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How to Say ‘May I speak to Mr. Krause, please?’ in German

Kann ich bitte Herrn Krause sprechen?

kahn ikh BIT-eh hairn KROW-zeh SHPRE-khen

[kahn ikh BIT-eh hairn KROW-zeh SHPRE-khen]

Phrase Breakdown

Kann ich bitte

kahn ikh BIT-eh

Could I please

The polite opener of the request. Link 'kann' and 'ich' smoothly.

Example

Kann ich bitte etwas fragen?

Could I ask something, please?

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.

bitte

[BIT-eh]

please

Polite word for requests.

Example

Einen Moment, bitte.

One moment, please.

Herrn Krause sprechen?

hairn KROW-zeh SHPRE-khen

speak to Mr. Krause?

The verb 'sprechen' goes to the end of the sentence. Let your voice rise on it for the question.

Example

Kann ich Herrn Krause sprechen?

Can I speak to Mr. Krause?

Words in this phrase

Herrn

[hairn]

Mr (accusative/dative)

Form of 'Herr' used after verbs and prepositions, before a man's surname.

Example

Ich suche Herrn Müller.

I'm looking for Mr Müller.

Krause

[KROW-zeh]

Krause (surname)

A German family name.

Example

Herr Krause ist nicht da.

Mr Krause is not here.

sprechen

[SHPRE-khen]

speak / talk

Verb used for conversation and communication.

Example

Wir sprechen viel miteinander.

We talk a lot with each other.

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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