German Phrase
Kannst du das ohne Milchprodukte machen?
Meaning
This question asks whether a certain dish or preparation can be done without any dairy products. It is a polite way to check if a recipe can be adapted for lactose‑intolerant or vegan diets.
When to use
Use it in restaurants, when asking a friend to modify a recipe, or in any situation where you need to confirm that a food item can be prepared dairy‑free. The informal ‘du’ makes it suitable for peers, family, or casual service staff.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KannstdudasohneMilchproduktemachen?
Modalverb 'können' (2. Pers. Sg.)
‘Kannst’ is the 2nd person singular present form of ‘können’, used to ask about ability or possibility.
Personalpronomen 'du'
The informal ‘you’, placed directly after the modal verb in a question.
Demonstrativpronomen 'das'
Refers to a previously mentioned object or action; functions as the direct object of ‘machen’.
Präposition 'ohne' + Akkusativ
‘ohne’ (without) always governs the accusative case; here it governs the plural noun ‘Milchprodukte’.
Nomen 'Milchprodukte'
Plural noun meaning ‘dairy products’; the article is omitted because it follows a preposition.
Verbklammer mit Modalverb
In main clauses with a modal verb, the infinitive ‘machen’ moves to the sentence end.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du das ohne Milchprodukte machen?
Can you make that without dairy products?
Ja, ich ersetze die Sahne durch Kokosmilch.
Yes, I’ll replace the cream with coconut milk.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du das mit Milchprodukte machen?
‘mit’ means ‘with’; using it would ask for dairy instead of excluding it.
Kannst du das ohne Milchprodukte?
Leaving out the infinitive ‘machen’ makes the sentence incomplete.
Kannst du das ohne Milchprodukt machen?
‘Milchprodukt’ is singular; after ‘ohne’ you need the plural ‘Milchprodukte’ unless you refer to a single item.
Kannst du das ohne Milchprodukte zu machen?
The infinitive ‘zu machen’ is not used after a modal verb; the correct form places ‘machen’ at the end without ‘zu’.
↔Alternatives
Kannst du das ohne Milch zubereiten?
Can you prepare that without milk?
Wäre es möglich, das milchfrei zu machen?
Would it be possible to make that dairy‑free?
Könntest du das ohne Milchprodukte kochen?
Could you cook that without dairy products?
Cultural Tip
In German, ‘Milchprodukte’ is the standard term for all dairy items (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, etc.). When you need a quick, informal request, many Germans simply say ‘ohne Milch’ – but if you want to be explicit, especially in a restaurant, use ‘ohne Milchprodukte’. Also, note that the informal ‘du’ is common among friends and younger staff; with strangers or in formal settings you would switch to ‘Sie’: ‘Können Sie das ohne Milchprodukte machen?’