SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Asking For Help

German Phrase

Kann ich dich um einen Gefallen bitten?

/kan ɪç dɪç ʊm ˈaɪ̯nən ɡəˈfalən ˈbɪtn̩/
Meaning"Can I ask you for a favor?"
💡

Meaning

Literally, “Can I ask you for a favor?” It is a polite, informal way to request help or a small service from someone you know well. The modal verb ‘kann’ softens the request, making it sound less demanding than a direct command.

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence with friends, classmates, or colleagues you have an informal relationship with. It is not appropriate in very formal settings (e.g., with a boss you don’t know well) where you would prefer ‘Darf ich Sie um einen Gefallen bitten?’

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannichdichumeinenGefallenbitten?

1

Modalverb + Infinitiv

‘Kann’ is the present tense of the modal verb ‘können’; it is followed by the infinitive ‘bitten’ at the end of the clause.

2

Akkusativ‑Pronomen

‘dich’ is the accusative form of ‘du’ and functions as the direct object of ‘bitten’.

3

‘um … bitten’ Konstruktion

The preposition ‘um’ introduces the thing being requested; it governs the accusative case, so ‘einen Gefallen’ is used.

4

Maskulin im Akkusativ

‘Gefallen’ is masculine; in the accusative singular the article changes from ‘ein’ to ‘einen’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kann ich dich um einen Gefallen bitten?

Can I ask you for a favor?

Klar, sag einfach, was du brauchst.

Sure, just tell me what you need.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kann ich dich um ein Gefallen bitten?

    ‘Gefallen’ is masculine; in the accusative it requires ‘einen’, not ‘ein’.

  • Kann ich dich bitten um einen Gefallen?

    The correct order is ‘um … bitten’, not ‘bitten dich um’.

↔Alternatives

  • Darf ich dich um einen Gefallen bitten?

    May I ask you for a favor?

  • Könntest du mir einen Gefallen tun?

    Could you do me a favor?

  • Könntest du mir bitte helfen?

    Could you help me, please?

de

Cultural Tip

In German, politeness often comes from the choice of modal verb and the use of ‘bitte’ at the end of a request. ‘Kann ich … bitten?’ sounds friendly and informal, while ‘Darf ich … bitten?’ or the formal ‘Sie’ version is used in more respectful or professional contexts. Remember that ‘Gefallen’ is masculine, so the article must be ‘einen’ in the accusative.