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German Phrase

Weißt du, wie man dieses kaputte Regal repariert?

/vaɪst duː viː man ˈdiːzəs ˈkapʊtə ʁeˈɡaːl ʁepaˈʁiːɐ̯t/
Meaning"Do you know how to repair this broken shelf?"
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Meaning

You are asking someone if they know the method to fix a broken shelf. The sentence is an indirect question that expects a helpful answer or instructions.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need advice on repairing a piece of furniture, especially in a DIY setting, or when you’re asking a friend or colleague for help.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WeißtduwiemandieseskaputteRegalrepariert

1

Verb conjugation (wissen)

‘Weißt’ is the 2nd person singular present of ‘wissen’, used with the informal ‘du’.

2

Indirect question with ‘wie man’

‘wie man …’ introduces an indirect question; the verb moves to the end of the clause.

3

Demonstrative pronoun ‘dieses’

‘dieses’ is the accusative neuter form matching ‘Regal’.

4

Adjective ending after demonstrative

‘kaputte’ takes a weak ending ‘-e’ because it follows the demonstrative ‘dieses’.

5

Noun gender and case

‘Regal’ is neuter; in the accusative it stays ‘Regal’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Weißt du, wie man dieses kaputte Regal repariert?

Do you know how to repair this broken shelf?

Ja, ich zeige dir, was du tun musst.

Yes, I’ll show you what you need to do.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Du weißt, wie man dieses kaputte Regal repariert?

    In a question the verb comes first: ‘Weißt du…’ not ‘du weißt…’

  • Weißt du, wie man dieser kaputte Regal repariert?

    ‘Regal’ is neuter, so the correct demonstrative is ‘dieses’ in the accusative.

  • Weißt du, wie man dieses kaputt Regal repariert?

    When an adjective follows a demonstrative, it needs a weak ending: ‘kaputte’. ‘kaputt’ alone is incorrect here.

↔Alternatives

  • Kennst du die Methode, um dieses beschädigte Regal zu reparieren?

    Do you know the method to repair this damaged shelf?

  • Hast du eine Idee, wie man das Regal reparieren kann?

    Do you have any idea how one can repair the shelf?

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Cultural Tip

German speakers often prefer the indirect‑question structure ‘wie man …’ for polite requests. ‘kaputt’ is colloquial; in formal contexts you might use ‘beschädigt’ or ‘defekt’. Also, remember to keep the verb at the end of the subordinate clause.