2. kannst


The modal verb "mögen" is used to express preferences or likes. It is often translated as "like" in English. Here are some examples:
3. können


* Ich mag Pizza. (I like pizza.)
4. können
* Magst du Musik? (Do you like music?)
* Mögt ihr Kaffee oder Tee? (Do you like coffee or tea?)
* Sie mag Tiere. (She likes animals.)


== Asking for Permission with Modal Verbs ==
5. kann


In addition to expressing abilities, modal verbs can also be used to ask for permission. Here are some common phrases that use modal verbs to ask for permission in German:
==== Exercise 7: True or False ====


* Darf ich das machen? (May I do that?)
Decide whether the statements are true or false.
* Kann ich dich etwas fragen? (Can I ask you something?)
* Dürfen wir das benutzen? (May we use that?)
* Soll ich dir helfen? (Should I help you?)


When asking for permission, it is important to use the appropriate modal verb and word order. The modal verb is placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject and the main verb in its infinitive form. For example:
1. "können" is used to express ability. (True)


* Darf ich ins Kino gehen? (May I go to the cinema?)
2. "können" can only be used in the present tense. (False)
* Kann ich das Buch ausleihen? (Can I borrow the book?)
* Dürfen wir das Foto machen? (May we take the photo?)
* Soll ich den Tisch decken? (Should I set the table?)


== Practice Exercises ==
3. "können" is a modal verb. (True)


Now that you have learned how to express abilities and ask for permission using modal verbs, it's time to practice! Here are some exercises to reinforce your understanding:
4. You cannot use "können" to ask for permission. (False)


Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate modal verb:
5. "können" means "must" in English. (False)


1. Ich __________ gut tanzen. (I can dance well.)
==== Exercise 8: Create a Dialogue ====
2. __________ du mir bitte helfen? (Can you please help me?)
3. Wir __________ heute Abend ins Kino gehen. (We can go to the cinema tonight.)
4. __________ ich das Fenster öffnen? (May I open the window?)
5. Er __________ mehr Sport treiben. (He should do more sports.)


Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a modal verb to express permission:
Write a short dialogue using "können" to express abilities and ask for permission.


1. Kann ich das Buch behalten? (May I keep the book?)
'''Sample Dialogue:'''
2. Darf ich das Auto benutzen? (May I use the car?)
3. Kannst du mir bitte helfen? (Can you please help me?)
4. Darf ich das Foto machen? (May I take the photo?)
5. Kann ich das Spielzeug haben? (May I have the toy?)


== Conclusion ==
''Person A'': Kannst du schwimmen? 


Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to use modal verbs to express abilities and ask for permission in German. Modal verbs are an essential part of the German language and will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively with native speakers. Keep practicing and incorporating modal verbs into your daily conversations to become more fluent in German.
''Person B'': Ja, ich kann schwimmen. Kannst du auch schwimmen? 
 
''Person A'': Nein, ich kann nicht schwimmen. Kann ich mit dir schwimmen gehen? 
 
''Person B'': Ja, das kannst du!
 
==== Exercise 9: Choose the Right Answer ====
 
Choose the correct form of "können" to complete the sentences.
 
1. Ich _______ (kann/kannst) gut singen.
 
2. Du _______ (kann/kannst) das machen.
 
3. Wir _______ (können/kann) nach Hause gehen.
 
4. Sie _______ (können/kann) gut zeichnen.
 
5. Er _______ (kann/könnt) das essen.
 
'''Answers:'''
 
1. kann
 
2. kannst
 
3. können
 
4. kann
 
5. kann
 
==== Exercise 10: Short Answer Questions ====
 
Answer the following questions using "können."
 
1. Was kannst du gut? 
 
2. Kannst du ein Instrument spielen? 
 
3. Was möchten sie machen? 
 
4. Können wir ins Kino gehen? 
 
5. Kann ich dein Buch ausleihen? 
 
'''Sample Answers:'''
 
1. Ich kann gut singen.
 
2. Ja, ich kann Gitarre spielen.
 
3. Sie möchten ins Restaurant gehen.
 
4. Ja, wir können ins Kino gehen.
 
5. Ja, du kannst mein Buch ausleihen.
 
=== Conclusion ===
 
Congratulations on completing this lesson on expressing abilities using the modal verb "können"! You've learned how to articulate what you and others can do, as well as how to ask for permission. Keep practicing these structures in your daily conversations, and soon you'll feel more confident in your ability to communicate in German.
 
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't hesitate to revisit this lesson whenever you need a refresher.  


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=German Grammar → Modal Verbs → Expressing Abilities
 
|keywords=German, modal verbs, expressing abilities, asking for permission, German grammar, German language
|title=German Grammar: Expressing Abilities with Modal Verbs
|description=Learn how to use modal verbs to express abilities and ask for permission in German. Modal verbs are an essential part of the German language and will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively with native speakers.
 
|keywords=können, German grammar, modal verbs, expressing abilities, asking for permission, German language
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to use the modal verb "können" to express abilities and ask for permission in German. Perfect for beginners!
 
