German Phrase
Kannst du mir noch etwas nachschenken?
Meaning
The sentence asks politely if someone can pour you another drink, typically more of the same beverage you are already enjoying. It conveys a friendly request for a refill.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings such as at a friend's house, a casual bar, or a family gathering when you want another serving of a drink. It’s appropriate when you have a good rapport with the host or bartender.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kannstdumirnochetwasnachschenken
Modalverb 'können' (2. Person Singular)
‘Kannst’ is the 2nd‑person singular present form of ‘können’, used to make a polite request.
Dativ pronoun 'mir'
‘mir’ is the dative form of ‘ich’, indicating the indirect object (to me).
Adverb 'noch'
‘noch’ adds the sense of ‘more’ or ‘another’, often used with requests for a refill.
Indefinite pronoun 'etwas'
‘etwas’ means ‘some’ or ‘a little’, a neutral way to refer to an unspecified amount.
Separable verb 'nachschenken'
‘nachschenken’ is a separable verb; in main clauses the prefix ‘nach‑’ moves to the end: ‘nachschenken’ → ‘nach … schenken’.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du mir noch etwas nachschenken?
Can you pour me some more?
Klar, hier bitte!
Sure, here you go!
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du mir noch etwas nachschänken?
The correct spelling is ‘nachschenken’ (no umlaut).
Du kannst mir noch etwas nachschenken?
When asking politely, use the modal verb form ‘Kannst du …’ not ‘du kannst …’ which sounds like a statement.
Mir noch etwas nachschenken kannst du?
Word order should keep the verb in second position; the infinitive goes to the end.
↔Alternatives
Kannst du mir noch ein Glas geben?
Can you give me another glass?
Darf ich noch etwas nachschenken?
May I have a little more?
Könntest du mir bitte noch etwas nachschenken?
Could you please pour me a little more?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, it’s common to ask for a refill with a friendly tone. Using "noch" (still/yet) signals you’re enjoying the drink and would like a little more, not that the previous one was insufficient. In formal restaurants, you might use "Könnten Sie mir bitte noch etwas nachschenken?" to show respect.