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German Phrase

Kannst du diese Anfrage genehmigen?

/kɑnst du ˈdiːzə ˈʔanˌfʁaːɡə ɡəˈnaːmɪɡən/
Meaning"Can you approve this request?"
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Meaning

This sentence asks someone if they are able to approve a particular request. It is a direct but still polite way to request approval, suitable for informal workplace settings where ‘du’ is appropriate.

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When to use

Use it when you need a colleague’s approval for a document, project step, or any formal request, especially in informal teams or when you already have a friendly relationship with the addressee.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannstdudieseAnfragegenehmigen?

1

Modalverb 'können' (2. Pers. Sg.)

‘Kannst’ is the 2nd person singular present form of ‘können’, used to ask about ability or permission.

2

Personalpronomen 'du'

‘du’ is the informal singular pronoun and serves as the subject of the sentence.

3

Demonstrativpronomen 'diese' (Akk.)

‘diese’ is a demonstrative pronoun in the accusative case, matching the feminine noun ‘Anfrage’.

4

Nomen 'Anfrage' (f., Akk.)

‘Anfrage’ means ‘request’ and is feminine; in this sentence it appears in the accusative because it is the object.

5

Infinitivkonstruktion mit Modalverb

When a modal verb is used, the main verb stays in infinitive and moves to the end of the clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kannst du diese Anfrage genehmigen?

Can you approve this request?

Ja, ich kümmere mich sofort darum.

Yes, I’ll take care of it right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du dieser Anfrage genehmigen?

    ‘Anfrage’ is feminine, so the demonstrative must be in accusative ‘diese’, not ‘dieser’.

  • Genehmigen kannst du diese Anfrage?

    Using the infinitive after a modal is correct; a common error is to place the infinitive before the modal (e.g., *genehmigen kannst du*).

  • Kannst du diese Anfrage genehmigen?

    In formal contexts, ‘du’ should be replaced by ‘Sie’. Using ‘du’ with strangers can sound overly familiar.

↔Alternatives

  • Könntest du diese Anfrage genehmigen?

    Could you approve this request?

  • Würdest du bitte diese Anfrage genehmigen?

    Would you please approve this request?

  • Können Sie diese Anfrage genehmigen?

    Can you (formal) approve this request?

  • Bitte genehmige diese Anfrage.

    Please approve this request.

de

Cultural Tip

In German business communication, the choice between ‘du’ and ‘Sie’ signals the level of formality. If you’re not sure about the relationship, it’s safer to use the formal ‘Sie’ – e.g., ‘Können Sie diese Anfrage genehmigen?’. Also, using the conditional ‘könntest’ makes the request sound more courteous than the plain ‘kannst’. The verb ‘genehmigen’ is fairly formal; in more casual contexts you might hear ‘freigeben’ (to release) instead.