German Phrase
Kannst du mir bitte einen Stift leihen?
Meaning
Literally, “Can you lend me a pen, please?” It is a polite way to ask someone to temporarily give you a writing instrument. The sentence combines a modal verb, dative and accusative cases, and the courtesy word bitte.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need a pen in a classroom, office, café, or any informal setting. It works best with people you address with du; in a formal context you would switch to Sie and say Könnten Sie mir bitte einen Stift leihen?.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KannstdumirbitteeinenStiftleihen?
Modalverb können (2. Person Singular)
„Kannst“ is the 2nd‑person singular present of können and is used to ask for ability or permission.
Dativpronomen mir
The person receiving the loan is in the dative case, therefore the pronoun mir is required.
Akkusativobjekt einen Stift
The thing that is lent is the direct object and takes the accusative; the indefinite article changes to einen.
Verb leihen
Leihen takes a dative for the lender (or receiver) and an accusative for the item that is lent.
Polite particle bitte
Placing bitte before the request softens it and makes it sound courteous.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du mir bitte einen Stift leihen?
Can you lend me a pen, please?
Klar, hier hast du ihn.
Sure, here you go.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du mich bitte einen Stift leihen?
The pronoun must be dative (mir) because the speaker is the receiver of the loan.
Kannst du mir bitte ein Stift leihen?
The object is accusative, so the indefinite article changes to einen.
Kannst du mir bitte einen Stift leihen?
In formal situations you should use Sie instead of du.
↔Alternatives
Könntest du mir bitte einen Stift ausleihen?
Could you please lend me a pen?
Darf ich deinen Stift benutzen?
May I use your pen?
Hättest du einen Stift für mich?
Would you have a pen for me?
Cultural Tip
In German, the verb leihen is often replaced by ausleihen when you emphasize the temporary nature of the loan. Adding bitte makes the request sound polite, and using du signals an informal relationship; with strangers or in business you should use the formal Sie form. Also, Germans tend to keep their pens to themselves, so a friendly smile helps when you ask.