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How to Say ‘I'd like to extend my residence permit.’ in German

Ich möchte meine Aufenthaltserlaubnis verlängern.

ikh MURKHT-uh migh-neh OWF-ent-halts-er-lowp-nis fer-LENG-ern

[ikh MURKHT-uh migh-neh OWF-ent-halts-er-lowp-nis fer-LENG-ern]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Start your extension well before the permit expires, as appointments can be booked out for weeks. Applying in time usually keeps your status valid while you wait.

Phrase Breakdown

Ich möchte

ikh MURKHT-uh

I would like

A polite request. The verb at the end of the sentence completes it.

Example

Ich möchte bezahlen.

I would like to pay.

Words in this phrase

Ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

möchte

[MURKHT-uh]

would like

Polite way to express a wish or intention; from the verb 'mögen'.

Example

Ich möchte mehr über Ihr Unternehmen erfahren.

I would like to learn more about your company.

meine Aufenthaltserlaubnis

migh-neh OWF-ent-halts-er-lowp-nis

my residence permit

A long compound: 'AUF-ent-halts-er-laub-nis'. Stress the first syllable. 'au' sounds like 'ow'.

Example

Wo ist meine Aufenthaltserlaubnis?

Where is my residence permit?

Words in this phrase

meine

[migh-neh]

Belonging to or associated with the speaker.

Example

Ich mache meine Runden jeden Morgen.

I do my rounds every morning.

Aufenthaltserlaubnis

[OWF-ent-halts-er-lowp-nis]

residence permit

Official document allowing a foreigner to live in Germany for a set time.

Example

Meine Aufenthaltserlaubnis läuft bald ab.

My residence permit expires soon.

verlängern.

fer-LENG-ern

to extend / renew

Infinitive at the end of the sentence. Say 'fer-LENG-ern'.

Example

Kann ich den Vertrag verlängern?

Can I extend the contract?

Words in this phrase

verlängern

[fer-LENG-ern]

to extend, to renew

To make something last longer, e.g. a document's validity.

Example

Ich muss meinen Pass verlängern.

I have to renew my passport.

Guides for German learners

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