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German Phrase

Kannst du mir das Schmoren erklären?

/kanst duː miːɐ̯ das ˈʃmoːʁən ɛɐ̯ˈklɛːʁən/
Meaning"Can you explain braising to me?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a direct and polite way to ask someone to explain a concept or process to you. It literally translates to 'Can you to me the braising explain?', highlighting the German word order and the use of the dative case for the indirect object.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need clarification on a specific topic, process, or word. It's suitable for informal settings with friends, family, or colleagues you address with 'du'. For formal situations, you would use 'Können Sie mir das Schmoren erklären?'.

✦Grammar Breakdown

KannstdumirdasSchmorenerklären?

1

Kannst (können)

'Kannst' is the informal 'du' conjugation of the modal verb 'können' (to be able to, can). Modal verbs always send the main verb to the end of the sentence.

2

mir

'Mir' is the dative form of the personal pronoun 'ich' (I). The verb 'erklären' (to explain) takes a dative object for the person to whom something is explained.

3

das Schmoren

'Schmoren' is a nominalized verb, meaning the infinitive verb 'schmoren' (to braise) is used as a noun. In German, nominalized verbs are always capitalized and typically take the neuter definite article 'das'.

4

erklären

'Erklären' means 'to explain'. As a separable verb, its prefix would usually separate in a main clause, but here it's at the end because of the modal verb 'können'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich lese ein Rezept, aber ich verstehe nicht, was 'Schmoren' bedeutet.

I'm reading a recipe, but I don't understand what 'braising' means.

Ah, kein Problem! Kannst du mir das Schmoren erklären?

Ah, no problem! Can you explain braising to me?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du mich das Schmoren erklären?

    The verb 'erklären' takes a dative object for the person to whom something is explained. 'Mich' is accusative, 'mir' is dative.

  • Kannst du mir das Schmoren erzählen?

    'Erzählen' means 'to tell a story' or 'to narrate'. 'Erklären' means 'to explain' a concept or process.

  • Kannst du mir Schmoren erklären?

    When a verb is nominalized (used as a noun), it often takes the definite article 'das' in German, especially when referring to the general concept.

↔Alternatives

  • Würdest du mir das Schmoren erklären?

    Would you explain braising to me?

  • Könntest du mir das Schmoren erklären?

    Could you explain braising to me?

  • Was bedeutet Schmoren?

    What does braising mean?

de

Cultural Tip

In German, direct questions are common and generally not considered rude, especially when using the appropriate level of formality ('du' for informal, 'Sie' for formal). However, adding 'bitte' (please) can always soften the request. When asking for explanations, it's good practice to be specific about what you don't understand.