German Phrase
Erzähl mir mehr darüber.
Meaning
Literally, 'Tell me more about it.' It is a friendly, informal request for the speaker to elaborate on a subject that has just been introduced.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversations with friends, classmates, or colleagues when you want them to expand on a story, explanation, or piece of news. It’s not appropriate in very formal settings or with strangers you’d address with 'Sie'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Erzählmirmehrdarüber
Erzähl (imperative)
Imperative form of the verb 'erzählen' (to tell). Used with 'du' (informal you).
mir (dative pronoun)
Dative form of 'ich' meaning 'to me'. After verbs that take a dative object, like 'erzählen'.
mehr (comparative adverb)
Means 'more' and modifies the verb phrase, indicating a request for additional information.
darüber (prepositional adverb)
Literally 'about it/that', formed from 'da' + 'über'. Refers to a previously mentioned topic.
🗨In Conversation
Erzähl mir mehr darüber.
Tell me more about it.
Klar, also ich habe letzte Woche ein neues Café entdeckt, das ...
Sure, I actually discovered a new café last week, which ...
✕Common Mistakes
Erzählen mir mehr darüber.
The verb must be in the imperative form 'Erzähl', not the infinitive 'erzählen'.
Erzähl mich mehr darüber.
The verb 'erzählen' takes a dative object, so 'mir' (dative) is correct, not 'mich' (accusative).
Erzähl mir mehr darüber bitte.
While not grammatically wrong, placing 'bitte' at the end can sound overly demanding; better: 'Bitte erzähl mir mehr darüber.'
↔Alternatives
Erzähl mir mehr davon.
Tell me more about that.
Kannst du mir mehr darüber erzählen?
Can you tell me more about it?
Gib mir bitte mehr Details.
Please give me more details.
Cultural Tip
German speakers appreciate directness, but the level of politeness matters. 'Erzähl mir mehr darüber' is perfectly natural among peers or in a relaxed work environment. In formal contexts, switch to the polite form: 'Könnten Sie mir mehr darüber erzählen?' Also, make sure the topic has already been introduced; otherwise the phrase can sound abrupt.