German Phrase
Erzähl mir mehr.
Meaning
A direct request asking the listener to give additional information or elaborate on what has just been said. It conveys curiosity and interest.
When to use
Use it in informal conversations with friends, colleagues, or anyone you address with du. It works well after hearing a story, a suggestion, or a piece of news that piques your interest.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Erzählmirmehr
Imperative (du)
The verb 'erzählen' forms the du‑imperative by dropping the -en and adding -e: erzähl.
Dative pronoun
'mir' is the dative form of 'ich' and is required because 'erzählen' takes an indirect object.
Word order
In the imperative, the verb comes first, followed by the dative pronoun and then any adverbial (here 'mehr').
🗨In Conversation
Erzähl mir mehr.
Tell me more.
Klar, also ich war gestern im Museum und habe dort ein altes Gemälde entdeckt...
Sure, I was at the museum yesterday and discovered an old painting there...
✕Common Mistakes
Erzähle mir mehr.
The du‑imperative of 'erzählen' drops the -en and adds -e; the correct form is 'Erzähl'.
Erzähl mir mehr bitte.
While understandable, the more natural order is 'Erzähl mir bitte mehr' or simply 'Erzähl mir mehr.'
Erzähl mir mehr.
Using this phrase with a stranger you would address with Sie is too informal; switch to 'Erzählen Sie mir mehr.'
↔Alternatives
Kannst du mir mehr erzählen?
Can you tell me more?
Erzähl mir bitte mehr.
Please tell me more.
Erzählen Sie mir mehr.
Tell me more. (formal)
Mehr Infos, bitte.
More info, please.
Cultural Tip
German speakers value clarity, so a short imperative like 'Erzähl mir mehr' is perfectly acceptable in casual settings. In more formal situations, switch to the Sie‑form: 'Erzählen Sie mir mehr.' Adding 'bitte' softens the request and is common when you want to sound especially polite.