German Phrase
Kannst du dir das bitte mal ansehen?
Meaning
A polite, informal request meaning ‘Can you take a look at this, please?’ The sentence combines a modal verb, a reflexive pronoun, and the softeners ‘bitte’ and ‘mal’ to sound friendly yet respectful.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need someone’s quick attention to a document, screen, or object in a casual setting—among colleagues, classmates, or friends. It’s informal but still courteous, making it perfect for workplace chats, study groups, or everyday conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kannstdudirdasbittemalansehen
Modalverb 'können' (2. Pers. Sg.)
‘Kannst’ is the 2nd person singular present form of ‘können’, used to ask for ability or permission.
Reflexivpronomen im Dativ
‘dir’ is the dative reflexive pronoun that belongs to the separable verb ‘ansehen’.
Akkusativobjekt
‘das’ is the accusative neuter pronoun referring to the thing to be looked at.
‘bitte’ as Politeness Marker
Placing ‘bitte’ after the object softens the request and makes it courteous.
‘mal’ as Softener
‘mal’ (short for ‘einmal’) adds a casual, friendly tone, similar to ‘just’ in English.
Trennbares Verb ‘ansehen’
In main clauses ‘ansehen’ splits: the prefix ‘an‑’ moves to the end of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du dir das bitte mal ansehen?
Can you take a look at this, please?
Klar, ich schaue es mir gleich an.
Sure, I’ll look at it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du das bitte mal ansehen?
Missing the reflexive dative ‘dir’; the verb ‘ansehen’ requires it.
Kannst du dir das mal bitte ansehen?
‘Bitte’ should stay before ‘mal’; swapping them sounds unnatural.
Kannst du dir das bitte mal sehen?
Using the non‑separable ‘sehen’ changes the meaning; you need the separable ‘ansehen’ for ‘to look at’.
↔Alternatives
Könntest du das bitte anschauen?
Could you please look at that?
Würdest du dir das mal ansehen?
Would you take a look at this?
Sieh dir das bitte an.
Please look at this.
Cultural Tip
In German, adding ‘bitte’ and ‘mal’ makes a request sound less demanding and more collegial. Even in informal settings, it’s considered polite to use these softeners. Avoid using the formal ‘Sie’ form with ‘du’ – switch to ‘Könnten Sie …’ if you need a formal tone.