Can and able: singular 'können' + infinitive
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can say what I and others are able to do using the modal verb 'können' and correct word order.
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- [au] is pronounced as in 'Haus'.
- Learning new vocabulary (especially verbs) allows you to use familiar vocabulary in different ways.
- 'Können' is a modal verb used to say what you can and cannot do (as in physically or situationally able).
- 'Kann' means 'can' and is used with 'ich', 'sie', 'er', 'es'. 'Du kannst' means 'you can'.
- Modal verbs such as 'können' require a 2nd verb in the infinitive, placed at the end of the sentence.
Keywords
[au] - pronounced as in 'Haus'
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'
Common misconception
The infinitive comes directly after the form of 'können', as in English: 'I can play guitar'.
The infinitive comes at the end of the sentence in German when used with a modal verb such as 'können', as in 'Ich kann Gitarre spielen'.
Teacher tip
Use beanbags for Task A1 to bring fun into the room!
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The dictionary form of the verb is called the .
Q2.What is meant by 'word order'?
Q3.Match the German and English.
boring
totally
good, well
whole, all the
quite
now
Q4.Match the German and English.
to be nice
to be difficult
to sing badly
to go to school
to understand the teachers
to have nothing
Q5.Which of the following words are conjugated verbs?
Q6.Translate the following sentence into German: 'I have a piece.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the German and English.
to use, using
to eat, eating
fruit
biscuit
to see, seeing
trousers
Q2.Complete the missing sound-symbol correspondence: '__sgehen' (to go out).
Q3.Which of these statements are correct?
Q4.A modal verb such as 'können' works with a second verb in the infinitive. Where does the infinitive come in the sentence?
Q5.Translate the following sentence into English: 'Er kann im Garten arbeiten.'
Q6.Translate the following sentence into German: 'Mia can swim.'
To help you plan your 7 German lesson on: Can and able: singular 'können' + infinitive, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 German lesson on: Can and able: singular 'können' + infinitive, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 German lessons from the Friends and family: weak and strong verbs singular and 3rd person plural unit, dive into the full secondary German curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.