German: Asking for and Giving Permission with 'können'
Learn to ask 'Can I...?' and give permission in German using 'können' and 'dürfen', with polite alternatives and regional notes.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In German, asking for permission is often done with the modal verb 'können' (can). For example, 'Kann ich deinen Stift leihen?' means 'Can I borrow your pen?' The response 'Klar' or 'Ja, gerne' gives permission. This lesson focuses on permission, not ability. You will learn to ask 'Can I...?' and respond appropriately in everyday situations. We will also introduce 'dürfen' (may) for more formal permission. By the end, you will be able to ask for and give permission confidently.
By the end, you can…
- ask for permission using 'Kann ich...?' and 'Darf ich...?'
- give or refuse permission with simple responses like 'Klar', 'Ja, gerne', or 'Nein, tut mir leid'.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Kann ich deinen Stift leihen?
Can I borrow your pen?
kahn ikh DY-nen shtift LY-uhn
Informal, used with friends or peers. 'deinen' is accusative masculine for 'your'.
Klar, hier bitte.
Sure, here you go.
klahr, heer BIT-tuh
Friendly and common way to give permission while handing something over.
Darf ich hier rauchen?
May I smoke here?
darf ikh heer ROW-khuhn
More formal or polite than 'können', often used with strangers or in public places.
Ja, gerne.
Yes, gladly. / Yes, please do.
yah, GEHR-nuh
Positive response to a request, showing willingness.
Nein, tut mir leid, das geht nicht.
No, I'm sorry, that's not possible.
nine, toot meer lite, dahs gayt nikht
Polite refusal. 'tut mir leid' softens the 'no'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask for permission, use 'Kann ich' or 'Darf ich' + [verb] + [rest]? For example: 'Kann ich das Fenster öffnen?' (Can I open the window?) or 'Darf ich hereinkommen?' (May I come in?). The verb comes after 'ich'. To give permission, say 'Klar', 'Ja, gerne', or 'Ja, das geht'. To refuse, say 'Nein, tut mir leid' or 'Das geht leider nicht'. Note that 'können' is less formal than 'dürfen'; 'dürfen' is often used for rules and official permission.
When to use it
Use 'Kann ich...?' in everyday situations with friends, family, or peers. For example, 'Kann ich dein Handy benutzen?' (Can I use your phone?). Use 'Darf ich...?' when speaking to strangers, in formal settings, or when asking about rules: 'Darf ich hier parken?' (May I park here?). In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 'dürfen' is common in everyday speech, though 'können' is also widely used there. Responses can be short: 'Klar.' or 'Ja, gerne.' If you need to refuse, 'Nein, tut mir leid' is polite. Avoid using 'können' for official rules; 'dürfen' is better there.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Kann ich deinen Stift leihen?
Can I borrow your pen?kahn ikh DY-nen shtift LY-uhnKlar, hier bitte.
Sure, here you go.klahr, heer BIT-tuhDanke! Darf ich auch dein Papier benutzen?
Thanks! May I also use your paper?DAHN-kuh! darf ikh owkh dine pah-PEER buh-NUT-suhnJa, gerne. Aber nicht zu viel, bitte.
Yes, gladly. But not too much, please.yah, GEHR-nuh. AH-ber nikht tsoo feel, BIT-tuhA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, directness is valued, but politeness matters. Using 'Darf ich...?' with strangers or in formal contexts shows respect. In casual settings, 'Kann ich...?' is fine. In Austria and Switzerland, 'dürfen' is often preferred even in casual talk, though 'können' is also heard. A simple 'Klar' is friendly; adding 'bitte' when handing something over is polite. Refusals are usually softened with 'leider' or 'tut mir leid'.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Kann ich...?' for official rules, e.g., 'Kann ich hier parken?' when asking if parking is allowed.
Try this instead: For rules and official permission, use 'Darf ich...?': 'Darf ich hier parken?' This is more appropriate because 'dürfen' expresses permission, while 'können' often implies ability.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'Can I borrow your pen?' informally?
Show a sample answer
Kann ich deinen Stift leihen?
'Kann ich' + accusative object + infinitive. 'deinen' is informal 'your' for masculine nouns. 'Darf ich deinen Stift leihen?' is also possible but slightly more formal.
2What is a polite way to refuse a request?
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Nein, tut mir leid, das geht nicht.
This softens the refusal. You could also say 'Leider nicht' or 'Das geht leider nicht'. All are polite.
3Translate: 'May I come in?' (formal)
Show a sample answer
Darf ich hereinkommen?
'Darf ich' is used for formal permission. 'Kann ich hereinkommen?' is also grammatically correct but less formal.
Use 'Kann ich...?' for casual permission and 'Darf ich...?' for formal or rule-based permission. Respond with 'Klar', 'Ja, gerne', or politely refuse with 'Nein, tut mir leid'.
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