können
Translation
to be able to, can, to know, may
Examples
Ich kann gut schwimmen.
I can swim well.
Kannst du mir helfen?
Can you help me?
Er kann Deutsch.
He knows German.
Das kann wahr sein.
That can be true.
Grammar Patterns
((infinitve)) can (do sth.), to be able to (do sth.) Ich kann heute nicht kommen.
((sth.acc)) to know, to master (sth.) Er kann gut Deutsch.
Similar Words
Synonyms: be able to; Antonyms: cannot
Etymology
From Old High German 'kunnan' (to know, be able). Cognate with English 'can' and 'cunning'.
Memory Tips
Sounds like 'can'. Used for ability (I can swim) and possibility (It can rain).