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How to Say ‘Can you say that again?’ in German

Kannst du das noch mal sagen?

kahnst doo dahs nokh mahl ZAH-gen

[kahnst doo dahs nokh mahl ZAH-gen]

Phrase Breakdown

Kannst du das

kahnst doo dahs

Can you (say) that

The question starts with the verb. 'das' means 'that'.

Example

Kannst du das lesen?

Can you read that?

Words in this phrase

Kannst

[kahnst]

can (you)

Du-form of 'können' (to be able to).

Example

Kannst du mir helfen?

Can you help me?

[doo]

you

The pronoun 'du' in nominative form.

Example

Du bist schön.

You are beautiful.

das

[dahs]

that; it

Refers back to a previous statement or situation, often translated as 'that' or 'it.'

Example

Das hat einen positiven Eindruck hinterlassen.

That left a positive impression.

noch mal sagen?

nokh mahl ZAH-gen

say again?

'noch mal' means 'once more/again'. It's very common in everyday speech.

Example

Bitte noch mal sagen.

Please say it again.

Words in this phrase

noch

[nokh]

again (with 'mal')

Together with 'mal', 'noch' means 'once more / again'.

Example

Kannst du das noch mal sagen?

Can you say that again?

mal

[mahl]

time (occasion)

Noun meaning an occurrence or instance, as in 'first time' or 'three times'.

Example

Das war das letzte Mal.

That was the last time.

sagen

[ZAH-gen]

tell / say

Formal imperative of 'sagen' when used with 'Sie'.

Example

Sagen Sie mir bitte Ihren Namen.

Please tell me your name.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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