German Phrase
Kannst du die Minibar auffüllen?
Meaning
A polite request asking someone—usually hotel staff—to restock the minibar with drinks, snacks, or other items. The sentence is informal because it uses ‘du’, but it is still courteous thanks to the modal verb.
When to use
Use this phrase at a hotel when you notice the minibar is empty or low on items and you would like the staff to bring more. It works best when you have an informal relationship with the employee (e.g., a small boutique hotel where first names are used).
✦Grammar Breakdown
KannstdudieMinibarauffüllen?
Modalverb 'können' (2. Pers. Sg.)
‘Kannst’ is the 2nd person singular present form of ‘können’, used to ask ability or permission.
Personalpronomen 'du'
The informal ‘you’ used with friends, family, or staff you’re on a first‑name basis with.
Akkusativobjekt mit bestimmtem Artikel
‘die Minibar’ is the direct object in the accusative case; the article ‘die’ stays the same as nominative feminine singular.
Trennbares Verb 'auffüllen'
In main clauses the prefix ‘auf‑’ separates and moves to the end of the clause; in a yes‑no question the finite verb ‘Kannst’ comes first.
Fragewortstellung (Verb‑erste Frage)
Yes‑no questions in German start with the conjugated verb, followed by the subject.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du die Minibar auffüllen?
Can you refill the minibar?
Natürlich, ich bringe gleich neue Snacks und Getränke.
Of course, I’ll bring new snacks and drinks right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du die Minibar nachfüllen?
‘nachfüllen’ is also correct, but pairing it with ‘Kannst du’ sounds a bit abrupt; use ‘Könntest du…’ for politeness.
Kannst du die Minibar auffüllen
Missing the question mark and the verb‑final position of the separable prefix makes it look like a statement, not a question.
Kannst du das Minibar auffüllen?
‘das Minibar’ is wrong because ‘Minibar’ is feminine in German; the correct article is ‘die’.
Kannst du die Minibar auf füllen?
Do not split the separable verb; ‘auffüllen’ stays together, with the prefix moving to the end of the clause.
↔Alternatives
Könnten Sie die Minibar auffüllen?
Could you refill the minibar? (formal)
Könntest du die Minibar nachfüllen?
Could you top up the minibar?
Würdest du bitte die Minibar auffüllen?
Would you please refill the minibar?
Cultural Tip
In German hotels the minibar is usually not free; it’s billed per item. Asking politely (using ‘Könnten Sie…’ or adding ‘bitte’) shows respect for the staff and avoids sounding demanding. If you’re staying at a larger chain, stick to the formal ‘Sie’ unless the employee invites you to use ‘du’.