SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to At The Hotel

German Phrase

Kannst du mir noch Handtücher bringen, bitte?

/kɑnst duː miːɐ̯ nɔx ˈhantˌtʏːçɐ ˈbʁɪŋən ˈbɪtə/
Meaning"Can you bring me some more towels, please?"
💡

Meaning

The sentence is a polite request asking someone to bring the speaker additional towels. It combines a modal verb with a dative pronoun and the infinitive ‘bringen’, and ends with the courtesy word ‘bitte’.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase in informal settings such as a family home, a hostel, or when you have a friendly relationship with the staff. In more formal contexts (e.g., a hotel), you would switch to the formal ‘Sie’ form.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannstdumirnochHandtücherbringenbitte

1

Modalverb 'können' (2. Pers. Sg.)

‘Kannst’ is the 2nd person singular form of ‘können’, used to ask if someone is able to do something.

2

Verb‑Zweit‑Stellung

In main clauses the finite verb (‘Kannst’) occupies the second position; the subject follows.

3

Dativpronomen 'mir'

‘mir’ is the dative form of ‘ich’, indicating the indirect object (the person receiving the towels).

4

Adverb 'noch'

‘noch’ adds the meaning of ‘more’ or ‘additional’, signalling that the speaker already has some towels.

5

Infinitiv am Satzende

The infinitive ‘bringen’ is placed at the end of the clause, a typical pattern with modal verbs.

6

Politeness particle 'bitte'

‘bitte’ softens the request and makes it courteous.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kannst du mir noch Handtücher bringen, bitte?

Can you bring me some more towels, please?

Natürlich, ich bringe sie gleich.

Of course, I’ll bring them right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du mir noch Handtücher bringen bitte

    Missing comma before ‘bitte’; the comma separates the polite particle from the main clause.

  • Kannst du mir noch Handtücher bringen, bitte?

    Using ‘du’ with strangers is too informal; switch to ‘Sie’ in formal settings.

  • Kannst du mir noch Handtücher bringen, bitte!

    Exclamation marks can sound demanding; keep it a question or use a period for politeness.

↔Alternatives

  • Könntest du mir bitte noch Handtücher bringen?

    Could you please bring me some more towels?

  • Können Sie mir bitte noch Handtücher bringen?

    Could you (formal) please bring me some more towels?

  • Bringen Sie mir bitte noch Handtücher?

    Please bring me some more towels.

de

Cultural Tip

In German-speaking countries, adding ‘bitte’ is essential for politeness, even in informal requests. When you’re in a hotel or dealing with staff you don’t know well, switch to the formal ‘Sie’ form (Können Sie …). Also, saying ‘noch’ implies you already have some towels and need additional ones, which helps the listener understand the exact request.