können
Translation
could (subjunctive), can (reported speech)
Examples
Er sagte, er könne morgen kommen.
He said he could come tomorrow.
Sie fragte, ob sie helfen könne.
She asked if she could help.
Grammar Patterns
((infinitive)) could (reported speech) He said he could swim.
Similar Words
dürfe (subjunctive of dürfen), möge (subjunctive of mögen)
Etymology
From Old High German 'kunnan' (to know, to be able to). Related to English 'can' and 'ken'.
Memory Tips
Remember this as the reported speech (Konjunktiv I) form of 'kann'. It's used to quote someone, adding a layer of distance.