German for Asking for a Recipe: 'Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?'
Learn to request a recipe in German, focusing on written or shared instructions, with phrases and a dialogue.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
Asking for a recipe is a common social exchange. In German, you can use 'Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?' to request written or shared instructions. This lesson teaches you how to ask for a recipe politely, distinguishing it from asking how to cook something. You'll learn key phrases, a useful pattern, and cultural nuances.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone to give me a recipe in German.
- distinguish between asking for a recipe and asking how to cook something.
- respond appropriately when someone asks me for a recipe.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?
Can you give me the recipe?
KAHNST doo meer das reh-TSEPT GAY-ben
Informal, used with friends or family. 'Geben' implies handing over written or digital instructions.
Können Sie mir das Rezept geben?
Can you give me the recipe? (formal)
KUR-nen zee meer das reh-TSEPT GAY-ben
Formal, used with strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.
Hast du das Rezept für mich?
Do you have the recipe for me?
HAHST doo das reh-TSEPT fewr mikh
Casual way to ask if someone has a recipe to share, often implying they might send it.
Kannst du mir das Rezept schicken?
Can you send me the recipe?
KAHNST doo meer das reh-TSEPT SHIK-en
Specifically asks for the recipe to be sent digitally or by mail.
Ich gebe dir das Rezept.
I'll give you the recipe.
ikh GAY-be deer das reh-TSEPT
A common response when agreeing to share a recipe.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is 'Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?' for informal requests, and 'Können Sie mir das Rezept geben?' for formal ones. The verb 'geben' means 'to give', and it focuses on the transfer of the recipe as an object. For example, 'Kannst du mir das Rezept für den Kuchen geben?' (Can you give me the recipe for the cake?). If you want to ask for it to be sent, use 'schicken': 'Kannst du mir das Rezept schicken?'
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want the actual recipe text, not just cooking instructions. If you ask 'Wie kocht man das?' (How do you cook that?), you're asking for a demonstration or explanation. But 'Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?' means you want the written or shared instructions. For example, after tasting a dish, you might say: 'Das schmeckt toll! Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?' (That tastes great! Can you give me the recipe?).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Das hast du lecker gemacht! Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?
You made that deliciously! Can you give me the recipe?das HAHST doo LEK-er ge-MAKHT! KAHNST doo meer das reh-TSEPT GAY-ben?Ja, klar. Ich schicke es dir per E-Mail.
Yes, of course. I'll send it to you by email.yah, klahr. ikh SHIK-e es deer pair EE-maylSuper, danke! Und wie lange muss man es backen?
Great, thanks! And how long do you have to bake it?ZOO-per, DAHN-ke! oont vee LAHNG-e moos man es BAHK-en?Etwa 30 Minuten bei 180 Grad.
About 30 minutes at 180 degrees.ET-vah DRAI-sikh mi-NOO-ten by EEN-hundert-AKH-tsikh grahtA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, asking for a recipe is common and appreciated. However, if someone is known for a secret family recipe, they might politely decline. In that case, you could say: 'Kein Problem, ich verstehe.' (No problem, I understand.) Using 'du' or 'Sie' depends on your relationship: use 'du' with friends and family, 'Sie' with acquaintances or in formal settings.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Kannst du mir das Rezept kochen?' to mean 'Can you give me the recipe?'
Try this instead: 'Kochen' means 'to cook', so 'Kannst du mir das Rezept kochen?' would mean 'Can you cook the recipe for me?' Instead, use 'geben' or 'schicken': 'Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you informally ask a friend to give you the recipe for a cake?
Show a sample answer
Kannst du mir das Rezept für den Kuchen geben?
This uses the informal 'du' and the verb 'geben' to request the recipe. Alternatively, 'Kannst du mir das Rezept für den Kuchen schicken?' is also correct if you want it sent.
2What is the formal way to ask someone to give you the recipe?
Show a sample answer
Können Sie mir das Rezept geben?
This uses the formal 'Sie' and is appropriate for strangers or superiors. You could also say 'Würden Sie mir das Rezept geben?' for extra politeness.
3If someone asks you 'Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?', how might you agree?
Show a sample answer
Ja, klar. Ich gebe dir das Rezept.
This is a straightforward agreement. You could also say 'Ja, ich schicke es dir.' (Yes, I'll send it to you.) if you plan to send it later.
To ask for a recipe in German, use 'Kannst du mir das Rezept geben?' informally or 'Können Sie mir das Rezept geben?' formally. Remember that 'geben' focuses on the recipe as an object, while 'kochen' means to cook. Use 'schicken' if you want it sent.
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