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German Phrase

Kann ich Flüssigkeiten ins Ausland schicken?

/kan ɪç ˈflʏsɪçkaɪtn̩ ɪns ˈaʊsˌlant ˈʃɪkən/
Meaning"Can I send liquids abroad?"
💡

Meaning

The sentence asks whether it is allowed to send liquids (e.g., perfume, medicine, cosmetics) to another country. It is often used when dealing with postal services or courier companies and concerns customs regulations and packaging rules.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when you need to confirm the legality or feasibility of shipping liquids internationally, such as before sending a gift, a sample for business, or personal items abroad.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannichFlüssigkeiteninsAuslandschicken?

1

Kann (Modalverb)

‘Kann’ is the 3rd person singular present form of ‘können’, used to ask about ability or permission.

2

ich (Personalpronomen)

‘ich’ is the first‑person singular pronoun, the subject of the sentence.

3

Flüssigkeiten (Akkusativ, Plural)

‘Flüssigkeiten’ is a plural noun in the accusative case, acting as the direct object of ‘schicken’.

4

ins (Präposition + Artikel)

‘ins’ is a contraction of ‘in das’, a preposition that governs the accusative case, indicating direction.

5

Ausland (Akkusativ, Neutrum)

‘Ausland’ is a neuter noun meaning ‘abroad’; after ‘in das’ it appears in the accusative.

6

schicken (Infinitiv)

‘schicken’ is the infinitive form of the verb meaning ‘to send’; it follows the modal verb ‘kann’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kann ich Flüssigkeiten ins Ausland schicken?

Can I send liquids abroad?

Ja, aber du musst die Zollbestimmungen beachten.

Yes, but you have to follow the customs regulations.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kann ich Flüssigkeiten nach dem Ausland schicken?

    ‘nach dem Ausland’ is incorrect because ‘nach’ is used with countries or cities, not with the noun ‘Ausland’. Use ‘ins Ausland’ (in das) for direction.

  • Kann ich darf ich Flüssigkeiten ins Ausland schicken?

    Mixing modal verbs creates confusion; choose either ‘kann ich’ (ability) or ‘darf ich’ (permission).

  • Kann ich Flüssigkeit ins Ausland schicken?

    When referring to multiple types or amounts, use the plural ‘Flüssigkeiten’. Singular sounds odd in this context.

↔Alternatives

  • Darf ich Flüssigkeiten ins Ausland senden?

    May I send liquids abroad?

  • Ist es erlaubt, Flüssigkeiten ins Ausland zu schicken?

    Is it allowed to send liquids abroad?

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany, sending liquids abroad is subject to strict customs rules. The EU allows most non‑hazardous liquids within the Union, but shipments to non‑EU countries often require special packaging, labeling, and sometimes a customs declaration. Always check the destination country's regulations and the carrier’s policy to avoid delays or confiscation.