German Phrase
Kannst du mir das Problem bitte genauer erklären?
Meaning
This sentence is a polite request asking someone to explain a problem in more detail. It combines a modal verb with a dative pronoun, an accusative object, and a comparative adverb, all softened by the word "bitte".
When to use
Use this phrase when you need clarification in a work meeting, a classroom, or any technical discussion. It is appropriate for both informal and semi‑formal settings, as long as you keep the polite "bitte".
✦Grammar Breakdown
KannstdumirdasProblembittegenauererklären?
Modalverb + Infinitiv
In German, a modal verb (kannst) is placed in second position and the main verb (erklären) moves to the end of the clause.
Dativobjekt (mir)
The person receiving the explanation is in the dative case: mir (to me).
Akkusativobjekt (das Problem)
The thing being explained is the direct object and takes the accusative case: das Problem.
Bitte als Höflichkeitsfloskel
"Bitte" softens the request and makes it more polite.
Komparativ‑Adverb (genauer)
"Genauer" is the comparative form of "genau" and modifies the verb, meaning "more precisely" or "in more detail".
Frage‑Inversion
In a yes‑no question the finite verb (Kannst) occupies the first position, followed by the subject (du).
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du mir das Problem bitte genauer erklären?
Can you explain the problem to me in more detail, please?
Ja, gern. Also, das Problem entsteht, weil die Datenbank‑Abfrage nicht korrekt gefiltert wird.
Sure, gladly. The problem occurs because the database query isn’t filtered correctly.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du mir das Problem bitte genauer erklären
Missing question mark and proper verb‑final order; the main verb must stay at the end.
Kannst du mich das Problem bitte genauer erklären?
The pronoun "mir" must stay in dative; some learners mistakenly use "mich" (accusative).
Kannst du mir das Problem bitte genau erklären?
Using "genau" instead of the comparative "genauer" changes the meaning to "exactly" rather than "more precisely".
↔Alternatives
Könntest du mir das Problem genauer erläutern?
Could you elaborate on the problem for me?
Würdest du mir das Problem bitte genauer beschreiben?
Would you describe the problem to me more precisely, please?
Kannst du das Problem bitte etwas genauer erklären?
Can you explain the problem a bit more precisely, please?
Cultural Tip
German speakers value clarity and directness, but politeness is expressed through words like "bitte" and the use of modal verbs. Switching from "Kannst" to "Könntest" makes the request sound even more courteous, especially in formal contexts. Also, remember that the verb "erklären" takes a dative object (the person you explain to) and an accusative object (what is being explained).