German Phrase
Wann soll ich besondere Wünsche angeben?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the appropriate moment to state any special requests or preferences, for example when booking a hotel, ordering a meal, or filling out a form. It conveys a polite request for guidance rather than a strict deadline.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need clarification about the deadline for submitting special wishes – such as dietary restrictions, seating preferences, or extra services – in a formal or semi‑formal setting (e.g., speaking with hotel staff, event organizers, or customer service).
✦Grammar Breakdown
WannsollichbesondereWünscheangeben?
Wann (question word)
‘Wann’ asks for a point in time and always starts a time‑question; it is not declined.
Modalverb ‘sollen’
‘soll’ expresses a recommendation or a request; in questions it appears in second position.
Subject‑Verb order
In German yes‑no and ‘W‑’ questions the finite verb stays in second position, after the question word.
Adjective declension ‘besondere’
‘besondere’ is an attributive adjective before a plural noun in the accusative; it takes the strong ending ‘-e’ because there is no article.
Accusative plural ‘Wünsche’
‘Wünsche’ (wishes) is the direct object of ‘angeben’; plural nouns in the accusative have the same form as in the nominative.
Infinitive ‘angeben’
‘angeben’ means ‘to specify, to indicate’; it follows the modal verb without ‘zu’.
🗨In Conversation
Wann soll ich besondere Wünsche angeben?
When should I specify special wishes?
Bitte geben Sie Ihre Wünsche bis spätestens eine Woche vor dem Anreisedatum an.
Please submit your wishes no later than one week before the arrival date.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann muss ich besondere Wünsche angeben?
‘muss’ expresses a strict obligation; ‘soll’ is softer and more appropriate when asking for a recommendation.
Wann soll ich besondere Wünsche geben?
‘geben’ alone means ‘to give’; the correct verb for ‘to specify’ is ‘angeben’.
Wann soll ich besonderen Wünsche angeben?
Because there is no article, the adjective takes the strong ending ‘-e’, not ‘-en’.
Wann soll ich besondere Wunsch angeben?
‘Wunsch’ is singular; the sentence refers to multiple wishes, so the plural ‘Wünsche’ is required.
↔Alternatives
Bis wann muss ich besondere Wünsche angeben?
By when must I specify special wishes?
Ab wann kann ich besondere Wünsche angeben?
From when can I specify special wishes?
Können Sie mir sagen, wann ich besondere Wünsche eintragen soll?
Can you tell me when I should enter special wishes?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it is common to ask for special wishes well in advance, especially for hotels, flights, and event tickets. Using the polite ‘Sie’ form (e.g., ‘Können Sie mir sagen…’) shows respect in formal contexts, while the informal ‘du’ version is reserved for friends or close colleagues.