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How to Say ‘What can I do for you?’ in German

Was kann ich für Sie tun?

vahs kahn ikh fyr zee toon

[vahs kahn ikh fyr zee toon]

Phrase Breakdown

Was kann ich

vahs kahn ikh

What can I

'Was' sounds like 'vass'. 'Ich' has the soft 'ch' sound.

Example

Was kann ich machen?

What can I do?

Words in this phrase

Was

[vahs]

what

Question word asking for information about an action or task.

Example

Was machen wir nach dem Soundcheck?

What are we doing after the soundcheck?

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.

für Sie tun?

fyr zee toon

do for you?

'Sie' is the formal 'you'. 'Tun' means 'to do' and has a long 'u'.

Example

Kann ich etwas für Sie tun?

Can I do something for you?

Words in this phrase

für

[fyr]

for

A preposition indicating purpose or destination.

Example

Das ist für dich.

This is for you.

Sie

[zee]

you (formal)

Formal pronoun Sie used to address one person politely.

Example

Kommen Sie bitte herein.

Please come in.

tun

[toon]

Verb meaning to do or act; infinitive form after a modal verb.

Example

Ich muss heute viel tun.

I have to do a lot today.

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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