3 ms·

This is when German comes in handy: - Können sie? (are they able to?): yes - Darfen sie? (are they allowed to?): some say yes, some say no

• CocaKoala 11y ago
  In English, that distinction can be made with "Can the FBI do this?" and "May the FBI do this"; yes, they can (they have the ability), no, they may not (the law does not allow them to). This lesson is taught to children thus: "Mother, can I have a cookie?" "I don't know, child of mine. Can you?" "Mother, MAY I have a cookie?" "Yes, child of mine. You may." Of course, in English the term "may" is semantically overloaded with a "will they/won't they" sort of question, so it's still unclear depending on how you parse it. But it's unclear for a different reason!
  • ucaetano 11y ago
    "Of course, in English the term "may" is semantically overloaded with a "will they/won't they" sort of question, so it's still unclear depending on how you parse it. But it's unclear for a different reason!" Actually that's the original meaning of "may" in english, similar, and derived from the same root, to the modal verb mögen in German, expressing a possibility of something happening. In other words: - Can (können) = to really be able to - May (mögen) = expresses the possibility, but not the permission - ??? (dürfen) = to be authorized to The past of "may" is "might", which helps understand it.