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.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Some of our videos, including non-English language videos, do not have captions.
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.