Scene 35GrammarPremium

Ich kann helfen. Ich muss nicht kommen.

Ability, possibility and an optional activity

One modal, several useful meanings

can describe a skill: . It can describe a practical possibility: . It also makes a request: The forms and the verb frame stay the same.

Present forms of Tap a word to hear itTap a word to hear it
Person	Form

Place the activity at the end

The modal changes for the subject; the activity stays as an infinitive at the end: . Even a separable infinitive stays together: .

Cannot, or do not have to?

means I cannot come. means I do not have to come: it is optional. In the scene, Hilde cancels the need to attend the rehearsal. She is not saying the learner lacks the ability to go.

Jonas kann singen, aber ich kann nicht singen.Jonas can sing, but I cannot sing.
Wir können morgen helfen.We can help tomorrow.
Du musst nicht kommen. Bleib lieber im Bett.You do not have to come. You had better stay in bed.

Practice 1/5 · Finding words

Notice the useful forms

Tap the marked grammar forms.

.
I can swim.
.
We can help on Saturday.
.
You do not have to come (polite).

Practice 2/5 · The right form

Match the person and the meaning

Choose the right word for the gap.

Ich schwimmen.
I can swim.
Du helfen.
You can help.
Jonas singen.
Jonas can sing.
Wir kommen.
We can come.
Ihr tanzen.
You can dance (several people).
Sie helfen?
Can you help (polite)?
Die Probe ist nicht nötig. Sie kommen.
The rehearsal is not necessary. You do not have to come.

Practice 3/5 · Fill the gaps

Complete the conversation

Fill the gaps with the words from the box.

Ich kochen. Du tanzen.
I can cook. You can dance.
Jonas singen. Wir helfen.
Jonas can sing. We can help.
Ihr schwimmen. Sie auch schwimmen?
You can swim (several people). Can you swim too (polite)?
Ich habe Zeit. Ich morgen kommen.
I have time. I can come tomorrow.

Practice 4/5 · Building sentences

Put the message together

Put the words in order.

Can you put on the coat?
We can help at the festival.
You do not have to come tomorrow (polite).

Practice 5/5 · In situations

Respond to the situation

Choose the right words for the situation.

Hilde says you may stay in bed and miss the rehearsal. You check that attendance is optional.
You say:
Hilde says you may stay in bed and miss the rehearsal. You check that attendance is optional.
You say:
The organiser needs a singer. Jonas sings well, and you suggest him.
You say:
The organiser needs a singer. Jonas sings well, and you suggest him.
You say:

Unit complete

Ich kann helfen. Ich muss nicht kommen.

5exercises

Keep practising

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