German Phrase
Die Gäste können ihre Lieblingslieder singen.
Meaning
The guests are able to sing their favourite songs. It expresses ability rather than permission, so it is used when the guests actually know the songs and are ready to perform them.
When to use
Use this sentence at parties, weddings, karaoke nights, or any event where a group of guests might be invited to sing together. It works well when you want to highlight that the guests have the skill or willingness to sing their own chosen songs.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieGästekönnenihreLieblingsliedersingen
Definite article (plural)
‘Die’ is the nominative plural definite article used before plural nouns like ‘Gäste’.
Subject‑verb agreement
With a plural subject ‘Gäste’, the modal verb takes the plural form ‘können’.
Possessive pronoun
‘ihre’ means ‘their’ and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (here ‘Lieblingslieder’, plural).
Modal verb + infinitive
After a modal verb (können) the main verb stays in the infinitive (singen).
Compound noun
‘Lieblingslieder’ is a plural compound noun (Lieblings‑ + Lieder) meaning ‘favorite songs’.
🗨In Conversation
Was können die Gäste heute Abend machen?
What can the guests do this evening?
Die Gäste können ihre Lieblingslieder singen.
The guests can sing their favourite songs.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Gäste kann ihre Lieblingslieder singen.
‘kann’ is singular; the subject ‘Gäste’ is plural, so the correct form is ‘können’.
Die Gäste können sein Lieblingslieder singen.
‘sein’ is a verb, not a possessive pronoun. Use ‘ihre’ to mean ‘their’.
Die Gäste können ihre Lieblingslieder singen.
After a modal verb the main verb must stay in the infinitive; do not conjugate it.
↔Alternatives
Die Gäste dürfen ihre Lieblingslieder singen.
The guests are allowed to sing their favourite songs.
Die Gäste singen gern ihre Lieblingslieder.
The guests like to sing their favourite songs.
Die Gäste können ihre Lieblingslieder vortragen.
The guests can perform their favourite songs.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking cultures, communal singing is a staple at festivals like Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, and student gatherings. When you use ‘können’, you stress the guests’ ability; if you want to stress permission, switch to ‘dürfen’. Also, remember that ‘Lieblingslieder’ is always plural – even if each guest has only one favourite song, you still use the plural form when speaking about the group.