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German Phrase

Kannst du das Wohnzimmer staubsaugen?

/ˈkanst duː das ˈvoːnˌtsɪmɐ ˈʃtaʊpˌzaʊɡŋ̩/
Meaning"Can you vacuum the living room?"
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Meaning

This is a common household request asking someone to clean the living room floor with a vacuum cleaner. It utilizes the modal verb 'können' (can/to be able to) to make a polite inquiry or request.

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When to use

Use this phrase at home with family members or roommates when discussing chores. It is informal yet polite enough for daily domestic life.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Kannstdudas Wohnzimmerstaubsaugen

1

Verb Bracket

In German, when using a modal verb like 'kannst', the second verb 'staubsaugen' must be placed at the very end of the sentence.

2

Compound Noun

'Wohnzimmer' is a neuter noun (das) formed by 'wohnen' (to live) and 'Zimmer' (room).

🗨In Conversation

A

Kannst du das Wohnzimmer staubsaugen?

Can you vacuum the living room?

Ja, das mache ich gleich.

Yes, I will do that right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du das Wohnzimmer staub saugen?

    While 'Staub saugen' was common, modern German orthography prefers 'staubsaugen' as a single verb in the infinitive.

  • Kannst du das Wohnzimmer staubsaugst?

    Modal verbs like 'kannst' require the main verb at the end of the sentence to be in the infinitive form.

↔Alternatives

  • Könntest du das Wohnzimmer staubsaugen?

    Could you vacuum the living room?

  • Würdest du bitte das Wohnzimmer staubsaugen?

    Would you please vacuum the living room?

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany, there are strict rules regarding noise called 'Ruhezeiten'. Vacuuming on Sundays or late at night is often prohibited by house rules or local ordinances to ensure peace for neighbors.