German Phrase
Kannst du mir bitte deinen Namen sagen?
Meaning
This is a polite and direct way to ask someone for their name in German. It uses the modal verb 'können' (can) to frame the request as a question, making it sound softer than a command. The sentence structure follows the standard German rule where the modal verb takes the second position and the main verb 'sagen' moves to the very end.
When to use
Use this phrase in social situations when you have just met someone and want to be polite. It is appropriate for informal or semi-formal contexts where you are already using the 'du' form with the person.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kannstdumirbittedeinen Namensagen
Können (Kannst)
The verb 'können' is a modal verb. In a question, it sits in the first or second position, pushing the action verb 'sagen' to the end of the sentence.
Dative Pronoun (mir)
The word 'mir' is the dative form of 'ich'. It is used here because you are the indirect object—the person to whom the name is being told.
Accusative Masculine (deinen Namen)
'Name' is masculine (der Name). Because it is the direct object of the sentence, 'dein' changes to 'deinen' and 'Name' takes an 'n' ending in the accusative case.
🗨In Conversation
Hallo! Ich bin neu hier. Kannst du mir bitte deinen Namen sagen?
Hello! I am new here. Can you please tell me your name?
Klar! Ich heiße Lukas. Schön dich kennenzulernen.
Sure! My name is Lukas. Nice to meet you.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du mir bitte dein Name sagen?
'Name' is a masculine noun and is the direct object here, so it must be in the accusative case 'deinen Namen'.
Kannst du sagen mir bitte deinen Namen?
In German sentences with modal verbs, the infinitive verb 'sagen' must always be placed at the very end of the clause.
↔Alternatives
Wie heißt du?
What are you called?
Wie ist dein Name?
What is your name?
Darf ich fragen, wie du heißt?
May I ask what your name is?
Cultural Tip
In Germany, the distinction between the informal 'du' and formal 'Sie' is very important. Use this specific phrase with people your own age or in casual settings; if you are in a professional environment or speaking to an elder, you should say 'Könnten Sie mir bitte Ihren Namen sagen?' instead.