German Phrase
Kann ich mir deinen Bleistift ausleihen?
Meaning
This sentence asks politely if you may borrow someone's pencil. It uses the modal verb 'können' in a question form, the reflexive pronoun 'mir' to indicate the action benefits the speaker, and the verb 'ausleihen' meaning 'to lend/borrow'. The phrase is informal and suitable for classmates or friends.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to borrow a pencil in a casual setting, such as in school, a study group, or a shared workspace. It works best with people you know well enough to use the informal 'du' form.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KannichmirdeinenBleistiftausleihen?
Modalverb 'können' im Präsens
The modal verb 'können' is conjugated as 'kann' for 'ich' and placed at the beginning of a yes/no question.
Reflexivpronomen 'mir'
The dative reflexive pronoun 'mir' shows that the action of borrowing benefits the speaker.
Possessivpronomen 'deinen'
Because 'Bleistift' is masculine accusative, the possessive 'dein' takes the ending '-en'.
Verb 'ausleihen' (to lend/borrow)
In a borrowing request, the speaker uses the infinitive 'ausleihen' after the modal verb.
Fragezeichen am Satzende
A question mark signals that the sentence is a request for permission.
🗨In Conversation
Kann ich mir deinen Bleistift ausleihen?
Can I borrow your pencil?
Klar, hier hast du ihn.
Sure, here you go.
✕Common Mistakes
Kann ich deinen Bleistift ausleihen?
Missing the reflexive pronoun 'mir' makes the sentence sound less natural; the speaker should indicate that they are borrowing for themselves.
Kann ich mir dein Bleistift ausleihen?
The possessive must agree with the masculine accusative noun, so it should be 'deinen' not 'dein'.
Kann ich mir deinen Bleistift leihen?
While understandable, 'leihen' without the prefix 'aus-' is less precise for borrowing; 'ausleihen' is preferred.
↔Alternatives
Darf ich deinen Bleistift haben?
May I have your pencil?
Könnte ich kurz deinen Bleistift leihen?
Could I briefly borrow your pencil?
Kann ich deinen Bleistift kurz ausleihen?
Can I borrow your pencil for a moment?
Cultural Tip
In German, using the reflexive 'mir' with 'ausleihen' emphasizes that the borrowing is for your own use. In more formal contexts you would replace 'deinen' with 'Ihren' and possibly use 'dürfte ich' instead of 'kann ich'. Also, Germans often ask for permission before taking something, so this polite form is appreciated.