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German Phrase

Kannst du das mal genauer erklären?

/kans(t) duː das maːl ɡəˈnaʊ̯ɐ ɛɐ̯ˈklɛːʁən/
Meaning"Can you explain that a bit more precisely?"
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Meaning

A polite, informal request asking someone to explain something again, but this time with more detail or precision. The word ‘mal’ adds a friendly, conversational tone.

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When to use

Use this phrase in everyday conversation when you need a clearer explanation of a point that was just mentioned, especially in informal settings like with friends, classmates, or colleagues you know well.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Kannstdudasmalgenauererklären?

1

Kannst (können)

Modal verb ‘können’ in 2nd person singular, conjugated as ‘kannst’; it requires an infinitive verb at the end.

2

du

Personal pronoun, second‑person singular, placed directly after the finite verb in a question.

3

das

Demonstrative pronoun referring to something previously mentioned; functions as the object of ‘erklären’.

4

mal

Colloquial particle that softens the request, roughly ‘once’ or ‘just’; it makes the sentence sound friendly.

5

genauer

Comparative form of ‘genau’; used as an adverb to modify the verb ‘erklären’ meaning ‘more precisely’.

6

erklären

Infinitive verb meaning ‘to explain’; placed at the end of the clause because of the modal verb.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich verstehe nicht, warum das Projekt jetzt länger dauert.

I don’t understand why the project is taking longer now.

Kannst du das mal genauer erklären?

Can you explain that a bit more precisely?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du das genauer erklärst?

    The infinitive ‘erklären’ must stay at the end; ‘erklärst’ is a finite verb and breaks the modal construction.

  • Kannst du das mal genauer erklärst?

    Same error – the verb after a modal must be in infinitive form.

  • Kannst du das genauer erklären mal?

    ‘mal’ belongs before the comparative adverb, not at the end of the sentence.

↔Alternatives

  • Kannst du das bitte genauer erklären?

    Can you please explain that more precisely?

  • Könntest du das genauer erläutern?

    Could you elaborate on that more precisely?

  • Erklär mir das bitte genauer.

    Please explain that to me in more detail.

de

Cultural Tip

The particle ‘mal’ makes the request sound casual and friendly. In a formal email or a business meeting you would drop ‘mal’ and use a more polite construction such as ‘Könnten Sie das bitte genauer erklären?’ or ‘Würden Sie das genauer erläutern?’