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German Phrase

Wie sage ich, dass der Bus anhalten soll?

/viː ˈzaːɡə ɪç das deːɐ̯ bʊs ˈanˌhaltn̩ zɔl/
Meaning"How do I say that the bus should stop?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks for the correct wording to request that a bus stop. It literally means “How do I say that the bus should stop?” and is used when you need to phrase a polite request to the driver.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are traveling in a German‑speaking area and you need to ask a native speaker how to tell the bus driver to stop, for example before a trip or when you’re unsure of the proper polite formula.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Wiesagich,dassderBusanhaltensoll?

1

Wie + Verb + ich

In questions that ask "how to say/do something", German uses "Wie + Verb + ich"; the verb should be in the 1st‑person present form (e.g., "sage" not "sag").

2

Subordinate clause with "dass"

Everything after "dass" forms a subordinate clause, so the finite verb moves to the end ("anhalten soll").

3

Modal verb "sollen"

"sollen" expresses an external request or instruction; in this context it means "should" or "is supposed to".

4

Verb "anhalten"

"anhalten" means "to stop" (a vehicle). In a request you can also use the infinitive with a modal verb: "anhalten soll".

5

Polite address (Sie)

When speaking to a bus driver, use the formal "Sie" form: "Halten Sie bitte an."

🗨In Conversation

A

Wie sage ich, dass der Bus anhalten soll?

How do I say that the bus should stop?

Du kannst sagen: „Entschuldigung, bitte halten Sie an.“

You can say: “Excuse me, please stop.”

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wie sag ich, dass der Bus anhalten soll?

    The verb should be in the 1st‑person present form "sage"; "sag" is colloquial and considered incorrect in written German.

  • Wie sage ich, dass der Bus anhalten soll?

    When directly addressing the driver, use the polite imperative instead of a subordinate clause.

↔Alternatives

  • Entschuldigung, bitte halten Sie an.

    Excuse me, please stop.

  • Könnten Sie bitte anhalten?

    Could you please stop?

  • Können Sie an der nächsten Haltestelle halten?

    Can you stop at the next stop?

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Cultural Tip

German speakers value politeness and clear structure. Begin a request with "Entschuldigung" (excuse me) and use the formal "Sie" when addressing the driver. Avoid overly casual forms like "Halt mal an!" unless you know the driver personally.