German Phrase
Kann ich bitte durch?
Meaning
A polite way to ask if you may pass through a doorway, a crowd, or any narrow space. It literally means ‘Can I please through?’ but the verb ‘gehen’ is understood.
When to use
Use it when you need to move past someone in a shop, a hallway, an elevator, or any situation where you’re asking for a small amount of personal space.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Kannichbittedurch?
Kann (können)
Modal verb ‘können’ in present tense, 3rd person singular, used to ask for permission or ability.
ich
First‑person singular pronoun, the subject of the sentence.
bitte
Polite particle meaning ‘please’; placed before the request to soften it.
durch (elliptical)
Preposition used adverbially meaning ‘through’; in everyday speech the verb ‘gehen’ is omitted, so the phrase is short for ‘durchgehen’.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, kann ich bitte durch?
Excuse me, may I please pass through?
Ja, natürlich.
Yes, of course.
✕Common Mistakes
Kann ich bitte durch
Missing the verb ‘gehen’; the full form is ‘Kann ich bitte durchgehen?’ The shortened version is acceptable in spoken German but learners should know the complete form.
Bitte kann ich durch?
‘Bitte’ should come after the modal verb, not before it.
Kann ich bitte durchgehen?
While correct, using ‘durchgehen’ can sound a bit formal in casual settings; the ellipsis ‘durch?’ is more natural among friends.
↔Alternatives
Darf ich bitte durchgehen?
May I please go through?
Entschuldigung, darf ich vorbei?
Excuse me, may I get by?
Könnte ich bitte durchkommen?
Could I please come through?
Cultural Tip
Germans appreciate clear, concise requests. Adding ‘bitte’ shows politeness, and saying ‘Entschuldigung’ first signals respect for the other person’s space. In very formal settings you might prefer ‘Darf ich bitte durchgehen?’ rather than the shortened ‘Kann ich bitte durch?’ which is common in everyday conversation.