6. The Imperfect is likewise used in questions, to imply doubt and surprise; as Sollte er wirklich hier sein? Sollte es möglich sein? Should he (can he) really be here? Can it be possible? 7. In connection with the verb sein, the Present is often used in the meaning of 'intended to be;' as Soll dies Ihr Bildniß sein? Is this intended to be your likeness? 8. It is used elliptically (the infinitive of another verb being understood) in the significations distinguished by italics; as 1. Necessity, both natural and moral, when it may be rendered by § 71. Können signifies— The Verb Können. (See 91 of the Grammar.) I. Physical, moral, and intellectual ability to perform a 2. Liberty or permission, as proceeding from an existing law or necessity, from the speaker, or from the will of another person (compare dürfen and mögen); as Mein Bruder kann mit seinem Vermögen thun, was er will, denn er ist volljährig. (Law.) Sie können sich darauf verlassen. (Speaker.) Er sagt, Sie können kommen, wenn Sie wollen. (Other person.) 3. Possibility (may and might); Es kann sein, daß er kommt. Es kann nicht sein. Mein Vater sagte, ich könne mich irren. My brother may do with his fortune what he likes, for he is of age. You may depend upon it, or you may rest assured. He says you may come if you like. as— It may be (it is possible) that he will come. It cannot be, or it is impossible. My father said I might be mistaken. 4. Supposition on the part of the speaker, more especially in the Imperfect of the Subjunctive Mood (see also mögen and dürfen); as Alles könnte zuletzt nur falsches All may, after all, be only false Spiel sein. (Schiller.) play. 5. It is used elliptically, the infinitive of another verb being un derstood; as Ich habe meine Aufgabe nicht gekonnt I have not been able to say my 1. Permission, as proceeding from the will of the speaker (compare können and dürfen); as— Er mag mit dem Gelde thun, was er will, ich will es ihm zum Geschenk machen. Sie mögen mich morgen ins The ater begleiten. Sie mögen gehen! Er mag sich in Acht nehmen! He may do with the money what he pleases, I will make him a present of it. You may accompany me to-morrow to the theatre. You may go! Let him take heed! 2. Supposition on the part of the speaker, more especially in the Imperfect of the Subjunctive Mood (see können and dürfen); as— Er mag krank sein. Das möchte schwer zu beweisen sein. Es möchte wohl besser sein, wenn wir die Sache unterließen. Er mag bald kommen, denn er kommt gewöhnlich um diese Zeit nach Hause. He may be ill. To prove that might (would, I presume,) be difficult. I fancy it would be better to leave He the matter alone. may soon come, for he generally comes home at this time. 3. It indicates a wish, more especially in the Present and Imperfect of the Subjunctive Mood. The Imperfect Subjunctive denotes also an inclination or disposition on the part of the speaker. Examples. Mögen Sie glücklich sein! Möchte er bald kommen! Sagen Sie ihm, er möge mich morgen besuchen. May you be happy! `Would he might soon come! Tell him that I wish him to come and see me to-morrow. (b) INCLINATION. Ich möchte das Haus wohl kau- I am inclined to buy the house, but it is too dear. I am disposed (I should like) to believe it, but the evidence is against it. 4. It signifies liking, when it corresponds to the English to like, to be fond of. In this meaning we find it often accompanied with the adverb gerne, or gern (willingly), which is used to intensify its signification. Sometimes we even find it used elliptically in the meaning of to like, another verb being understood. We find also gern without mögen in sentences like these: 1. Liberty or permission, as proceeding from an existing law or necessity, or from the will of another person (compare mögen and können). With a negation it corresponds to the English dare not, must not, ought not, and not to be allowed. Examples. Jeder Mensch darf seine Grundsäße frei aussprechen. Darf mein Freund auch kommen? Every man is at liberty to express his principles openly. May my friend come as well? Er darf ohne die Erlaubniß seines Er darf sich darüber nicht wundern. He is not allowed to come without his father's permission. He must not be surprised at it. 2. Supposition on the part of the speaker, but only in the Imperfect of the Subjunctive Mood. The Imperfect Subjunctive of the verbs können, mögen, and dürfen we find especially employed in German for the purpose of expressing an opinion in a cautious and unpretending way (compare fönnen and mögen). 1. Concession and permission, when it may be rendered by to let, to suffer, to permit, and to allow; as 2. It is used in the meaning of to cause, to get, and to make; as Er ließ mir das Geld auszahlen. He caused the money to be paid to me. |