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German Phrase

Wo kann ich den Schlüssel zurückgeben?

/voː kan ɪç deːn ˈʃlʏsl̩ t͡suˈʁʏkˌɡeːbn̩/
Meaning"Where can I return the key?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a direct and common way to ask for the location or method of returning a key. It literally translates to 'Where can I the key return?', but the natural English equivalent is 'Where can I return the key?'. It's used when you have a key that needs to be given back to someone or a specific place.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase when checking out of a hotel, returning a rental car key, giving back a borrowed key, or after using a locker. It's a polite and standard question to ask staff or a friend when you're unsure of the return procedure.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WokannichdenSchlüsselzurückgeben?

1

Wo (Where)

'Wo' is an interrogative adverb meaning 'where'. It's used to ask about location.

2

kann (can)

'kann' is the first-person singular conjugation of the modal verb 'können' (to be able to, can). Modal verbs always send the main verb to the end of the sentence.

3

ich (I)

'ich' is the first-person singular pronoun, meaning 'I'. In a question with a W-word, it follows the conjugated verb.

4

den Schlüssel (the key)

'den Schlüssel' is the masculine noun 'Schlüssel' (key) in the accusative case. It's the direct object of the verb 'zurückgeben'.

5

zurückgeben (to return)

'zurückgeben' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zurück-' moves to the end of the sentence, while the verb stem 'geben' is conjugated and placed in the second position (or after the modal verb, as here).

🗨In Conversation

A

Guten Tag! Wo kann ich den Schlüssel zurückgeben?

Good day! Where can I return the key?

Sie können ihn einfach hier an der Rezeption abgeben.

You can just hand it in here at the reception.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wo kann ich den Schlüssel wiedergeben?

    While 'wiedergeben' means 'to give back' or 'to reproduce', 'zurückgeben' is the correct and most common verb for returning an item like a key.

  • Wo ich kann den Schlüssel zurückgeben?

    In German questions starting with a 'W-word' (like 'Wo'), the conjugated verb ('kann') must come immediately after the W-word, followed by the subject ('ich').

↔Alternatives

  • Wo gebe ich den Schlüssel ab?

    Where do I hand in the key?

  • Ich möchte den Schlüssel zurückgeben. Wo ist das möglich?

    I would like to return the key. Where is that possible?

de

Cultural Tip

Germans appreciate directness in communication, so asking 'Wo kann ich den Schlüssel zurückgeben?' is perfectly polite and efficient. There's no need for overly elaborate phrasing. In hotels or rental services, there might be a designated drop-off box for keys outside of reception hours, so it's always good to ask if you're leaving early or late.