Meaning
Expression of the ability to perform a specific action.
Primary Function
State one's own ability
Communicative Purpose
Inform the interlocutor about what one is able to do
Pattern
Ich kann
Core Structure
Ich kann
Função primária
State one's own ability
Propósito comunicativo
Inform the interlocutor about what one is able to do
Situações de gatilho
When asked about skills, in job interviews, when describing hobbies
Contextos
Alltägliche Gespräche, formelle Interviews, informelle Unterhaltungen
Padrão
Ich kann
Estrutura central
Ich kann
Slots de substituição
Infinitive verb (e.g., schwimmen, laufen, sprechen)
Colocados típicos
- laufen
- sprechen
- lesen
- schreiben
- kochen
- tanzen
- singen
- reiten
Substituições comuns
- Ich kann nicht (negated)
- Ich kann ... gut/schlecht (with degree specification)
Erros comuns
1. Using a conjugated verb after 'kann', e.g., *Ich kann schwamm*; 2. Combining the modal with 'zu', e.g., *Ich kann zu schwimmen*; 3. Using 'kann' instead of 'darf' when referring to permission.
Similar / contraste
Ich darf schwimmen (permission), Ich muss schwimmen (necessity), Ich will schwimmen (desire)
Interferências
English speakers may mistakenly translate the English modal 'can' as a simple present verb, leading to sentences like 'I can to swim'. Also, they might confuse ability with permission and use 'kann' where German would require 'darf'.
Família do chunk
- Ich kann nicht
- Ich weiß wie man
- Ich bin fähig zu
Nuance
„Ich kann schwimmen“ can express not only ability but also a possible option, e.g., in the context of offers: *Ich kann schwimmen, wenn du willst*.
Efeito pragmático
Signals self-confidence and competence; can have a positive effect in job interviews.
Dica de memória
can + infinitive ability
Nota
Das Modalverb „kann“ wird im Deutschen immer mit dem Infinitiv ohne „zu“ verwendet.
Upgrade path
Ich bin in der Lage zu, Ich habe die Fähigkeit zu
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