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German Phrase

Kann ich das Paket hier wiegen?

/kann ɪç das ˈpaːkɛt hiːɐ̯ ˈviːgən/
Meaning"Can I weigh the package here?"
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Meaning

The sentence is a polite request asking whether the speaker may weigh a package at the current location, for example at a post office, a shipping shop or a supermarket with a scale. It uses the modal verb ‘kann’ to soften the request; a more formal alternative would be ‘darf ich’.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need to know the weight of a parcel before sending it, especially in places that provide public weighing scales – post offices, parcel‑shops, or even some grocery stores. It is also appropriate when you are unsure whether the scale is available for public use.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannichdasPakethierwiegen?

1

Modalverb 'kann'

‘Kann’ is the present tense of the modal verb ‘können’ and is used to ask for permission or ability. In questions it occupies the first position.

2

Subjekt‑Verb‑Objekt‑Adverb‑Infinitiv

German main‑clause word order is subject‑verb‑object; in yes‑no questions the finite verb moves to first position, followed by the subject.

3

Akkusativobjekt 'das Paket'

‘das Paket’ is a neuter noun in the accusative case, the direct object of the verb ‘wiegen’.

4

Adverbial 'hier'

‘hier’ indicates the place where the action should take place.

5

Infinitiv ohne ‘zu’

After a modal verb the infinitive appears without ‘zu’; therefore ‘wiegen’ (not ‘zu wiegen’).

🗨In Conversation

A

Kann ich das Paket hier wiegen?

Can I weigh the package here?

Ja, die Waage steht dort drüben neben dem Schalter.

Yes, the scale is over there next to the counter.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Muss ich das Paket hier wiegen?

    ‘Muss ich’ means ‘must I’, which sounds demanding rather than a polite request.

  • Kann ich das Paket hier wiegt?

    ‘Wiegt’ is the third‑person singular form; after a modal verb you need the infinitive ‘wiegen’.

  • Kann ich das Paket hier zu wiegen?

    When a modal verb is used, the infinitive appears without ‘zu’. ‘Zu’ is only used in constructions like ‘Es ist möglich, das Paket hier zu wiegen.’

↔Alternatives

  • Darf ich das Paket hier wiegen?

    May I weigh the package here?

  • Könnte ich das Paket hier wiegen?

    Could I weigh the package here?

  • Ist es möglich, das Paket hier zu wiegen?

    Is it possible to weigh the package here?

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Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries it is considered polite to ask before using equipment that belongs to a business. Staff will often point you to a specific scale or ask you to wait for a moment. Also note that ‘wiegen’ is a transitive verb, so the object (das Paket) must be in the accusative case, and the modal verb always forces the infinitive without ‘zu’.