In this speaking workshop you will practise how German speakers respond when someone asks for help. You will learn short, friendly ways to say yes, polite ways to say no, and how to suggest another time instead of refusing completely. Each native example comes from a short recording, and you will hear the exact words before you try them yourself. The phrases are useful in everyday situations with friends, neighbours, classmates and colleagues. You do not need to build long sentences: a few well-chosen words are often enough. Work through the sections, then do the three speaking tasks. You can play both roles when you practise with the audio, but there is no automatic correction, so check your answers with the self-checks provided.
Saying yes warmly
A short, warm yes keeps a conversation friendly. The most common acceptance is «Gerne!». It means you are happy to help and it works after questions such as "Könntest du ...?" or "Kannst du ...?". A slightly more relaxed version is «Klar, mache ich.». This one sounds casual but still polite, so it fits friends, family and colleagues you know well. In a more formal situation, a simple warm yes is safer. Notice that both answers are very short. You do not need a full sentence to accept. Say the phrase with a light, rising voice and a small smile; your tone carries much of the meaning. When someone asks for help, answering quickly with one of these phrases shows that you are willing and attentive.
Saying no gently
A direct "no" can sound harsh in German, so speakers often soften it. The key word is "leider", which means "unfortunately". A short refusal is «Leider nicht.». It is gentle and clear at the same time. If you want to be more complete and give a reason, you can say «Es tut mir leid, aber ich habe keine Zeit.». This sentence is polite and honest: you are sorry, and you explain that you have no time. Use it when you must say no clearly, for example to a colleague or a neighbour. Adding a short reason helps the other person understand that the refusal is about your situation, not about them. Keep your voice calm and friendly, and avoid a sharp tone. A soft refusal protects the relationship and leaves the door open for another time.
Offering another time
Sometimes you cannot help now, but you can help later. Instead of a plain refusal, you can combine a gentle no with a new offer. In the recorded exchange, one speaker asks for help with homework and the other answers warmly, then asks what is not understood: «Könntest du mir bitte mit den Hausaufgaben helfen?» and «Gerne! Was verstehst du nicht?». Later, the first speaker points to a specific exercise and asks about time: «Diese Aufgabe hier. Hast du heute Abend Zeit?». The answer is a gentle refusal with a new suggestion: «Leider nicht, aber morgen Nachmittag gerne.». This pattern is very useful. You say "leider nicht", then add "aber" and a different time. The word "aber" means "but" and it turns a refusal into a helpful alternative. Listen to how the two short parts work together: first the soft no, then the friendly offer. This keeps the conversation positive and shows that you still want to help.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Gerne!
Gladly! / With pleasure!
GEHR-nuh
Klar, mache ich.
Sure, I'll do it.
klahr, MA-khuh ikh
Leider nicht.
Unfortunately not.
LY-duh nikht
Es tut mir leid, aber ich habe keine Zeit.
I'm sorry, but I don't have time.
es toot meer lyt, AH-ber ikh HAH-buh KY-nuh tsyt
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Könntest du mir bitte mit den Hausaufgaben helfen?
Could you please help me with the homework?Gerne! Was verstehst du nicht?
Gladly! What don't you understand?Diese Aufgabe hier. Hast du heute Abend Zeit?
This exercise here. Do you have time tonight?Leider nicht, aber morgen Nachmittag gerne.
Unfortunately not, but tomorrow afternoon gladly.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: accept a request
Imagine a classmate asks you for help with homework. You want to accept warmly and then ask what the problem is. Play the role of the helper.
Your task: First listen to the request: «Könntest du mir bitte mit den Hausaufgaben helfen?». Then answer with the recorded helper line «Gerne! Was verstehst du nicht?». Say your answer out loud, then compare it with the model below.
Reply comprehension: choose the right response
You will hear a short answer to a request. Your job is to decide what the speaker means: acceptance, refusal, or refusal with another time.
Your task: Listen to «Leider nicht, aber morgen Nachmittag gerne.». Does the speaker accept, refuse completely, or refuse and offer another time? Say your choice out loud, then explain it in one English sentence. After that, listen to «Leider nicht.» and «Gerne!» and label each one the same way.
Recall and role swap: refuse and reschedule
A classmate needs help with an exercise this evening, but you are busy. You can help tomorrow afternoon. Practise the two recorded lines, then swap roles.
Your task: Listen to the full exchange: «Diese Aufgabe hier. Hast du heute Abend Zeit?» and «Leider nicht, aber morgen Nachmittag gerne.». Then cover the text and say the answer line from memory. After that, swap roles: you say the request line «Diese Aufgabe hier. Hast du heute Abend Zeit?», and the recording says the answer. Finally, say the answer line once more without the audio.
Common questions
Do I always need to give a reason when I refuse in German?
No, a short gentle refusal is often enough, especially with friends or classmates. If you want to be clearer or more polite, you can add a short reason such as having no time. The important part is the soft word "leider", which signals that you are sorry about the refusal. A short reason can help the other person understand your situation, but it is not required in every situation.
Can I use the relaxed acceptance with everyone?
The relaxed acceptance is best with friends, family and colleagues you know well. In a more formal situation, a simple warm acceptance is safer and still friendly. Listen to your conversation partner: if they speak formally, answer formally. If they speak casually, you can match their style. When you are not sure, choose the warmer, more neutral acceptance.
Sources and further reading
- german: responding to polite requestsChecked September 2026
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