German Phrase
Entschuldige, kannst du mir helfen?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Excuse me, can you help me?’, this phrase is a polite way to ask a stranger or a friend for assistance. The informal imperative ‘Entschuldige’ softens the request, while the modal verb ‘kannst’ makes the question less demanding.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need help in everyday situations – asking for directions, assistance with luggage, or clarification in a store. It works best with people you know well enough to address informally (du‑form). For strangers in a formal setting, switch to the formal version (Entschuldigen Sie, können Sie mir helfen?).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Entschuldige,kannstdumirhelfen?
Entschuldige (imperative)
‘Entschuldige’ is the informal singular imperative of ‘entschuldigen’ and is used like ‘excuse me’ before a request.
Verb‑second (V2) word order
In a yes‑no question the finite verb ‘kannst’ comes first, followed by the subject ‘du’.
Modal verb + infinitive
‘kannst … helfen’ uses the modal verb ‘kannst’ + infinitive ‘helfen’; the infinitive stays at the end of the clause.
Dative pronoun ‘mir’
‘helfen’ governs the dative case, so the person being helped is expressed with ‘mir’ (to me).
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldige, kannst du mir helfen?
Excuse me, can you help me?
Klar, wohin musst du denn?
Sure, where do you need to go?
✕Common Mistakes
Entschuldigung, kannst du mir helfen?
‘Entschuldigung’ is a noun; when used as a greeting it should stay as a noun, but the sentence needs the imperative ‘Entschuldige’ or the formal ‘Entschuldigen Sie’.
kannst du mir zu helfen
The infinitive ‘helfen’ must stay at the end without ‘zu’ after a modal verb.
kannst du mich helfen
‘helfen’ requires the dative case; using ‘mich’ (accusative) is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Entschuldigung, kannst du mir helfen?
Excuse me, can you help me?
Entschuldige bitte, könntest du mir helfen?
Excuse me, could you help me?
Entschuldige, würdest du mir bitte helfen?
Excuse me, would you please help me?
Cultural Tip
In German, the choice between ‘Entschuldige’ (informal) and ‘Entschuldigen Sie’ (formal) signals the level of familiarity. In most public places, Germans prefer the formal form with strangers. Adding ‘bitte’ (please) after ‘Entschuldige’ makes the request even more courteous. Also, remember that the modal verb construction keeps the infinitive at the end – a common stumbling block for learners.