Darf ich hereinkommen?
In German, "may I come in" is Darf ich hereinkommen?
This phrase is used to politely request permission to enter a room or a building.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Darf ich hereinkommen? is composed of darf (may/am allowed to), ich (I) and hereinkommen (to come in).
Which one should you use?
While Darf ich… is used to ask for permission (may I), using Kann ich… (such as Kann ich reinkommen?) asks about physical ability or possibility (can I).
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual settings, the separable verb hereinkommen is often replaced by the preposition rein (a shortened form of herein) used as an adverb, as seen in Darf ich rein?
When do people say it?
When requesting entry, a common polite response to grant permission is Ja, bitte (Yes, please). If the person is not ready for you to enter, they will often respond with Moment bitte! (One moment, please!) to ask you to wait.
Did you know?
- The distinction between darf and kann is so strict that asking Kann ich hereinkommen? might be jokingly answered with 'Yes, you are physically capable of walking through the door', rather than giving permission.
- If you are entering a room to perform a specific task, like a doctor or a cleaner, you might say Darf ich kurz stören? (May I disturb you briefly?) instead of asking to enter.
- The word herein is a directional compound where 'her-' indicates movement towards the speaker. This makes it different from 'hinein', which implies moving away from the speaker.
Example conversation
Lukas knocks on the door of Sarah's office.
- LukasDarf ich hereinkommen?May I come in?
- SarahJa, kommen Sie bitte rein, Lukas.Yes, please come in, Lukas.
- LukasDanke schön.Thank you very much.
- SarahGerne.You're welcome.
