German Phrase
Kannst du jemanden schicken?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Can you send someone?’, this sentence is a request asking the listener to arrange for a person to be sent somewhere – for example, to a meeting, a task, or a location. It is a direct but polite way to ask for help, especially in a professional or informal setting.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need another person to be dispatched – a colleague to a client, a friend to a party, or a service worker to your door. It works well in workplaces, group projects, or casual conversations where the speaker expects the listener to have the authority to send someone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kannstdujemandenschicken?
Modalverb 'können' (2. Person Singular)
In a yes‑no question the conjugated modal verb occupies the second position, followed by the subject.
Pronomen 'jemanden' (Akkusativ)
‘jemanden’ is the accusative form of the indefinite pronoun ‘jemand’, used as the direct object of ‘schicken’.
Infinitiv am Satzende
When a modal verb is used, the main verb stays in its infinitive form at the end of the clause.
Frage‑Partikel
The question mark is enough; German does not need an additional interrogative particle like ‘do’ in English.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du jemanden schicken?
Can you send someone?
Ja, ich rufe gleich den Techniker an.
Yes, I’ll call the technician right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du jemanden zu schicken?
The preposition ‘zu’ is unnecessary; the infinitive follows the modal verb directly.
Kannst du jemand schicken?
‘Jemand’ is nominative; the object needs the accusative ‘jemanden’.
Schickst du jemanden?
When using a modal verb, the main verb stays infinitive; ‘schickst du’ would be a different construction.
↔Alternatives
Könntest du jemanden schicken?
Could you send someone?
Würdest du bitte jemanden schicken?
Would you please send someone?
Kannst du jemanden hierher schicken?
Can you send someone here?
Cultural Tip
German speakers often soften direct requests with the conditional form ‘könntest du…’ or by adding ‘bitte’. In formal business emails, you might write ‘Könnten Sie bitte jemanden schicken?’ using the formal ‘Sie’. Also, remember that ‘jemanden schicken’ usually implies a physical presence, not an electronic message.