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How to Say ‘Can I have her back, please?’ in German

Kann ich sie bitte zurückhaben?

kahn ikh zee BIT-teh tsoo-RUECK-hah-ben

[kahn ikh zee BIT-teh tsoo-RUECK-hah-ben]

💬 Usage Tip: When kann is in the sentence, the second verb goes to the very end in one piece, as in zurückhaben. Same pattern: Kann ich das mitnehmen? "Can I take that with me?"

Phrase Breakdown

Kann ich sie bitte

kahn ikh zee BIT-teh

Can I please have her

A polite question. 'Sie' here means 'her' (the cat). Say these words smoothly together.

Example

Kann ich sie bitte sehen?

Can I please see her?

Words in this phrase

Kann

[kahn]

can

A modal verb expressing ability or possibility.

Example

Beim Gespräch Kann man viel über die Firma lernen.

In the conversation, one can learn a lot about the company.

ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

sie

[zee]

her / it

Accusative 'sie' referring to a feminine noun, here the cat.

Example

Ich sehe sie.

I see her.

bitte

[BIT-teh]

please

Bitte is used to make requests polite; it can also mean you're welcome.

Example

Kommen Sie bitte herein.

Please come in.

zurückhaben?

tsoo-RUECK-hah-ben

back?

'Zurückhaben' means to have back. Stress 'rück': tsu-RÜCK-ha-ben, with rounded lips for 'ü'.

Example

Ich möchte mein Buch zurückhaben.

I'd like to have my book back.

Words in this phrase

zurückhaben

[tsoo-RUECK-hah-ben]

to have back

Separable verb: to get something back.

Example

Ich will mein Geld zurückhaben.

I want to have my money back.

Guides for German learners

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