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German Phrase

Kannst du mir den Weg zur U-Bahn zeigen?

/ˈkanst duː miːɐ̯ dɛn veːk tsuːɐ̯ ˈuːbaːn ˈtsaɪ̯ɡn̩/
Meaning"Can you show me the way to the subway?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a polite and direct way to ask someone for directions to the subway. It literally translates to 'Can you show me the way to the subway?' and is commonly used when you are lost or unfamiliar with an area.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need to find the nearest subway station in a German-speaking city. It's suitable for asking strangers on the street, at information desks, or in shops. Remember to use 'du' for informal situations or 'Sie' for formal ones.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Kannstdumirden WegzurU-Bahnzeigen?

1

Können (Kannst)

'Können' means 'can' or 'to be able to'. 'Kannst' is the informal 'du' form, making the request polite but informal. For a formal request, you would use 'Können Sie...?'

2

Mir

'Mir' is the dative form of 'ich' (I/me). The verb 'zeigen' (to show) takes a dative object for the person to whom something is shown. So, 'show to me' becomes 'mir zeigen'.

3

Den Weg

'Der Weg' means 'the way' or 'the path'. In this sentence, it's the direct object of 'zeigen' and is in the accusative case, hence 'den Weg' (masculine noun in accusative).

4

Zur (zu der)

'Zur' is a contraction of 'zu der'. 'Zu' is a preposition meaning 'to' or 'towards', often used for destinations. 'Der' is the dative feminine definite article, as 'U-Bahn' (subway) is feminine.

5

U-Bahn

'U-Bahn' is the German word for 'subway' or 'underground train'. It's a common mode of public transport in German cities.

6

Zeigen

'Zeigen' means 'to show'. It's the infinitive form of the verb, placed at the end of the sentence in a modal verb construction like this.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigung, kannst du mir den Weg zur U-Bahn zeigen?

Excuse me, can you show me the way to the subway?

Ja klar, geh einfach geradeaus und dann links an der Ampel.

Yes, of course. Just go straight ahead and then left at the traffic light.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Kannst du mir den Weg nach U-Bahn sagen?

    Using 'nach' for destinations with 'zur' (zu der) is incorrect for specific locations like 'U-Bahn'. Also, 'sagen' means 'to tell', while 'zeigen' means 'to show', which is more appropriate for directions.

  • Kannst du mich den Weg zur U-Bahn zeigen?

    The dative pronoun 'mir' (to me) is required here because 'zeigen' takes a dative object for the person being shown something. 'Mich' is accusative.

↔Alternatives

  • Wo ist die U-Bahn?

    Where is the subway?

  • Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, wie ich zur U-Bahn komme?

    Excuse me, could you please tell me how I get to the subway?

de

Cultural Tip

Germans are generally helpful when asked for directions, but directness is appreciated. It's common to start with 'Entschuldigung' (Excuse me) before asking. Public transportation in Germany, including the U-Bahn, is highly efficient and widely used, so asking for it is a very common and practical request.