Guten Tag! If you’re learning German and want to express the affirmative response “Of course you can!” in both formal and informal situations, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to convey this phrase and provide you with plenty of tips and examples along the way. Whether you’re heading to Germany for a vacation, meeting German-speaking friends, or simply expanding your language skills, mastering polite and casual expressions is essential. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expression: “Of Course You Can”
When interacting in formal settings, such as speaking with strangers, addressing colleagues, or dealing with older individuals, it’s important to use the appropriate level of politeness. In German, “Of course you can” can be translated as “Selbstverständlich können Sie.” Let’s break down this phrase:
“Selbstverständlich” – This word is an adverb and translates to “of course” or “naturally.”
“können” – This verb translates to “can” in English.
“Sie” – This pronoun means “you” when referring to someone in a formal manner.
Combining these elements, you’ll have the complete phrase “Selbstverständlich können Sie.” Remember to pronounce the “ö” as an “eh” sound.
Tips:
- When speaking formally, always use the polite version of “you” (Sie) to show respect and maintain proper etiquette.
- Remain attentive to non-verbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact and using appropriate body language, to reinforce your respectful tone.
Examples:
Here are a few examples demonstrating the use of “Of course you can” in formal conversations:
- Person A: Entschuldigung, kann ich den Bericht morgen einreichen? (Excuse me, can I submit the report tomorrow?)
- Person B: Selbstverständlich können Sie.
- Person A: Können Sie mir bitte sagen, wo sich die nächste U-Bahnstation befindet? (Can you please tell me where the nearest subway station is?)
- Person B: Ja, selbstverständlich können Sie. Gehen Sie einfach geradeaus und biegen Sie dann links ab.
2. Informal Expression: “Of Course You Can”
Conversely, when conversing with friends, family members, or individuals of similar age and familiarity, using the formal “Sie” is not necessary. Instead, you’ll want to utilize the informal form of “you,” which is “du.” The translation for “Of course you can” in this context is “Natürlich kannst du.” Let’s examine it further:
“Natürlich” – This term means “of course” or “naturally” and retains the same meaning as in the formal expression.
“kannst” – This form of the verb “können” is used when addressing someone informally.
“du” – This pronoun is the informal equivalent of “you.”
By combining these components, you form the complete phrase “Natürlich kannst du.”
Tips:
- When speaking more casually, it’s common to drop the “du” pronoun entirely, using only “Natürlich kannst!” to convey the affirmative response.
- Remember to pay attention to the context and relationship with the person you’re interacting with to determine the appropriate level of informality.
Examples:
Here are some examples showcasing the informal way of expressing “Of course you can” in German:
- Person A: Kann ich das Fahrrad ausleihen? (Can I borrow the bike?)
- Person B: Na klar! Natürlich kannst du.
- Person A: Können wir heute Abend ins Kino gehen? (Can we go to the movies tonight?)
- Person B: Ja, sicher! Natürlich kannst.
Keep in mind that informal expressions might vary depending on regional dialects or colloquial usages. However, the two examples provided above are commonplace throughout most German-speaking areas.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “Of course you can” in both formal and informal contexts in German. Remember to adjust your speech according to the appropriate level of politeness based on your relationship with the individual you’re addressing. Whether you’re expressing yourself formally using “Selbstverständlich können Sie” or casually saying “Natürlich kannst du,” your ability to adapt to different social contexts will greatly enhance your German language skills and cultural understanding. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be confidently affirming others in German like a native speaker!
Alles Gute (All the best) with your German language journey!
