German Phrase
Es kann sein, dass wir dir eine Gebühr berechnen, wenn du stornierst.
Meaning
The sentence informs the listener that a charge may be applied if they cancel. It combines a modal expression of possibility with a conditional clause, making it a polite but clear statement of policy.
When to use
Use this phrase in customer‑service contexts, terms and conditions, or any situation where you need to explain that a cancellation fee could be levied. It is formal enough for written communication (emails, contracts) but also works in spoken conversation with customers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Eskannsein,dasswirdireineGebührberechnen,wenndustornierst.
kann sein, dass
A modal construction meaning “it may be that”. It introduces a subordinate clause with ‘dass’ and does not change the verb mood.
dass‑Clause (Subjunctive vs. Indicative)
In this context the verb in the ‘dass’ clause stays in the indicative (berechnen) because the uncertainty is expressed by the modal phrase, not by the clause itself.
Indirect object ‘dir’
‘dir’ is the dative form of ‘du’ and marks the person who will receive the charge.
Accusative object ‘eine Gebühr’
‘Gebühr’ is a feminine noun; the indefinite article ‘eine’ shows it is in the accusative case as the direct object of berechnen.
wenn‑Clause (Conditional)
‘wenn’ introduces a conditional clause; the verb moves to the end (stornierst) as required in German subordinate clauses.
Verb placement
In main clauses the finite verb is in second position (kann), while in subordinate clauses it goes to the final position (berechnen, stornierst).
🗨In Conversation
Ich möchte meine Buchung stornieren.
I’d like to cancel my reservation.
Es kann sein, dass wir dir eine Gebühr berechnen, wenn du stornierst.
It may be that we will charge you a fee if you cancel.
✕Common Mistakes
Es kann sein, das wir dir eine Gebühr berechnen, wenn du stornierst.
‘dass’ needs a double‑s; ‘das’ would be the demonstrative pronoun.
Es kann sein, dass wir dich eine Gebühr berechnen, wenn du stornierst.
‘dir’ must stay in dative; using ‘dich’ would be accusative and incorrect here.
Es kann sein, dass wir dir eine Gebühr berechnen, wenn du stornieren.
In a ‘wenn’ clause the verb goes to the end and must be conjugated.
Es kann sein, dass wir dir eine Gebühr berechnen wenn du stornierst.
Both commas are required to separate the subordinate clauses.
↔Alternatives
Es ist möglich, dass wir dir eine Gebühr berechnen, wenn du stornierst.
It is possible that we will charge you a fee if you cancel.
Wir könnten dir eine Gebühr berechnen, falls du stornierst.
We could charge you a fee if you cancel.
Bei einer Stornierung kann eine Gebühr anfallen.
A fee may be incurred upon cancellation.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries businesses are legally required to disclose any cancellation fees clearly before the contract is signed. Using a phrase like this shows transparency and helps avoid disputes. Note that “Gebühr” is often used for administrative fees, while “Stornogebühr” is the more specific term for a cancellation charge.