Gaining basic conversational skills in a foreign language can be highly useful, and German is no exception. Being able to ask someone to repeat what they said is an essential skill that can help you greatly in various situations. In this guide, we will explore how to say “please repeat it” in German while considering both formal and informal scenarios. Let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Please Repeat It” in German
When speaking in formal situations or addressing someone with respect, it is important to use the appropriate formal expressions. Here are a few formal ways to ask someone to repeat what they said in German:
- “Bitte wiederholen Sie es. “ (Please repeat it.)
- “Können Sie es bitte wiederholen? “ (Can you please repeat it?)
- “Entschuldigung, könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen? “ (Excuse me, could you please repeat that?)
Usage Tips:
When using these phrases, remember to maintain a polite and respectful tone. Adding “bitte” (please) shows your politeness, while addressing the person with “Sie” instead of “du” indicates formality. Additionally, you can use “könnten Sie” instead of “können Sie” for a more polite request.
Example Conversations:
John: Entschuldigung, ich habe Ihre Frage nicht verstanden.
(John: Excuse me, I didn’t understand your question.)Sarah: Kein Problem. Bitte wiederholen Sie es.
(Sarah: No problem. Please repeat it.)
Informal Ways to Say “Please Repeat It” in German
In casual or informal situations, where you are speaking with friends, family, or close acquaintances, you can use more relaxed language. Here are a few informal expressions to ask someone to repeat what they said in German:
- “Kannst du das bitte wiederholen? “ (Can you please repeat it?)
- “Entschuldigung, kannst du das nochmal sagen? “ (Sorry, can you say that again?)
- “Was hast du gesagt? “ (What did you say?)
Usage Tips:
When using these informal phrases, it’s essential to consider the level of familiarity between you and the person you’re speaking to. Using “du” instead of “Sie” reflects a more relaxed and familiar relationship. Remember, if you are unsure of which formality to use, it’s safer to lean towards the formal side.
Example Conversations:
Lisa: Ich habe gestern einen tollen Film gesehen, und er war super lustig.
(Lisa: I watched an amazing movie yesterday, and it was really funny.)Paul: Entschuldigung, kannst du das bitte nochmal sagen?
(Paul: Sorry, can you say that again?)
Regional Variations
German is spoken in multiple regions, and occasionally, you may come across some regional variations in how certain phrases are expressed.
However, when it comes to asking someone to repeat what they said, the formal and informal phrases mentioned above should be widely understood and accepted throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
General Tips:
- Listen carefully: Make sure to listen attentively before asking someone to repeat what they said.
- Non-verbal cues: Combined with asking, you can use non-verbal cues like a puzzled expression or cupping your ear to indicate that you are having trouble understanding.
- Rephrase your request: If the person you’re speaking with is struggling to find the right words, encourage them to rephrase or explain it differently rather than solely repeating.
- Practice pronunciation: Learning proper pronunciation of German words will improve your ability to understand and be understood.
- Show gratitude: Don’t forget to express your gratitude when someone kindly repeats what they said.
Now armed with the formal and informal expressions for asking someone to repeat themselves in German, along with some advice and examples, you can confidently navigate conversations in various contexts. Practice these phrases, embrace the warmth of the German language, and enjoy the beauty of effective communication!
