How to Say ‘Can you / Could you’ in German
Können Sie
KERN-nen zee
[KERN-nen zee]
💬 Usage Tip: "Sie" is the formal "you," perfect for speaking to a landlord, Hausverwaltung, or repair service. Capital S = formal mode activated.
🇩🇪 In Germany: In Germany, use formal "Sie" with landlords unless they clearly invite you to use informal "du." Staying formal is the safest choice.
Phrase Breakdown
Können
[KERN-nen]
can / could
Können means 'can' or 'could'. In polite requests, it often means 'could you...?'
Können Sie bitte heute noch jemanden schicken?
Could you please send someone today?
Sie
[zee]
you
Sie is the formal word for 'you' in German, used for polite conversation with landlords, neighbors, or officials.
Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
Could you please help me?
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