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How to Say ‘How can I help you?’ in German

Was kann ich für Sie tun?

💬 Usage Tip: Word-for-word: 'What can I for you do?'

🇩🇪 In Germany: You'll often hear this in stores and restaurants; it's a standard line for customer service.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

Was

[vahs]

What can I do for you?

A phrase used to offer assistance.

Example

Was kann ich für Sie tun, Herr Müller?

What can I do for you, Mr. Müller?

kann

[kahn]

What

Interrogative word for asking questions.

Example

Was kann ich Ihnen anbieten?

What can I offer you?

ich

[ikh]

What can I

Part of a question offering help.

Example

Was kann ich bringen?

What can I bring?

für

[fyur]

What can I do

Phrase to offer assistance.

Example

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.

Example

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.

Example

Was kann ich für Sie tun? Ich nehme Bestellungen entgegen.

What can I do for you? I am taking orders.

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