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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

Start of a polite question. 'Was' sounds like 'vas'. 'Ich' has a soft hissing 'ch'.

Example

Was kann ich machen?

What can I do?

Words in this phrase

Was

[vahs]

what

Question word used to ask for specific information.

Example

Was kostet der Valet-Service?

What does the valet service cost?

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'. For 'ü', round your lips and say 'ee'. 'Tun' sounds like 'toon'.

Example

Ich kann das für Sie tun.

I can do that 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]

to do

Basic verb meaning to do or perform something.

Example

Ich habe viel zu tun.

I have a lot to do.

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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