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German Phrase

Kann ich mein Gepäck hier lassen?

/kan ɪç maɪn ɡəˈpɛk hiːɐ̯ ˈlasn̩/
Meaning"Can I leave my luggage here?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a polite and direct way to ask if you are permitted to store your luggage in a specific location. It's a practical question for travelers needing to temporarily store their bags.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase when checking into a hotel early, after checking out but before departure, at a train station, airport, or any other place where you might need to temporarily store your bags.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannichmeinGepäckhierlassen

1

Kann (können)

'Kann' is the first-person singular conjugation of the modal verb 'können' (to be able to/can). Modal verbs always send the main verb to the end of the sentence in German.

2

ich

'Ich' is the first-person singular pronoun, meaning 'I'. In a question, it typically follows the conjugated verb.

3

mein

'Mein' is a possessive determiner meaning 'my'. It agrees in gender and case with the noun it modifies. Here, 'Gepäck' is neuter, so 'mein' is used.

4

Gepäck

'Gepäck' is a neuter noun meaning 'luggage' or 'baggage'. It is always singular in German, even if referring to multiple bags.

5

hier

'Hier' is an adverb meaning 'here'. It indicates location.

6

lassen

'Lassen' is the infinitive main verb meaning 'to leave' or 'to let'. As a modal verb is present ('kann'), 'lassen' goes to the very end of the sentence.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigen Sie, kann ich mein Gepäck hier lassen?

Excuse me, can I leave my luggage here?

Ja, natürlich. Wir können es gerne für Sie aufbewahren.

Yes, of course. We can gladly store it for you.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kann ich mein Gepäck hier stellen?

    While 'stellen' means 'to place' or 'to put (upright)', 'lassen' is the correct verb for 'to leave' or 'to let' in the context of leaving items behind.

  • Kann ich mein Gepäck hier verlassen?

    'Verlassen' means 'to abandon' or 'to leave (a place)', which implies leaving something permanently or without intention to retrieve it, making it unsuitable for temporary storage.

↔Alternatives

  • Darf ich mein Gepäck hier lassen?

    May I leave my luggage here?

  • Wäre es möglich, mein Gepäck hier zu lassen?

    Would it be possible to leave my luggage here?

  • Könnten Sie mein Gepäck hier aufbewahren?

    Could you store my luggage here?

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Cultural Tip

Germans appreciate directness, so this phrase is perfectly polite and appropriate. While 'Darf ich...?' (May I...?) is slightly more formal, 'Kann ich...?' (Can I...?) is very common and acceptable in most service interactions. Always remember to use 'Sie' (formal 'you') when addressing service staff unless invited to use 'du'.