How to Say ‘Can you’ in German
Können Sie
KUR-nen zee
[KUR-nen zee]
💬 Usage Tip: A standard polite request opener. Literally "Can you," but often used like English "Could you."
🇩🇪 In Germany: With neighbours, this is polite and normal—especially with Sie in formal situations.
Phrase Breakdown
Können
[KUR-nen]
can / could
Used to ask if someone is able or willing to do something.
Können Sie mir morgen kurz helfen?
Can you help me briefly tomorrow?
Sie
[zee]
you (formal)
Polite form of you used in respectful requests.
Können Sie das bitte übernehmen?
Could you please take care of that?
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