kunnen — meaning in English: be able to

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kunnen

appel

ondergang

uitspraak

onmisbaar

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'kunnen' in everyday conversations to express ability or possibility. For example, you might hear someone say, 'Ik kan het niet geloven,' meaning 'I can't believe it,' when discussing surprising news. It's also commonly used in educational settings, as in 'Je kunt het proberen,' meaning 'You can try it,' encouraging students to attempt a task.

Synonyms & nuances

'Kunnen' is closely related to the verb 'mogen,' which means 'to be allowed to.' While 'kunnen' focuses on capability, 'mogen' leans more towards permission. You would use 'kunnen' when discussing skills, but 'mogen' when talking about what one is permitted to do.

Culture

'Kunnen' stems from the Old Dutch word 'kunnen', which is related to the German verb 'können'. This shows the close linguistic ties between Dutch and German. Interestingly, the concept of ability is highly valued in Dutch culture, where self-sufficiency and independence are often emphasized, making 'kunnen' a frequently used term in everyday life.

FAQ

Q.How do you conjugate the verb 'kunnen' in Dutch?

'Kunnen' is an irregular verb in Dutch. It conjugates as follows: ik kan (I can), jij kunt (you can, informal), hij/zij/het kan (he/she/it can), wij kunnen (we can), and u kunt (you can, formal).

Q.What are some common phrases using 'kunnen'?

Common phrases include 'Ik kan het,' which means 'I can do it,' and 'Je kunt het,' meaning 'You can do it.' These phrases are often used to encourage someone or express confidence in someone's abilities.

Q.When should I use 'kunnen' instead of other modal verbs?

'Kunnen' should be used specifically to express ability or possibility. If you want to express permission, choose 'mogen,' and for necessity, use 'moeten.' Understanding these distinctions will help you use modal verbs more accurately.

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Dutch Vocabulary