Meaning
A polite request for someone to say something again.
Cultural Background
The distinction between 'Sie' and 'du' is strictly maintained in professional settings. Using 'Können Sie...' shows you respect the social boundaries. Austrians may use 'Wie bitte?' even more frequently than Germans, often with a very rising intonation. Politeness is highly valued. Swiss German speakers will understand this High German phrase perfectly, though they might use 'Chönnted Sie das bitte widerhole?' in dialect. In many modern tech companies in Berlin, the 'du' form is used for everyone. In this specific sub-culture, 'Kannst du das wiederholen?' is acceptable.
Add 'bitte'
Always add 'bitte' (please) to sound more natural and less like a robot.
The 'Sie' Trap
Don't use this with your German host family's kids; it will sound very weird. Use 'du' instead.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to say something again.
Add 'bitte'
Always add 'bitte' (please) to sound more natural and less like a robot.
The 'Sie' Trap
Don't use this with your German host family's kids; it will sound very weird. Use 'du' instead.
Body Language
Leaning in slightly while saying this shows you are making an effort to hear.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing modal verb for a formal request.
_______ Sie das bitte wiederholen?
'Können' is the correct conjugation for the formal 'Sie'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a job interview?
You didn't hear the interviewer's question.
The subjunctive 'könnten' and 'noch einmal' add the necessary professional politeness.
Complete the dialogue at the train station.
Beamter: Der Zug fährt heute von Gleis 5 ab. Learner: Entschuldigung, ________________?
This is the standard polite request in a service situation.
Match the phrase to the register.
1. Hä? 2. Können Sie das wiederholen? 3. Kannst du das nochmal sagen?
Matches the social context of each phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ Sie das bitte wiederholen?
'Können' is the correct conjugation for the formal 'Sie'.
You didn't hear the interviewer's question.
The subjunctive 'könnten' and 'noch einmal' add the necessary professional politeness.
Beamter: Der Zug fährt heute von Gleis 5 ab. Learner: Entschuldigung, ________________?
This is the standard polite request in a service situation.
1. Hä? 2. Können Sie das wiederholen? 3. Kannst du das nochmal sagen?
Matches the social context of each phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Wie bitte?' is shorter and very common, but 'Können Sie das wiederholen?' is more formal and specific. Both are great to know.
Only with friends. In a shop or office, 'Nochmal' sounds like a demand from a child.
That's German grammar! Modal verbs like 'können' push the second verb to the very end of the sentence.
Then say: 'Können Sie das bitte anders sagen?' (Can you please say that differently?)
Related Phrases
Wie bitte?
similarPardon? / What was that?
Noch einmal, bitte.
similarOnce more, please.
Ich habe das nicht verstanden.
builds onI didn't understand that.
Können Sie langsamer sprechen?
similarCan you speak more slowly?
