Modal Verb 'kunnen' (can / to be able) - Present Tense (A1)

Modal verbs modify the main verb in a sentence, often expressing ability, permission, necessity, or desire.

Kunnen means "can" or "to be able to". It is irregular.

Conjugation:

• ik kan (I can)
• jij kunt / kan (you can - informal singular) - kunt is technically more correct, but kan is very common.
• u kunt (you can - formal singular/plural)
• hij kan (he can)
• zij kan (she can)
• het kan (it can)
• wij kunnen (we can)
• jullie kunnen (you can - informal plural)
• zij kunnen (they can)

Sentence Structure: When using a modal verb like kunnen, the sentence structure usually is:

Subject - Modal Verb (conjugated) - (Rest) - Main Verb (infinitive)

The main verb (the action you can do) goes to the end of the clause in its infinitive form (the -en form).

Examples:

• Ik kan Nederlands spreken. (I can speak Dutch.)
• Modal: kan (conjugated for ik)
• Main verb: spreken (infinitive at the end)
• Jij kunt/kan goed koken. (You can cook well.)
• Kunnen jullie komen? (Can you (plural) come?) - Note inversion for question.
• Hij kan hier niet parkeren. (He cannot park here.)
• Wij kunnen de auto zien. (We can see the car.)