Breakdown of Wir können die Intoleranz nicht ändern.
wir
we
nicht
not
können
can / to be able to
ändern
to change (modify, alter)
Questions & Answers about Wir können die Intoleranz nicht ändern.
Why is nicht placed right before ändern instead of earlier in the sentence?
When a sentence has a modal verb (können) and an infinitive at the end (ändern), and you want to negate the whole statement, nicht gets pushed as far back as possible. However, the infinitive firmly holds the final spot, so nicht has to step aside and sit right before it.
What if I put nicht right after the modal verb, like "Wir können nicht die Intoleranz ändern"?
Placing nicht right before a definite object (like die Intoleranz) changes the focus of the negation. It would mean "We cannot change the intolerance"—strongly implying that we can change something else. To simply state that we can't perform the action of changing it, nicht belongs after the definite object.
Why does ändern have to go at the very end of the sentence?
This is the classic "sentence bracket" rule for modal verbs that you learned earlier on. The conjugated modal verb (können) takes the second position, and the main action verb (ändern) is kicked to the very end of the clause in its infinitive (dictionary) form. Objects and negations are sandwiched between them.
Is there an easy way to remember that Intoleranz is a feminine noun?