das  Können

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkœnən/

🧠 What exactly does "das Können" mean?

Das Können (noun, neuter) refers to the ability, the capacity, or the competence to do or achieve something. It is the nominalization (Substantivierung) of the modal verb können (to be able to / can).

So, it describes practical knowledge, learned or innate skill, or know-how in a specific area.

• It often relates to acquired skills through practice and experience.
• It can refer to mental, physical, or social competencies.

🚨 Attention: Do not confuse it with the verb können (ich kann, du kannst, ... - I can, you can, ...).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Können" in Detail

Das Können is a nominalized verb (from the modal verb können) and is therefore neuter (sächlich). It is generally used only in the singular.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

A plural form of "Können" is very uncommon and generally avoided. Instead, one speaks of "Fähigkeiten" (abilities) or "Kompetenzen" (competencies).

💡 Example Sentences

1. Sein Können auf dem Klavier ist beeindruckend. (His skill on the piano is impressive.)
2. Sie stellte ihr ganzes Können unter Beweis. (She demonstrated her full ability. / She put all her skill to the test.)
3. Für diesen Job braucht man nicht nur Wissen, sondern auch praktisches Können. (For this job, you need not only knowledge but also practical skills/ability.)
4. Das Können des Handwerkers zeigte sich in jedem Detail. (The craftsman's skill was evident in every detail.)

🌐 How to use "das Können"?

Das Können is used to express an acquired or existing ability or expertise. It often emphasizes the result of learning, practice, and experience.

• Context: Frequently used in professional, educational, or artistic contexts.
• Differentiation:
  • Die Fähigkeit (ability): Often more general, can also be innate.
  • Das Talent (talent): Emphasizes a special, often innate gift.
  • Die Kompetenz (competence): Often refers to specific, demonstrable skills, especially in a professional setting.
• Typical Collocations: "sein Können zeigen/unter Beweis stellen" (to show/demonstrate one's skill), "fachliches Können" (professional/technical skill), "handwerkliches Können" (craftsmanship, manual skill), "künstlerisches Können" (artistic skill).

🗝️ Mnemonics for "das Können"

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of nominalized verbs in German often being neuter: das Laufen (the running), das Sprechen (the speaking), so also das Können. Or think of "das result" of being able to do something is your skill, your Können.

Meaning Mnemonic (Ability/Skill): The word contains "können" (can / to be able to). Just imagine someone saying "I can do this!" - the thing they possess, the noun form of that 'can-ness', is das Können.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "das Können"

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Die Kenntnis (knowledge): Refers more to theoretical knowledge than practical application (although Können often presupposes Kenntnisse).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen Können und Wissen?"
Fritzchen: "Wissen ist, zu wissen, dass eine Tomate eine Frucht ist. Können ist, sie nicht in den Obstsalat zu tun."

Translation:
The teacher asks: "Little Fritz, what's the difference between Können (ability/skill) and Wissen (knowledge)?"
Little Fritz: "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Ability (Können) is not putting it in the fruit salad."

📜 Poem about Ability (das Können)

Nicht nur das Wollen zählt im Leben,
auch nicht allein das hohe Streben.
Was wirklich Früchte trägt am End',
ist das Können, das man kennt.
Durch Übung wird es stark und groß,
befreit dich aus der Sorgen Schoß.
Ob Handwerk, Kunst, ob Geist, ob Spiel,
das Können bringt dich an dein Ziel.

Translation:
Not only the wanting counts in life,
nor just the high aspiring strife.
What truly bears fruit in the end,
is the ability (das Können) that you comprehend.
Through practice, it grows strong and vast,
frees you from worries holding fast.
Be it craft, or art, or mind, or game,
the ability (das Können) helps you reach your aim.

❓ A Riddle about Können

Ich bin kein Ding, das man kann seh'n,
doch zeige ich, was Menschen gut versteh'n.
Man braucht mich für Beruf und Spiel,
erreicht mit mir so manches Ziel.
Ich wachse, wenn man fleißig übt,
und bin das, was den Meister liebt.

Was bin ich?
Lösung: das Können

Translation:
I am not a thing that you can see,
But I show what people understand well, you agree.
You need me for work and for play,
With me, you reach many goals along the way.
I grow when you practice with diligence,
And I am what the master loves, in essence.

What am I?

Answer: das Können (ability/skill)

🧩 Other Information

Word Formation:

• Das Können is a classic example of nominalization (Substantivierung) of a verb in German. Here, the infinitive of the modal verb können (to be able to) is used as a noun.
• This type of nominalization almost always results in a neuter noun, hence das Können.