How to Say ‘How may I help you?’ in German
Was darf ich für Sie tun?
💬 Usage Tip: A polite way to offer assistance.
🇩🇪 In Germany: Service personnel use this often in German cafés and shops.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Was
[vahss]
What
Used to ask questions regarding information.
Was möchten Sie?
What would you like?
darf
[dahrf]
May
Used for polite requests or permission.
Darf ich eintreten?
May I enter?
ich
[ikh]
I
Refers to oneself.
Ich verstehe.
I understand.
für
[fyr]
For
Indicates the subject's purpose or benefit.
Etwas für die Schule.
Something for school.
Sie
[zee]
You
Formal address for one or more people.
Wie können Sie helfen?
How can you help?
tun
[toon]
To do
Indicates performing an action.
Ich möchte etwas tun.
I want to do something.
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