How to Say ‘May I’ in German
Darf ich Sie
darf ikh zee
[darf ikh zee]
💬 Usage Tip: Darf ich... is polite for asking permission. Sie is the formal "you." Nice and respectful.
🇩🇪 In Germany: For a small favour from a neighbour you just met, this level of politeness is ideal.
Phrase Breakdown
Darf
[darf]
may / am allowed to
Used politely to ask permission.
Darf ich Sie kurz etwas fragen?
May I ask you something briefly?
ich
[ikh]
I
The first-person singular pronoun.
Darf ich Sie um Hilfe bitten?
May I ask you for help?
Sie
[zee]
you (formal)
Polite form of you used when addressing someone formally.
Darf ich Sie morgen anrufen?
May I call you tomorrow?
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