German Phrase
Kannst du das bitte für mich wiegen?
Meaning
This phrase is a polite way to ask someone to measure the weight of an item for you. It directly translates to "Can you please weigh that for me?" and is commonly used in situations where you need assistance with weighing something.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in a shop, like a supermarket or a deli, when you need an item weighed by staff. It's also appropriate at a post office if you need to weigh a package, or even when asking a friend to weigh something at home.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kannstdudasbittefürmichwiegen?
Können (Kannst)
'Können' means 'can' or 'to be able to'. 'Kannst' is the informal 'du' form. It's used here to form a polite request, similar to 'Can you...?' in English.
Du
'Du' is the informal singular 'you'. It's used when addressing friends, family, children, or people you know well. For formal situations, you would use 'Sie'.
Das
'Das' means 'that' or 'it'. Here, it functions as the direct object, referring to the item being weighed.
Bitte
'Bitte' means 'please'. It's essential for politeness in German requests and can be placed in various positions in the sentence, often after the subject or object.
Für mich
'Für mich' means 'for me'. 'Für' is a preposition that always takes the accusative case, so 'ich' (I) becomes 'mich' (me).
Wiegen
'Wiegen' is the verb 'to weigh'. In German questions and subordinate clauses, the main verb often moves to the end of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, ich brauche noch Tomaten. Kannst du das bitte für mich wiegen?
Excuse me, I still need tomatoes. Can you please weigh that for me?
Ja, klar. Moment bitte.
Yes, of course. One moment please.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du das bitte für mich messen?
While 'messen' means 'to measure', it's generally used for length, volume, or other dimensions, not weight. For weight, 'wiegen' is the correct verb.
Kannst du wiegen das bitte für mich?
In German, the verb 'wiegen' should be at the end of the clause in a question like this, following the object 'das'.
↔Alternatives
Könnten Sie das bitte für mich wiegen?
Could you please weigh that for me? (formal)
Würdest du das bitte wiegen?
Would you please weigh that? (slightly more direct, informal)
Kannst du das mal wiegen?
Can you weigh that for a moment? (more casual)
Cultural Tip
Politeness is highly valued in German communication. The inclusion of "bitte" (please) is crucial when making requests, even informal ones. Using "du" (informal 'you') is appropriate for friends, family, and younger people, while "Sie" (formal 'you') should be used for strangers, elders, or in professional settings. Choosing the correct form of address shows respect.