Modal verbs: can
The modal verb 'kan' expresses ability and permission in Norwegian.
I can use 'kan' to express what I am able or allowed to do.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Jeg kan snakke norsk.
I can speak Norwegian.
Kan du hjelpe meg?
Can you help me?
Jeg kan ikke kjøre bil.
I cannot drive a car.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
The modal verb kan expresses ability or permission. It is always followed by an infinitive without 'å'.
| Subject | kan | Infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| Jeg (I) | kan | snakke norsk (speak Norwegian) |
| Du (you) | kan | spille gitar (play guitar) |
| Han/hun (he/she) | kan | svømme (swim) |
Negation: Subject + kan + ikke + infinitive
Question: Kan + subject + infinitive?
🇬🇧 Adding 'å' after 'kan' (❌ kan å snakke → ✅ kan snakke). Conjugating verb after modal (❌ kan snakker → ✅ kan snakke).
Common Error Patterns
Adding 'å' after modal verb
Modals are always followed by bare infinitive in Norwegian
Conjugating the verb after modal
The verb after a modal stays in infinitive form
Jeg kan snakke norsk.
I can speak Norwegian.
Modal 'kan' + infinitive without 'å'
Kan du hjelpe meg?
Can you help me?
Modal inverted for yes/no question
Jeg kan ikke kjøre bil.
I cannot drive a car.
'ikke' comes after the modal, before the infinitive
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises