Kann ich deine Nummer haben?
The English phrase "can I have your number?" is translated into German as Kann ich deine Nummer haben?
This phrase is a request to obtain someone's telephone number so that you can contact them. If you specifically want someone's mobile number rather than a landline, it is more natural to ask for their Handynummer.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Gibst du mir deine Nummer? is a common alternative that uses the verb geben (to give) instead of haben (to have).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase deine Nummer, the possessive pronoun deine must take the feminine ending -e to agree with the feminine noun Nummer.
Did you know?
- The German word Handy, used in Handynummer, is an English loanword, but it is a 'pseudo-anglicism' because English speakers do not use 'handy' to mean a mobile phone.
- The gender of Nummer is feminine, likely because it was influenced by the German word Zahl, which is also feminine.
- While 'number' in English is neutral, the German word Nummer refers to a sequence or an identifier, whereas Zahl refers to a mathematical quantity.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, aber darf ich Ihre Telefonnummer haben?Excuse me, but may I have your phone number?
- Wären Sie so freundlich, mir Ihre Telefonnummer zu geben?Would you be so kind as to provide me with your phone number?
- Kann ich deine Telefonnummer haben?Can I have your phone number?
- Darf ich deine Nummer haben?May I have your number?
- Ich mag dich sehr. Kann ich deine Nummer haben?I like you a lot. Can I have your number?
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are talking at a party.
- SarahEs war toll, dich kennenzulernen, Maximilian.It was great to meet you, Maximilian.
- MaximilianGleichfalls, Sarah. Du bist sehr nett.Likewise, Sarah. You are very nice.
- SarahKann ich deine Nummer haben?Can I have your number?
- MaximilianJa, gerne. Hier ist sie.Yes, gladly. Here it is.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nummer, haben, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
