Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
English: Can you help me, please?
- Language
- German
- Level
- A0
- Unit
- Imperative und Bitten
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
A polite request asks someone to do something in a friendly, indirect way.
When to use it
Use it when you want to sound more polite than with a direct command.
Key forms
- Können Sie / Kannst du + Infinitiv?
- Könnten Sie / Könntest du + Infinitiv?
- Bitte + Imperativ
- Möchten Sie / Möchtest du + Nomen / Infinitiv?
Examples
Könntest du das wiederholen?
English: Could you repeat that?
Bitte schließen Sie das Fenster.
English: Please close the window.
Möchten Sie etwas Wasser?
English: Would you like some water?
Tips
- 'Könnten' is more polite than 'können'.
- Adding 'bitte' always increases politeness.
- Use 'Möchten Sie' for offering something politely.
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