can

• Modalverb, das Fähigkeit, Möglichkeit, Erlaubnis oder eine höfliche Bitte ausdrückt; es hat keine eigene Vergangenheitsform, stattdessen wird 'could' verwendet.

Core modal auxiliary verb expressing ability, possibility, permission, or polite request. Forms a paradigmatic pair with 'could' (past tense / conditional form). 'Could' extends 'can' to past ability, hypothetical situations, and more tentative/polite requests. Used across all English varieties without significant regional variation.

1. Present Ability or CapabilityA1formal

   Expresses that the subject possesses the physical, mental, or learned skill to perform an action in the present or as a general truth. This is the most fundamental use of 'can', indicating inherent or acquired capacity. Contrasts with 'could' which refers to past ability or hypothetical capacity.

   Fähigkeit oder Fertigkeit in der Gegenwart

   • She can speak three languages fluently.
   • I can swim across the lake in under 20 minutes.
   • He can solve complex equations mentally.
   • They can work remotely from anywhere in the world.
   • Can you lift this box by yourself?

2. General or Theoretical PossibilityA2formal

   Indicates that something is possible in principle, may happen under certain conditions, or represents a logical deduction. Used for stating facts about what is potentially true or achievable, not referring to a specific instance. Related to 'could' which expresses more tentative or conditional possibility.

   Allgemeine oder theoretische Möglichkeit

   • It can get extremely cold in Siberia during winter.
   • Smoking can significantly increase the risk of heart disease.
   • Even experienced developers can make simple mistakes.
   • This software can process thousands of requests per second.
   • Children can learn languages faster than adults.

3. Informal PermissionA1informal

   Used to give, ask for, or deny permission in casual or informal contexts. Less formal than 'may', this usage is extremely common in everyday spoken English. 'Could' serves as a more polite or tentative alternative when requesting permission.

   Informelle Erlaubnis

   • You can borrow my notes if you missed the lecture.
   • Can I use your charger for a few minutes?
   • Employees can take two 15-minute breaks during their shift.
   • Can we submit the assignment electronically?
   • You can't enter the lab without protective equipment.

4. Polite Request or OfferA1informal

   Employed to make courteous requests, offers of assistance, or suggestions in conversational English. While 'can' is acceptable, 'could' is often preferred for greater politeness or deference in formal situations. This function highlights the pragmatic flexibility of modal verbs in social interaction.

   Höfliche Bitte oder Angebot

   • Can you please send me the report by Friday?
   • Can I help you carry those groceries?
   • Can we schedule a follow-up meeting next week?
   • Can you clarify what you mean by 'urgent'?
   • Can I suggest we approach the problem from a different angle?

5. Logical Deduction (Negative)B1formal

   In negative form 'can't' or 'cannot', expresses strong disbelief or logical impossibility based on available evidence. Used to conclude that something is virtually impossible or contradicts known facts. 'Couldn't' serves the same function for past reference or more tentative deduction.

   Logische Folgerung (Verneinung)

   • That can't be John — he's currently on vacation in Spain.
   • She can't have finished the project already; it was assigned yesterday.
   • This answer can't be correct; it contradicts the basic principles.
   • They can't possibly afford such an expensive apartment on their salary.
   • He can't be serious about quitting his job without a backup plan.

• Substantiv, das einen metallenen oder kunststoffenen Behälter zur Aufbewahrung von Lebensmitteln, Getränken oder anderen Stoffen bezeichnet, sowie die Menge des Inhalts eines solchen Behälters; in der Umgangssprache auch abwertend oder salopp für Gefängnis, Toilette, Gesäß oder Kopfhörer.

A noun referring to (1) a cylindrical metal or plastic container, typically sealed, used for storing food, beverages, paint, or other substances; (2) the quantity of contents held by such a container; (3) informal/slang terms for prison, toilet, buttocks, or headphones. As a noun, 'can' is countable and forms its plural regularly as 'cans'.

1. Metal or plastic containerA2formal

   A usually cylindrical receptacle, typically made of metal (such as tinplate) or plastic, designed to store food, beverages, paint, oil, or other substances. Often hermetically sealed for preservation, or equipped with a removable lid, spout, or spray mechanism. Common examples include soda cans, paint cans, oil cans, and watering cans.

   Dose, Kanister, Behälter

   • She opened a can of beans for dinner.
   • He bought a new watering can for his garden.
   • The artist used a spray can to create graffiti.
   • Please recycle empty cans after use.
   • They stored the paint in a tightly sealed can.

   Synonymecanistercontainerreceptacletintin canvessel

2. Quantity of contents in a canB1informalculinary

   The amount or volume of substance contained within a single can. Used as a unit of measurement in informal contexts, especially when referring to beverages or food portions.

   Doseninhalt, Portion

   • We drank a can of soda each during the movie.
   • The recipe calls for one can of coconut milk.
   • He ate two cans of tuna for lunch.
   • She poured a can of paint into the tray.
   • A can of soup is usually enough for one serving.

