Breakdown of Ich kann mir diesen Namen nicht merken.
ich
I
nicht
not
der Name
the name
dieser
this / that (fem.: diese, neut.: dieses)
können
can / to be able to
sich merken
to memorize / to remember (commit to memory)
Questions & Answers about Ich kann mir diesen Namen nicht merken.
Why do we use mir here instead of mich?
The verb used here is sich etwas merken (to remember something). When a reflexive verb has a direct object—in this case, the thing you are remembering (diesen Namen)—the reflexive pronoun shifts to the dative case. For "I", the dative reflexive pronoun is mir.
Why is it diesen Namen? Is it plural?
No, it is singular here! Der Name is the direct object receiving the action, so it is in the accusative case. Because it is a masculine noun, "this" (dieser) changes to diesen. Furthermore, Name is a "weak noun" (n-declension), meaning it adds an extra -n to the end in every case except the subject (nominative). That is why we say diesen Namen for "this name".
Why is merken at the very end of the sentence?
This is because of the modal verb kann (can). In German, when you have a conjugated modal verb in the normal second position of the sentence, the main action verb (merken) gets pushed to the very end in its standard dictionary form (infinitive).
Why does nicht go right before merken instead of earlier in the sentence?
When negating an entire action that involves a modal verb, nicht usually goes near the end of the sentence, sitting right in front of the infinitive verb it is negating (merken). It also naturally comes after specific objects like diesen Namen.
Learn Ich kann mir diesen Namen nicht merken and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free