German Phrase
Kannst du das noch genauer erklären?
Meaning
You are asking the listener to give a clearer, more detailed explanation of something that has already been mentioned. It conveys a polite request for additional information.
When to use
Use this sentence when a previous explanation was vague or too brief, in both informal and semi‑formal settings such as classrooms, meetings, or everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kannstdudasnochgenauererklären?
Modalverb 'können' (2. Person Singular)
‘Kannst’ is the present‑tense 2nd‑person singular form of ‘können’, used to ask for ability or permission.
Verb‑Zweit‑Stellung
In main clauses the finite verb (‘Kannst’) occupies the second position; the subject ‘du’ follows it.
Infinitiv am Satzende
With modal verbs the infinitive (‘erklären’) is placed at the end of the clause.
‘noch’ as Intensifier
‘noch’ adds the sense of ‘still’ or ‘more’, indicating that a previous explanation was insufficient.
Komparativ ‘genauer’
‘genauer’ is the comparative form of ‘genau’, meaning ‘more precise’ or ‘in more detail’.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du das noch genauer erklären?
Can you explain that in more detail?
Ja, natürlich. Ich meine, dass das Projekt bis Ende Juni fertig sein muss, weil dann das Budget geprüft wird.
Sure, of course. I mean that the project has to be finished by the end of June because the budget will be reviewed then.
✕Common Mistakes
Du kannst das noch genauer erklären?
This changes the meaning to a yes/no question about the listener’s ability, not a request for more detail.
Kannst du das noch genau erklären?
‘Genau’ is the positive form; you need the comparative ‘genauer’ to ask for a more precise explanation.
Kannst du das genauer erklären noch?
‘Noch’ must stay before the comparative; placing it after the infinitive breaks the normal word order.
↔Alternatives
Könntest du das bitte genauer erläutern?
Could you please explain that more precisely?
Würdest du das noch etwas genauer beschreiben?
Would you describe that a bit more precisely?
Kannst du das noch etwas genauer ausführen?
Can you elaborate on that a little more?
Cultural Tip
In German, adding ‘bitte’ or using the conditional ‘Könntest du…’ makes the request sound more courteous, especially in professional contexts. Avoid a blunt tone; a simple ‘Kannst du…?’ is fine among friends but can feel too direct in formal settings.