could

language: de

definitions

  1. modal verb
    past tense of can; used to express possibility, ability, or permission
    de: konnte; kann
  2. modal verb
    used to make polite requests or suggestions
    de: höfliche Bitte

examples

  1. I could swim when I was five.

    Ich konnte schwimmen.

  2. Could you help me?

    Könntest du mir helfen?