dürfen — meaning in English

English meaning

• can verb To be able to do something, or to know how to do it.
• may verb Used to say that something is possible or might happen.
• should verb Used to give advice, an opinion, or an instruction about what is right or expected.

Senses

dürfen is used for these senses in English:

• can (modal, _, auxiliary, _, verb, defective, informal) May; to be permitted or enabled to.
• may (modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests. [from 9th c.]
• should Ought to; expressing expectation.

can — full definition

1. verb To be able to do something, or to know how to do it.
2. verb Used to say something is allowed or permitted.
3. noun A sealed metal container, especially for food or drink.
4. verb To preserve food by sealing it in an airtight can or jar.
5. verb Informally, to dismiss someone from a job, or to scrap a plan.

may — full definition

1. verb Used to say that something is possible or might happen.
2. verb Used to politely ask for or give permission.
3. verb Used to express a wish or hope.
4. name The fifth month of the year, between April and June.

Related German words