German Phrase
Kannst du mir zeigen, wie das geht?
Meaning
This phrase is a fundamental way to ask for assistance or a demonstration in German. It uses the modal verb 'können' (can) to request an action, and the subordinate clause 'wie das geht' literally translates to 'how that goes,' which is the idiomatic way to say 'how it works' or 'how to do it.'
When to use
Use this phrase whenever you are unsure how to operate a device, complete a task, or follow a specific process. It is perfectly suited for casual interactions with friends or colleagues in a relaxed environment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kannstdumirzeigen,wiedasgeht?
Modal Verb Position
The modal verb 'kannst' sits in the second position for a question if there's no question word, but here it starts the sentence to form a yes/no request structure.
Dative Pronoun
'mir' is the dative form of 'ich'. It is used here because 'zeigen' (to show) takes an indirect object.
Verb-Final Order
In the part 'wie das geht', 'geht' is placed at the end because 'wie' acts as a subordinator in this context.
🗨In Conversation
Ich weiß nicht, wie man diese Kaffeemaschine benutzt.
I don't know how to use this coffee machine.
Kein Problem. Kannst du mir zeigen, wie das geht? Oh, ich meine, ich zeige es dir!
No problem. Can you show me how it works? Oh, I mean, I will show you!
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du mir zeigen wie geht das?
In German subordinate clauses introduced by 'wie', the conjugated verb must move to the end of the sentence.
Kannst du mich zeigen wie das geht?
The verb 'zeigen' requires the dative case for the person receiving the action; use 'mir' instead of the accusative 'mich'.
↔Alternatives
Wie funktioniert das?
How does this work?
Könnten Sie mir das bitte erklären?
Could you please explain this to me? (Formal)
Zeig mir mal, wie das funktioniert.
Show me how that functions. (Informal/Direct)
Cultural Tip
Germans value efficiency and practical knowledge. When you ask this question, be ready to pay close attention, as the person helping you will likely give you a very detailed and direct explanation. In a professional setting with someone you don't know well, remember to swap 'du' for 'Sie' and 'kannst' for 'können'.