Meaning
A polite way to ask for attention or to interrupt a conversation.
Cultural Background
In German offices, a closed door is a physical 'Do Not Disturb' sign. If the door is closed, you should knock and wait for a 'Herein!' before saying 'Kann ich mal kurz stören?'. Austrians often use more 'Höflichkeitsfloskeln' (politeness phrases). Adding a 'Grüß Gott' before the phrase is very common. In Swiss German, the phrase might become 'Chani schnäll schtöre?'. The word 'schnäll' (fast) is often used instead of 'kurz'. In modern German startups, the 'Du' culture is dominant. Here, 'Kann ich mal kurz stören?' is often sent as a single message on Slack before the actual request.
The Power of 'Mal'
Never forget the 'mal'. Without it, you sound like you are announcing a disturbance rather than asking for a favor.
Body Language
When saying this, stand at the door or a few feet away. Don't walk right up to the person's desk until they say 'Ja'.
Meaning
A polite way to ask for attention or to interrupt a conversation.
The Power of 'Mal'
Never forget the 'mal'. Without it, you sound like you are announcing a disturbance rather than asking for a favor.
Body Language
When saying this, stand at the door or a few feet away. Don't walk right up to the person's desk until they say 'Ja'.
The 'Wait' Rule
After asking, wait 2 seconds. If they don't look up, they are too busy. Say 'Ich komme später wieder' (I'll come back later).
Eye Contact
Try to catch their eye before speaking. A small wave combined with the phrase is very effective.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing modal particles to make the sentence polite.
Kann ich ______ ______ stören?
The combination of 'mal' and 'kurz' is the standard way to soften this request.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a professional office setting?
You need to ask your boss a quick question.
'Darf ich' and the surname are perfect for professional politeness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kann ich mal kurz stören? B: ________, ich habe gerade ein wichtiges Telefonat.
If someone is on a call, they cannot be disturbed.
Match the phrase to the level of formality.
1. Darf ich Sie kurz stören? 2. Kann ich mal kurz stören? 3. Hast du mal 'ne Sekunde?
'Darf/Sie' is formal, 'Kann/mal' is neutral, 'Sekunde' is informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKann ich ______ ______ stören?
The combination of 'mal' and 'kurz' is the standard way to soften this request.
You need to ask your boss a quick question.
'Darf ich' and the surname are perfect for professional politeness.
A: Kann ich mal kurz stören? B: ________, ich habe gerade ein wichtiges Telefonat.
If someone is on a call, they cannot be disturbed.
1. Darf ich Sie kurz stören? 2. Kann ich mal kurz stören? 3. Hast du mal 'ne Sekunde?
'Darf/Sie' is formal, 'Kann/mal' is neutral, 'Sekunde' is informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIn this phrase, it's 'polite-negative'. You acknowledge you are doing something slightly annoying to be respectful.
Yes, it is very common. Use 'Sie' and maybe 'Darf ich' for extra respect.
'Stören' is general disturbance; 'unterbrechen' is specifically stopping someone who is speaking or doing a continuous action.
It's common but not required. 'Kann ich mal kurz stören?' is already a polite opener.
Yes, but it sounds slightly more 'business-like' and less 'friendly'.
Just say 'Kein Problem, ich komme später vorbei' (No problem, I'll stop by later).
Yes! 'Störe ich gerade?' is a great way to start a phone call.
Usually, it means under 5 minutes. If you need longer, say 'Haben Sie 10 Minuten Zeit?'.
It's a 'modal particle' that acts like social grease, making requests feel less like orders.
No, it's for real-time interaction. In an email, use 'Ich hätte eine kurze Frage'.
Yes, 'Kurze Störung!' (Short disturbance!) said while walking in.
'Dürfte ich Sie eventuell einen Augenblick stören?'
Related Phrases
Darf ich Sie kurz unterbrechen?
similarMay I interrupt you briefly?
Haben Sie einen Moment?
synonymDo you have a moment?
Ich wollte nicht stören.
builds onI didn't want to disturb.
Lass dich nicht stören!
contrastDon't let yourself be disturbed!
Stör ich?
specialized formAm I disturbing?
