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German Phrase

Kannst du diesen Bericht für mich durchsehen?

/kanst duː ˈdiːzn̩ bəˈʁɪçt fyːɐ̯ mɪç ˈdʊʁçˌzeːən/
Meaning"Can you look through this report for me?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a polite request asking someone to review or check a document. The verb 'durchsehen' implies looking something over to find errors or to provide feedback. It is a functional and common expression in professional and academic environments.

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When to use

Use this phrase in a workplace or school setting when you want a colleague or classmate to proofread your work. It is suitable for semi-formal contexts where you are on a first-name basis with the person.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannstdudiesenBerichtfürmichdurchsehen

1

Modal Verbs

The verb 'können' (can) is conjugated as 'kannst' for the subject 'du' and requires the second verb to be at the end in the infinitive.

2

Accusative Case

'Bericht' is a masculine noun; because it is the direct object, 'dieser' changes to 'diesen'.

3

Separable Verbs

'Durchsehen' is a separable verb, but when paired with a modal verb like 'kannst', the prefix remains attached at the end.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich bin fast fertig. Kannst du diesen Bericht für mich durchsehen?

I'm almost finished. Can you look through this report for me?

Klar, gib ihn mir einfach rüber. Ich schaue sofort mal drüber.

Sure, just pass it over to me. I'll take a look at it right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du diesen Bericht für mich übersehen?

    'Übersehen' means to overlook or miss something by accident, whereas 'durchsehen' means to review or examine.

  • Kannst du diesen Bericht für mich sehen durch?

    While 'durchsehen' is a separable verb, it must stay in the infinitive form at the end of the sentence because of the modal verb 'kannst'.

↔Alternatives

  • Könnten Sie diesen Bericht bitte prüfen?

    Could you please check this report? (Formal)

  • Magst du mal kurz über den Bericht schauen?

    Would you like to take a quick look over the report? (Informal)

de

Cultural Tip

In German workplace culture, being direct is appreciated, but adding 'für mich' (for me) or 'bitte' (please) softens the request. Using 'du' indicates a level of familiarity common among colleagues of similar rank or in modern startup environments.