SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Doctor Visit

German Phrase

Kann ich meinen Termin verschieben?

/kan ɪç ˈmaɪ̯nən ˈtɛʁmiːn fɛɐ̯ˈʃiːbən/
Meaning"Can I reschedule my appointment?"
💡

Meaning

Literally, “Can I move my appointment?” It is a polite way to ask whether you may reschedule a previously arranged meeting or appointment.

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence when you need to change the time or date of a doctor's visit, a business meeting, a class, or any scheduled event. It works both in formal settings (e.g., speaking to a receptionist) and informal ones (e.g., asking a friend).

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannichmeinenTerminverschieben?

1

Modalverb 'können'

‘Kann’ is the 1st person singular present form of ‘können’, used to ask for permission or possibility.

2

Personalpronomen 'ich'

Subject pronoun placed directly after the modal verb in a yes‑no question.

3

Possessivpronomen 'meinen'

Accusative form of ‘mein’ agreeing with the masculine noun ‘Termin’.

4

Akkusativobjekt 'Termin'

The direct object of the verb ‘verschieben’.

5

Verb 'verschieben' (infinitive)

In a modal construction the infinitive goes to the end of the clause.

6

Fragezeichen

Marks the sentence as a polite request rather than a statement.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kann ich meinen Termin verschieben?

Can I move my appointment?

Ja, natürlich. Welcher Tag passt Ihnen besser?

Yes, of course. Which day works better for you?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kann ich mein Termin verschieben?

    The possessive must agree with the masculine accusative noun, so it should be ‘meinen Termin’.

  • Kann ich meinen Termin verschieben?

    In very formal written requests you might use ‘Könnte ich…’ or ‘Wäre es möglich…’ to sound more polite.

  • Verschieben kann ich meinen Termin?

    Do not place the infinitive before the modal verb; the correct order is modal verb + subject + object + infinitive.

↔Alternatives

  • Könnte ich meinen Termin ändern?

    Could I change my appointment?

  • Wäre es möglich, den Termin zu verlegen?

    Would it be possible to move the appointment?

  • Darf ich den Termin verschieben?

    May I postpone the appointment?

de

Cultural Tip

In German-speaking countries it is considered courteous to ask for a new date or time when you request a change, rather than just saying you want to cancel. Adding a brief apology (e.g., “Entschuldigung, dass ich umplanen muss”) shows respect for the other party’s schedule. Also, note that “verschieben” is more neutral, while “verlegen” is often used for moving a meeting to another day.