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How to Say ‘Can you…?’ in German

Können Sie…?

KUR-nen zee

[KUR-nen zee]

💬 Usage Tip: The doing word goes to the end: Können Sie das bitte buchstabieren? "Can you spell that, please?".

Phrase Breakdown

Können

[KUR-nen]

can

Modal verb 'können' for plural subjects; the main verb goes to the end.

Example

Wir können morgen kommen.

We can come tomorrow.

Sie

[zee]

you

The formal 'you' used in polite professional conversations.

Example

Ich freue mich, Sie hier auf der Jobmesse zu sehen.

I am pleased to see you here at the job fair.

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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