Learn German: Ich habe das Abendessen vorbereitet, damit wir essen können. - I have prepared the dinner so that we can eat.

damit is a subordinating conjunction, which means it kicks the conjugated verb to the very end of its clause. Because können is the verb that changes to match the subject wir, it is pushed to the absolute last spot.

Why is the order essen können instead of können essen?

In a normal main clause, the modal verb comes second and pushes the infinitive to the end (like Wir können essen). But because the damit clause forces the conjugated verb (können) to the very end, it has to move past the action verb (essen).

Why do we use damit here instead of just translating 'to eat'?

When expressing purpose ('so that' or 'in order to'), German uses specific structures. You must use damit if the subject changes between the two actions. Here, the first subject is ich (I prepared) and the second is wir (we eat).

Why doesn't the past participle vorbereitet have a -ge- in it?