natürlich darfst du
The English phrase 'of course you can' is translated into German as natürlich darfst du.
This phrase is used to grant someone permission to do something. It is important to distinguish between being allowed to do something and being capable of doing it. While English uses 'can' for both, the German verb used here, 'dürfen', specifically refers to permission (you are allowed).
Which one should you use?
German distinguishes between permission and ability. Use natürlich darfst du (or other forms of 'dürfen') when you are giving permission, meaning the person is allowed to do something. If you use the verb 'können' instead, such as in natürlich kannst du, you are stating that the person is capable or has the ability to do it.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this phrase, it often sounds more complete in German to include a direct object like es (it) or das (that) to provide a grammatical target for the verb, such as in natürlich darfst du es.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Natürlich darfst du das.Of course you can.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase natürlich darfst du.Tatoeba #8002968 by raggione, translation #4490533 by Joseph
- Natürlich darfst du heute ins Kino gehen.Of course you can go to the cinema today.
- Natürlich darfst du meinen Computer benutzen.Of course you can use my computer.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas asks Julia if he can borrow her pen.
- JuliaHier ist mein Stift, Lukas.Here is my pen, Lukas.
- LukasKann ich ihn kurz benutzen?Can I use it for a moment?
- JuliaNatürlich darfst du das.Of course you can.
- LukasDanke, Julia!Thanks, Julia!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, natürlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