}}
}}


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==Sources==
==Sources==

Latest revision as of 18:30, 31 July 2024

◀️ Public Transportation — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Talking About Obligations ▶️

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German → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Expressing Abilities

Welcome to our lesson on Expressing Abilities in German! Understanding how to express abilities is crucial for communicating effectively in everyday situations. Whether you're chatting with friends, sharing your skills, or simply asking if someone can do something, mastering this topic will enrich your conversations and help you feel more confident in using the German language.

In this lesson, we will focus on modal verbs, which are essential for expressing abilities and asking for permission. Modal verbs are unique because they modify the meaning of the main verb. In German, the most relevant modal verb for expressing abilities is "können" (can).

We’ll start with an overview of modal verbs, then dive into how to use them specifically for expressing abilities. After that, we'll provide a multitude of examples to illustrate these concepts. Finally, you'll get the chance to practice what you've learned with some exercises!

Introduction to Modal Verbs[edit | edit source]

Modal verbs are a special category of verbs that express necessity, possibility, ability, or permission. In German, the most common modal verbs include:

  • können (can)
  • müssen (must)
  • dürfen (may)
  • sollen (should)
  • wollen (want to)

For our lesson, we'll concentrate primarily on "können", which translates to "can" in English. This verb allows us to express what someone is able to do.

Using "können" to Express Abilities[edit | edit source]

To express abilities using "können," the structure generally looks like this:

Subject + können + base form of the verb

For example:

  • Ich kann schwimmen. (I can swim.)
  • Du kannst tanzen. (You can dance.)

== Examples of "können" in Action

Let’s look at some more examples of "können" in various contexts. Below is a table showcasing different sentences:

German Pronunciation English
Ich kann spielen. ɪç kan ˈʃpiːlən I can play.
Du kannst lesen. duː kanst ˈleːzən You can read.
Er kann kochen. eːr kan ˈkɔxən He can cook.
Sie kann singen. ziː kan ˈzɪŋən She can sing.
Wir können reisen. viːɐ̯ ˈkœnən ˈʁaɪ̯zən We can travel.
Ihr könnt spielen. iːɐ̯ kœnt ˈʃpiːlən You (plural) can play.
Sie können arbeiten. ziː ˈkœnən ˈaːʁbaɪ̯tən They can work.
Ich kann Fahrrad fahren. ɪç kan ˈfaːʁaːt ˈfaːʁən I can ride a bicycle.
Er kann gut Deutsch sprechen. eːr kan ɡuːt dɔʏtʃ ˈʃpʁɛçən He can speak German well.
Wir können schwimmen gehen. viːɐ̯ ˈkœnən ˈʃvɪmən ˈɡeːən We can go swimming.

As you can see, "können" is quite versatile!

Asking for Permission[edit | edit source]

In addition to expressing abilities, "können" is also used to ask for permission. The structure changes slightly when we want to seek approval for an action.

Subject + können + (verb) + (rest of the sentence)?

For example:

  • Kann ich das machen? (Can I do that?)
  • Kannst du mir helfen? (Can you help me?)

== Examples of Asking for Permission

Let’s see some examples of how to use "können" to ask for permission:

German Pronunciation English
Kann ich gehen? kan ɪç ˈɡeːən Can I go?
Kannst du das ausleihen? kanst du das ˈaʊ̯sˌlaɪ̯ən Can you lend that?
Kann er mir helfen? kan eːr miːɐ̯ ˈhɛlfən Can he help me?
Kann sie das machen? kan ziː das ˈmaχən Can she do that?
Können wir hier sitzen? ˈkœnən viːɐ̯ hiːʁ ˈzɪtsən Can we sit here?
Könnt ihr mir bitte helfen? kœnt iːɐ̯ miːɐ̯ ˈbɪtə ˈhɛlfən Can you (plural) help me, please?
Können Sie das erklären? ˈkœnən ziː das ɛkˈlɛːʁən Can you (formal) explain that?
Kann ich das essen? kan ɪç das ˈɛsn Can I eat that?
Kannst du mir einen Bleistift geben? kanst du miːr ˈaɪ̯nən ˈblaɪ̯ʃtɪft ˈɡeːbən Can you give me a pencil?
Kann ich Ihr Buch lesen? kan ɪç iːɐ̯ buːχ ˈleːzən Can I read your book?

Now that you have a good grasp of how to express abilities and ask for permission using "können," let’s put your knowledge to the test with some exercises!

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Here are some exercises to help reinforce what you've learned. Each exercise will challenge you to apply the concepts of expressing abilities and asking for permission.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "können."