   Synonymecanful

3. Prison (slang)C1slangamerican

   Informal slang term for prison or jail, often used in the phrase 'the can'. Primarily found in American English informal speech and popular culture.

   Knast (Slang)

   • He spent three years in the can for fraud.
   • The cops threw him in the can overnight.
   • After the trial, she was worried he'd end up in the can.
   • Old movies often show characters escaping from the can.
   • He promised never to go back to the can again.

   Synonymeclinkcoolerhoosegowjointjuglockuppenpokeyslammerstir

4. Toilet (slang)B2slangamerican

   Informal slang term for a toilet or bathroom, typically used in the phrase 'the can'. Common in casual American English, especially among younger speakers.

   Toilette, Klo (umgangssprachlich)

   • Excuse me, where's the can in this building?
   • He locked himself in the can for twenty minutes.
   • The restaurant's can was out of order.
   • She freshened up in the can before the meeting.
   • Is there a can I can use before we leave?

   Synonymebathroomcrapperheadjohnloopottyrestroomthronetoiletwashroom

5. Buttocks (vulgar slang)C2slangamerican

   Very informal, somewhat vulgar slang term for the buttocks or rear end. Often appears in phrases like 'kick in the can'. Used primarily in casual or humorous contexts.

   Hintern, Arsch (vulgärer Slang)

   • He slipped on the ice and landed right on his can.
   • The comedian joked about getting a kick in the can.
   • After the long bike ride, my can was sore.
   • She sat down carefully because her can was bruised.
   • The coach told the player to move his can faster.

   Synonymearseassbehindbumbuttderriereduffkeisterrearrumptush

6. Headphones (slang)B2slangIT

   Informal slang term for headphones, almost always used in the plural form 'cans'. Common among musicians, audio engineers, and in casual tech-related conversation.

   Kopfhörer (Slang)

   • The DJ adjusted his cans before starting the set.
   • I need a new pair of cans for recording vocals.
   • She handed me her spare cans so I could listen.
   • These studio cans have excellent noise isolation.
   • He forgot his cans at home and couldn't practice.

• Verb, das bedeutet, etwas in Dosen oder Gläser haltbar zu machen, jemanden zu entlassen oder etwas zu beenden bzw. wegzuwerfen.

A regular English verb meaning to preserve food or other substances by sealing them in airtight containers (typically metal cans), or informally to dismiss someone from employment, to stop an activity, or to discard something. This lexical verb is distinct from the modal auxiliary 'can' expressing ability or permission.

1. To preserve food by sealing in airtight containersB1formalculinary

   To preserve food, beverages, or other perishable substances by processing them and sealing them in airtight containers, typically metal cans or glass jars, to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.

   Konservieren, haltbar machen

   • My grandmother cans tomatoes every summer from her garden harvest.
   • The factory cans over 10,000 servings of soup per hour.
   • Learn how to can peaches properly to enjoy them year-round.
   • They canned the surplus fruit before winter arrived.
   • Commercial canning involves high-temperature sterilization to ensure safety.

   Synonymebottlejarpreserveput uptin

2. To put something into a can or containerB2formaltechnical

   To place a substance, product, or item into a can, tin, or similar sealed container for storage, transport, or sale, regardless of whether preservation is the primary goal.

   In Dosen abfüllen, in Behälter füllen

   • The brewery cans its craft beer in aluminum containers for distribution.
   • Workers can the paint in one-liter tins before shipping.
   • They decided to can the product in eco-friendly recyclable packaging.
   • The company cans its energy drinks in sleek, modern designs.
   • After mixing, can the solution immediately to maintain its potency.

   Synonymepackagetin

3. To dismiss someone from employment (informal/slang)C1slangamericanbusiness

   To terminate someone's employment; to fire or discharge a person from their job. This usage is informal and primarily found in American English.

   Jemanden entlassen, feuern (ugs.)

   • After the third warning, the manager canned him for repeated tardiness.
   • The company canned fifty employees during the restructuring.
   • If you keep missing deadlines, they'll can you without hesitation.
   • He got canned last week for violating company policy.
   • The new CEO canned the entire marketing team on her first day.

   Synonymeaxebootfirelet gopink slipsack

   Antonymeemployhire

4. To stop, abandon, or discard something (informal/slang)B2slang

   To cease an activity, abandon a plan, or throw something away; to put an end to something decisively. This informal usage is common in spoken English.

   Aufgeben, abbrechen, wegwerfen (ugs.)

   • Let's can this discussion and move on to more important matters.
   • They canned the project after realizing it was too expensive.
   • Just can the idea—it's never going to work.
   • He canned his old phone and bought the latest model.
   • The director canned the scene because it didn't fit the film's tone.

   Synonymeaxecancelditchdropdumpjunkkillnixscraptrash