Can and can't: singular 'können' + infinitive and negation
Learning outcomes
I can say what I or others are unable to do by using 'nicht' or 'kein' with 'können'.
I can distinguish between [au] and [äu] sounds.
Can and can't: singular 'können' + infinitive and negation
Learning outcomes
I can say what I or others are unable to do by using 'nicht' or 'kein' with 'können'.
I can distinguish between [au] and [äu] sounds.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- 'Können' is a modal verb used to say what you can and cannot do (as in physically or situationally able).
- Modal verbs such as 'können' require a 2nd verb in the infinitive, placed at the end of the sentence.
- Use part of 'können' + 'nicht' before the infinitive verb to mean 'cannot'/'can't', e.g., 'Ich kann nicht singen.'
- Use part of 'können' + 'kein' + noun to mean 'cannot'/'can't', e.g., 'Ich kann kein Haus sehen' - 'I can't see a house'.
Keywords
[au], [äu] - pronounced as in 'Haus' or 'Häuser'
Modal verb - verb of necessity or possibility (must, can, want) used with a 2nd verb in the infinitive, which goes to the end
Können - a modal verb meaning 'to be able to'
Nicht - 'not'
Keinen, keine, kein - indefinite articles meaning 'not a'
Common misconception
Always use the word 'nicht' to negate a statement.
Use the correct form of 'kein' to translate 'not a/any' with nouns. Use 'nicht' with verbs and adjectives.
To help you plan your year 7 german lesson on: Can and can't: singular 'können' + infinitive and negation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 german lesson on: Can and can't: singular 'können' + infinitive and negation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 german lessons from the Friends and family: weak and strong verbs singular and 3rd person plural unit, dive into the full secondary german curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
healthy
boring
tasty
easy
nice
hard, difficult
Exit quiz
6 Questions
He cannot go.
She cannot eat a piece.
I can make videos.
He cannot find a body.
You can use films.
I can come now.