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German Phrase

Kannst du mein Gepäck aufbewahren?

/kɑnst duː maɪ̯n ɡəˈpɛk aʊ̯fbəˈvaːʁən/
Meaning"Can you keep my luggage?"
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Meaning

A polite request asking someone to keep your luggage safe for a short period, such as at a hotel, train station, or a friend's house. It implies trust that the luggage will be looked after.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you need temporary storage for your bags – for example after checking out of a hotel, during a layover, or when you want to explore a city without dragging your suitcases.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannstdumeinGepäckaufbewahren?

1

Modalverb 'können'

'Kannst' is the 2nd person singular present of 'können', used to ask for ability or permission.

2

Personalpronomen 'du'

'du' is the informal singular pronoun, placed after the verb in yes‑no questions.

3

Possessivpronomen 'mein'

'mein' agrees with the neuter noun 'Gepäck' (no ending).

4

Neutrales Substantiv 'Gepäck'

'Gepäck' is neuter; the article and possessive are 'das Gepäck', 'mein Gepäck'.

5

Trennbares Verb 'aufbewahren'

'aufbewahren' is a separable verb; in a modal construction the infinitive stays at the end unchanged.

6

Fragewortstellung

In yes‑no questions the finite verb ('Kannst') moves to the first position.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kannst du mein Gepäck aufbewahren?

Can you keep my luggage?

Ja, ich lege es in den Schrank.

Yes, I'll put it in the cupboard.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du mein Gepäck bewahren?

    Learners often drop the prefix and say 'bewahren' which changes the meaning to 'preserve' rather than 'store'.

  • Kannst du meine Gepäck aufbewahren?

    'Gepäck' is neuter, so the correct possessive is 'mein', not 'meine'.

  • Kannst du mein Gepäck aufbewahren?

    In very formal contexts you would use the polite 'Sie' form: 'Können Sie mein Gepäck aufbewahren?'.

↔Alternatives

  • Kannst du mein Gepäck für mich aufbewahren?

    Can you keep my luggage for me?

  • Würdest du mein Gepäck aufbewahren?

    Would you keep my luggage?

  • Könntest du mein Gepäck aufbewahren?

    Could you keep my luggage?

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Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries luggage storage (Gepäckaufbewahrung) is a common service at hotels, train stations and airports. Adding a polite 'bitte' makes the request sound even more courteous. Remember that 'Gepäck' is neuter, so you say 'mein Gepäck', not 'meine Gepäck'. The separable prefix 'auf-' is pronounced with a slight pause before the main verb in spoken German.