How to Ask for Help in German: "Kannst du mir das erklären?" for Academic Problems
Learn to ask a teacher or classmate to explain an academic problem in German using "erklären," "Aufgabe," and polite question forms.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When you are stuck on a math problem, a grammar exercise, or a lecture slide, German has precise ways to ask for an explanation. This lesson focuses on the verb "erklären" (to explain) and the noun "Aufgabe" (task/problem). You will learn to ask "Kannst du mir das erklären?" and adapt it for formal and informal situations. Unlike asking for a general favor, these phrases name the academic item and the kind of help you need.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone to explain an academic problem in German.
- name the specific item I need help with, such as "diese Aufgabe" or "diesen Satz".
- choose between informal "du" and formal "Sie" when requesting academic help.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Kannst du mir das erklären?
Can you explain that to me?
kahnst doo meer dahs air-KLAY-ren
Informal, used with friends, classmates, or family. "Das" refers to a problem already mentioned or visible.
Können Sie mir diese Aufgabe erklären?
Can you explain this exercise/problem to me?
KUR-nen zee meer DEE-zuh OWF-guh-buh air-KLAY-ren
Formal, used with teachers, professors, or strangers. "Diese Aufgabe" names the specific academic item.
Ich verstehe diesen Satz nicht. Kannst du ihn mir erklären?
I don't understand this sentence. Can you explain it to me?
ikh fair-SHTAY-uh DEE-zen zahts nikht. kahnst doo een meer air-KLAY-ren
Useful for language or grammar exercises. "Ihn" replaces the masculine noun "Satz".
Könnten Sie mir bitte den Lösungsweg erklären?
Could you please explain the solution method to me?
KURN-ten zee meer BIT-tuh dane LUR-zoongs-vayk air-KLAY-ren
Very polite, common in university settings. "Lösungsweg" means the steps or method to solve a problem.
Kannst du mir bei dieser Aufgabe helfen?
Can you help me with this exercise/problem?
kahnst doo meer by DEE-zer OWF-guh-buh HEL-fen
A broader request for help. It does not necessarily ask for a full explanation, but it is common in study groups.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is "Kannst du mir ... erklären?" or "Können Sie mir ... erklären?" The verb "erklären" takes the dative pronoun "mir" (to me) and an accusative object (the thing explained). For example: "Kannst du mir die Aufgabe erklären?" (Can you explain the exercise to me?). If you replace the object with a pronoun, German uses "sie" for feminine "die Aufgabe": "Kannst du sie mir erklären?" For masculine "der Satz," use "ihn": "Kannst du ihn mir erklären?" The word order changes slightly when the object is a pronoun: "Kannst du sie mir erklären?" not "Kannst du mir sie erklären?"
When to use it
Use "Kannst du ...?" with classmates, friends, or siblings. Use "Können Sie ...?" with teachers, professors, or anyone you address formally. In a lecture, you might say: "Entschuldigung, können Sie mir diese Aufgabe erklären?" In a study group, "Kannst du mir das erklären?" is natural. If you want to be extra polite, use "Könnten Sie ...?" (Could you ...?) and add "bitte": "Könnten Sie mir bitte den Lösungsweg erklären?" This is especially common in German academic settings when asking a professor after class.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Entschuldigung, können Sie mir diese Aufgabe erklären?
Excuse me, can you explain this exercise to me?ent-SHOOL-dee-goong, KUR-nen zee meer DEE-zuh OWF-guh-buh air-KLAY-renJa, natürlich. Was verstehst du nicht?
Yes, of course. What don't you understand?yah, nah-TUR-likh. vahs fair-SHTAYST doo nikhtIch verstehe den zweiten Schritt nicht. Können Sie ihn mir erklären?
I don't understand the second step. Can you explain it to me?ikh fair-SHTAY-uh dane TSVY-ten shrit nikht. KUR-nen zee een meer air-KLAY-renKlar. Zuerst musst du die Zahlen addieren, dann multiplizieren.
Sure. First you have to add the numbers, then multiply.klahr. tsoo-AIRST moost doo dee TSAH-len ah-DEE-ren, dahn mool-tee-plee-TSEE-renA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking universities, students often address professors with "Sie" and may use "Herr Professor" or "Frau Professor" plus the last name. However, in many seminars and study groups, "du" is common. When in doubt, use "Sie" with teaching staff until they offer "du." Asking for an explanation is normal and not considered a sign of weakness; it is seen as taking responsibility for your learning.
One thing to watch for
Using "Kannst du mir erklären das?" with the object at the end.
Try this instead: In German, the accusative object normally comes before the infinitive "erklären" in a main clause: "Kannst du mir das erklären?" If you use a pronoun, it comes before "mir": "Kannst du es mir erklären?" (Can you explain it to me?). Note that "das" here is a demonstrative pronoun, not the neuter article.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you formally ask a professor to explain this exercise?
Show a sample answer
Können Sie mir diese Aufgabe erklären?
This uses the formal "Sie" and names the specific academic item "diese Aufgabe." A valid alternative is "Könnten Sie mir diese Aufgabe erklären?" for extra politeness.
2Replace the object with a pronoun: "Kannst du mir den Satz erklären?"
Show a sample answer
Kannst du ihn mir erklären?
"Der Satz" is masculine, so the accusative pronoun is "ihn." The pronoun comes before "mir." A valid alternative with a different word order is "Kannst du mir ihn erklären?" but it is less common.
3What is the difference between "Kannst du mir helfen?" and "Kannst du mir das erklären?"
Show a sample answer
"Kannst du mir helfen?" asks for general help, while "Kannst du mir das erklären?" specifically asks for an explanation.
The verb "erklären" focuses on making something understandable, which is ideal for academic problems. "Helfen" is broader and can refer to any kind of assistance.
To ask for academic help in German, use "Kannst du mir ... erklären?" informally or "Können Sie mir ... erklären?" formally, and name the specific item like "diese Aufgabe" or "diesen Satz."
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