Was kann ich für Sie tun?
How can I help you?
Language note: Word-for-word: 'What can I for you do?'
Culture note: You'll often hear this in stores and restaurants; it's a standard line for customer service.
Context: The barista asks how they can assist you with your order.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Was
[vahs]
What can I do for you?
A phrase used to offer assistance.
Was kann ich für Sie tun, Herr Müller?
What can I do for you, Mr. Müller?
kann
[kahn]
What
Interrogative word for asking questions.
Was kann ich Ihnen anbieten?
What can I offer you?
ich
[ikh]
What can I
Part of a question offering help.
Was kann ich bringen?
What can I bring?
für
[fyur]
What can I do
Phrase to offer assistance.
Was kann ich tun, um zu helfen?
What can I do to help?
Sie
[zee]
What can I do for you
Used to offer help politely.
Was kann ich für Sie tun?, fragte der Kellner freundlich.
What can I do for you?, asked the waiter politely.
tun
[toon]
do for you?
Ends the question offering assistance.
Was kann ich für Sie tun? Ich nehme Bestellungen entgegen.
What can I do for you? I am taking orders.
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