kunnen

Kunnen is a Dutch modal auxiliary verb meaning “to be able to” or “can.” It is used with another verb in the infinitive to express ability, possibility, or, in some contexts, permission (though permission is more often expressed with mogen). As a modal, kunt worden in combination with the main verb, and the main verb remains in the infinitive at the end of the clause.

Conjugation and forms

In the present tense the standard forms are: ik kan, jij kunt, hij kan, wij kunnen, jullie kunnen, zij kunnen. The past (imperfect) tense is: ik kon, jij kon, hij kon, wij konden, jullie konden, zij konden. The past participle is gekund, and the present perfect is formed with hebben: ik heb kunnen zwemmen. The verb also appears in conditional and subjunctive constructions, notably in phrases like Dat zou kunnen (“That could be possible”). In questions, the form often appears as Kun je…? and in polite or formal contexts as Kunt u…?

Usage notes

Kunnen governs another verb in the infinitive (kunnen + infinitive). It denotes actual ability (physical or cognitive), hypothetical possibility, or general capability. In many contexts, kunnen contrasts with mogen, which expresses permission; mogen is the preferred choice when permission rather than ability is meant. The verb can express past capability with the imperfect kon, and ongoing or future possibilities with kan, kunnen, or zou kunnen.

Etymology

Kunnen derives from Old Dutch kunnene/kunne, related to German können and English can. It traces to Proto-Germanic roots for “know” or “be able,” reflecting a long-standing sense of capability across related languages.