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German Phrase

Kannst du mir noch ein Kissen geben?

/kɑnst duː miːɐ̯ nɔx aɪn ˈkɪsn̩ ˈɡeːbn̩/
Meaning"Can you give me another pillow?"
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Meaning

The sentence is a polite request for an additional pillow. It can be used in a hotel room, at a friend's house, or any situation where you need another cushion to sit or lie on.

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When to use

Use this phrase in informal contexts (you‑form) when you are speaking to someone you know well or when the service staff has invited you to use ‘du’. In more formal settings you would switch to ‘Sie’ (e.g., ‘Können Sie mir noch ein Kissen geben?’).

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannstdumirnocheinKissengeben?

1

Modalverb 'können' (2. Person Singular)

‘Kannst’ is the present‑tense form of ‘können’ for ‘du’. It is used to ask about ability or permission and forces the main verb to the sentence end.

2

Subjektpronomen 'du'

The informal second‑person singular pronoun, placed directly after the finite verb in questions.

3

Dativpronomen 'mir'

‘mir’ is the dative form of ‘ich’ and marks the indirect object – the person who receives something.

4

Adverb 'noch'

Here ‘noch’ means ‘another’ or ‘one more’, indicating an additional item beyond what is already present.

5

Akkusativobjekt 'ein Kissen'

‘ein’ is the indefinite article in the accusative case, matching the neuter noun ‘Kissen’ which is the direct object.

6

Infinitiv am Satzende

With a modal verb, the main verb ‘geben’ stays in infinitive form and moves to the end of the clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kannst du mir noch ein Kissen geben?

Can you give me another pillow?

Klar, ich bringe dir gleich eins.

Sure, I’ll bring you one right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • du kannst mir noch ein Kissen geben?

    In a yes‑no question the finite verb must come first; ‘Kannst du …?’ is correct.

  • mir noch ein Kissen geben

    The modal verb ‘kannst’ is missing, so the sentence is incomplete.

  • Kannst du mir noch einen Kissen geben?

    ‘Kissen’ is neuter; the accusative indefinite article is ‘ein’, not ‘einen’.

↔Alternatives

  • Könntest du mir bitte ein weiteres Kissen bringen?

    Could you please bring me another pillow?

  • Ich hätte gern noch ein Kissen, bitte.

    I would like another pillow, please.

  • Können Sie mir noch ein Kissen geben?

    Can you (formal) give me another pillow?

de

Cultural Tip

German distinguishes clearly between the informal ‘du’ and the formal ‘Sie’. In hotels, many staff members will address guests with ‘Sie’, so switching to the formal version shows respect. Also, the word ‘noch’ can mean ‘still’ or ‘another’; in this context it signals an extra item, not a continuation of an action.