Compare: 1. > Ich kann sich sehen. > I can see you. = I am able to see you. Here I say, that I have a certain power, namely the power to see you. --- 2. > Ich sollte dich sehen. > I should see you. Here I say, that something should happen, that is not happening at this moment. --- 3. > Ich sollte dich sehen können. > I should be able to see you. In this sentence I say, that I should have a power, that I don't have now, and this power ist to see you.