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German Phrase

Kannst du mir ein bisschen Geld leihen?

/kɑnst duː miːɐ̯ aɪn ˈbɪsçən ˈɡɛlt ˈlaɪ̯ən/
Meaning"Can you lend me a little money?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks, “Can you lend me a little money?” It is a polite, informal request that uses the modal verb ‘können’ to soften the ask.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need a small amount of cash from a friend, roommate, or colleague in a casual setting. It works best when you have an established relationship and the amount is modest.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannstdumireinbisschenGeldleihen?

1

Modalverb 'können' (2. Pers. Sg.)

‘Kannst’ is the 2nd person singular present form of ‘können’, used here to make a polite request.

2

Dativpronomen 'mir'

‘mir’ is the dative form of ‘ich’; the person receiving the loan is in the dative case.

3

Quantifier 'ein bisschen'

‘ein bisschen’ means ‘a little’ and modifies the noun ‘Geld’.

4

Akkusativobjekt 'Geld'

‘Geld’ is the direct object of the verb ‘leihen’ and therefore stands in the accusative.

5

Verb am Satzende

With a modal verb, the infinitive ‘leihen’ moves to the end of the clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kannst du mir ein bisschen Geld leihen?

Can you lend me a little money?

Klar, wie viel brauchst du?

Sure, how much do you need?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du mich ein bisschen Geld leihen?

    ‘mich’ is accusative; the correct dative form is ‘mir’ because the speaker is the recipient of the loan.

  • Kannst du mir ein bisschen Geld ausleihen?

    ‘ausleihen’ is usually used when you are the one borrowing something, not lending it.

  • Kannst du mir ein bisschen Geld leihen

    Missing the question mark makes it sound like a statement rather than a request.

↔Alternatives

  • Kannst du mir etwas Geld leihen?

    Can you lend me some money?

  • Könntest du mir ein bisschen Geld ausleihen?

    Could you lend me a little money?

  • Würdest du mir ein wenig Geld leihen?

    Would you lend me a little money?

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries borrowing money is taken seriously. Even for a small amount, it’s common to use the more polite ‘Könntest du …’ or ‘Würdest du …’ to show respect. Also note that ‘leihen’ (to lend) takes a dative object for the person receiving the loan and an accusative object for the thing being lent.