German Phrase
Sie können dir sagen, wie du hinkommst.
Meaning
This sentence means “They can tell you how you get there.” It is used when someone (they) is able to give directions or instructions on how you should reach a place.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to let someone know that a third party can provide directions, for example when you’re asking for help finding a restaurant or a meeting point.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Siekönnendirsagen,wieduhinkommst.
Formal 'Sie' vs. informal 'du'
The sentence mixes formal 'Sie' (you) with informal 'du' (you), which is unusual; typically both pronouns should match in formality.
Modalverb 'können'
The modal verb 'können' is conjugated for 'Sie' and is followed by an infinitive ('sagen').
Dative pronoun 'dir'
The indirect object pronoun 'dir' (to you) is in dative case, indicating who receives the information.
Subordinate clause with 'wie'
The clause 'wie du hinkommst' is a dependent clause introduced by 'wie' (how), using the verb 'hinkommen' meaning 'to get there'.
Verb 'hinkommen'
‘hinkommen’ is a separable verb; in the subordinate clause the prefix ‘hin-’ stays attached to the infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, wissen Sie, wie ich zum Bahnhof komme?
Excuse me, do you know how I get to the train station?
Ja, meine Kollegin kann dir sagen, wie du hinkommst.
Yes, my colleague can tell you how you get there.
✕Common Mistakes
Sie können dir sagen, wie du hin kommst.
The verb ‘hinkommen’ is separable; in a subordinate clause the prefix stays attached to the infinitive.
Sie können mich sagen, wie du hinkommst.
‘dir’ (to you) is the correct dative pronoun; ‘mich’ would be accusative and wrong here.
Sie können du sagen, wie du hinkommst.
After a modal verb, the infinitive ‘sagen’ must be used; you cannot place the pronoun directly after ‘können’.
↔Alternatives
Sie können dir erklären, wie du hinkommst.
They can explain to you how you get there.
Sie können dir zeigen, wie du hinkommst.
They can show you how you get there.
Sie können dir sagen, wie du dorthin gelangst.
They can tell you how you get there.
Cultural Tip
In German, mixing formal and informal address in the same sentence is generally avoided. If you are speaking formally to a group, keep the whole sentence in the formal register: “Sie können Ihnen sagen, wie Sie hinkommen.” If you’re on familiar terms, use the informal throughout: “Du kannst dir sagen, wie du hinkommst.”