Polite phrases in German are used to show respect, make requests, offer thanks, and navigate social situations smoothly.
Making Requests
These phrases will help you ask for something politely.
German Singular | German Plural | English Singular | English Plural | German Formal | English Formal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kannst du ...? | Könnt ihr ...? | Can you ...? | Can you (pl.) ...? | Können Sie ...? | Can you ...? (formal) |
Könntest du ...? | Könntet ihr ...? | Could you ...? | Could you (pl.) ...? | Könnten Sie ...? | Could you ...? (formal) |
Würdest du ...? | Würdet ihr ...? | Would you ...? | Would you (pl.) ...? | Würden Sie ...? | Would you ...? (formal) |
Darf ich ...? | — | May I ...? | — | — | — |
Könnte ich ...? | — | Could I ...? | — | — | — |
Expressing Gratitude
These phrases help you say thank you in various contexts.
German Singular | German Plural | English Singular | English Plural | German Formal | English Formal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Danke | Danke | Thanks | Thanks | Danke | Thanks |
Danke schön | Danke schön | Thank you very much | Thank you very much | Danke schön | Thank you very much |
Vielen Dank | Vielen Dank | Many thanks | Many thanks | Vielen Dank | Many thanks |
Ich danke dir | Wir danken euch | I thank you | We thank you | Ich danke Ihnen | I thank you (formal) |
Herzlichen Dank | — | Heartfelt thanks | — | Herzlichen Dank | Heartfelt thanks |
Apologizing
Use these phrases to say sorry politely.
German Singular | German Plural | English Singular | English Plural | German Formal | English Formal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Entschuldigung | Entschuldigung | Sorry | Sorry | Entschuldigung | Sorry |
Es tut mir leid | Es tut uns leid | I’m sorry | We’re sorry | Es tut mir leid | I’m sorry |
Verzeihung | Verzeihung | Pardon | Pardon | Verzeihung | Pardon |
Entschuldige bitte | Entschuldigt bitte | Please excuse me | Please excuse us | Entschuldigen Sie bitte | Please excuse me |
Ich bitte um Entschuldigung | — | I apologize | — | Ich bitte um Entschuldigung | I apologize |
Sorry, I’m late. in German: _ , ich bin zu spät.
Entschuldigung
'Entschuldigung' is a common way to say 'Sorry' or 'Excuse me' in German.
Offering Help
These phrases are useful for offering assistance politely.
German Singular | German Plural | English Singular | English Plural | German Formal | English Formal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kann ich dir helfen? | Können wir euch helfen? | Can I help you? | Can we help you? | Kann ich Ihnen helfen? | Can I help you? (formal) |
Brauchst du Hilfe? | Braucht ihr Hilfe? | Do you need help? | Do you (pl.) need help? | Brauchen Sie Hilfe? | Do you need help? (formal) |
Soll ich ...? | Sollen wir ...? | Should I ...? | Should we ...? | Soll ich ...? | Should I ...? (formal) |
Darf ich dir helfen? | Dürfen wir euch helfen? | May I help you? | May we help you? | Darf ich Ihnen helfen? | May I help you? (formal) |
Do you need help with your homework? in German: _ du Hilfe mit den Hausaufgaben?
Brauchst
'Brauchst du Hilfe?' means 'Do you need help?' using the verb 'brauchen' (to need).
Common Courtesies
These are general polite phrases to use in everyday interactions.
German Singular | German Plural | English Singular | English Plural | German Formal | English Formal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bitte | Bitte | Please / You’re welcome | Please / You’re welcome | Bitte | Please / You’re welcome |
Gern geschehen | — | You’re welcome | — | Gern geschehen | You’re welcome |
Schön, dich zu sehen | Schön, euch zu sehen | Nice to see you | Nice to see you all | Schön, Sie zu sehen | Nice to see you (formal) |
Alles Gute! | — | All the best! | — | Alles Gute! | All the best! |
Auf Wiedersehen | — | Goodbye | — | Auf Wiedersehen | Goodbye |
These polite phrases will help you communicate respectfully in German, whether you’re making requests, expressing gratitude, apologizing, offering help, or engaging in everyday courtesies.
Please, take a seat. in German: _ nehmen Sie Platz.
Bitte
'Bitte' means 'please' and is also used to politely offer or invite someone to do something.
Flashcards (1 of 24)
- English Singular: Can you ...?
- English Plural: Can you (pl.) ...?
- English Formal: Can you ...? (formal)
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025