1. Ich _______ schwimmen. (can)

2. Du _______ tanzen. (can)

3. Er _______ gut Deutsch sprechen. (can)

4. Wir _______ nach Berlin fahren. (can)

5. Sie _______ das machen. (can)

Answers:

1. kann

2. kannst

3. kann

4. können

5. können

Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Rewrite the following sentences to ask for permission using "können."

1. Ich möchte das sehen.

2. Du möchtest gehen.

3. Er möchte das kaufen.

4. Wir möchten hier bleiben.

5. Sie möchten helfen.

Answers:

1. Kann ich das sehen?

2. Kannst du gehen?

3. Kann er das kaufen?

4. Können wir hier bleiben?

5. Können sie helfen?

Exercise 3: Translate to German[edit | edit source]

Translate the following English sentences into German using "können."

1. I can ride a bike.

2. You can read that book.

3. He can cook very well.

4. We can play soccer.

5. They can help us.

Answers:

1. Ich kann Fahrrad fahren.

2. Du kannst dieses Buch lesen.

3. Er kann sehr gut kochen.

4. Wir können Fußball spielen.

5. Sie können uns helfen.

Exercise 4: Create Sentences[edit | edit source]

Create sentences using "können" for the following subjects and verbs.

1. Ich / schwimmen

2. Du / tanzen

3. Er / spielen

4. Wir / reisen

5. Sie / arbeiten

Sample Answers:

1. Ich kann schwimmen.

2. Du kannst tanzen.

3. Er kann spielen.

4. Wir können reisen.

5. Sie können arbeiten.

Exercise 5: Match the Questions[edit | edit source]

Match the questions on the left with the correct responses on the right.

1. Kann ich das haben? a) Ja, du kannst.

2. Kannst du mir helfen? b) Nein, das kannst du nicht.

3. Können wir hier sitzen? c) Ja, ich kann.

4. Kann er das machen? d) Ja, wir können.

Answers:

1 - b

2 - a

3 - d

4 - c

Exercise 6: Fill in the Correct Modal Verb[edit | edit source]

Fill in the correct form of the modal verb for each sentence.

1. Ich _______ (can) tanzen.

2. Du _______ (can) fahren.

3. Wir _______ (can) essen.

4. Sie _______ (can) spielen.

5. Er _______ (can) lesen.

Answers:

1. kann

2. kannst

3. können

4. können

5. kann

Exercise 7: True or False[edit | edit source]

Decide whether the statements are true or false.

1. "können" is used to express ability. (True)

2. "können" can only be used in the present tense. (False)

3. "können" is a modal verb. (True)

4. You cannot use "können" to ask for permission. (False)

5. "können" means "must" in English. (False)

Exercise 8: Create a Dialogue[edit | edit source]

Write a short dialogue using "können" to express abilities and ask for permission.

Sample Dialogue:

Person A: Kannst du schwimmen?

Person B: Ja, ich kann schwimmen. Kannst du auch schwimmen?

Person A: Nein, ich kann nicht schwimmen. Kann ich mit dir schwimmen gehen?

Person B: Ja, das kannst du!

Exercise 9: Choose the Right Answer[edit | edit source]

Choose the correct form of "können" to complete the sentences.

1. Ich _______ (kann/kannst) gut singen.

2. Du _______ (kann/kannst) das machen.

3. Wir _______ (können/kann) nach Hause gehen.

4. Sie _______ (können/kann) gut zeichnen.

5. Er _______ (kann/könnt) das essen.

Answers:

1. kann

2. kannst

3. können

4. kann

5. kann

Exercise 10: Short Answer Questions[edit | edit source]

Answer the following questions using "können."

1. Was kannst du gut?

2. Kannst du ein Instrument spielen?

3. Was möchten sie machen?

4. Können wir ins Kino gehen?

5. Kann ich dein Buch ausleihen?

Sample Answers:

1. Ich kann gut singen.

2. Ja, ich kann Gitarre spielen.

3. Sie möchten ins Restaurant gehen.

4. Ja, wir können ins Kino gehen.

5. Ja, du kannst mein Buch ausleihen.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations on completing this lesson on expressing abilities using the modal verb "können"! You've learned how to articulate what you and others can do, as well as how to ask for permission. Keep practicing these structures in your daily conversations, and soon you'll feel more confident in your ability to communicate in German.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't hesitate to revisit this lesson whenever you need a refresher.

Table of Contents - German Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Basic Sentence Structures


Greetings and Introduction


Definite and Indefinite Articles


Numbers, Dates and Time


Verbs and Conjugation


Family and Friends


Prepositions


Food and Drinks


Germany and German-Speaking Countries


Pronouns and Possessives


Travel and Transportation


Modal Verbs


Shopping and Clothes


Music and Entertainment


Adjectives


Health and Body


Time and Temporal Prepositions

Sources[edit | edit source]



Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



◀️ Public Transportation — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Talking About Obligations ▶️

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