German - Asking for Help

Kannst du ___ anrufen?

Can you call ___?

Meaning: Can you call ___?

When to use: Ask someone to phone a person or service (police, reception, a friend). Use a name or service in the blank.

Kann ich kurz dein Handy benutzen?

Can I use your phone?

Meaning: Can I use your phone?

When to use: Politely ask to borrow someone's mobile phone for a short call. Use informal 'dein' with friends and 'Ihr' in formal situations.

Tip: Beginners sometimes forget formal 'Ihr' in polite situations; use 'Ihr' with strangers or officials.

Was soll ich tun?

What should I do?

Meaning: What should I do?

When to use: Ask for immediate guidance about next steps when you are unsure what to do.

Tip: Don't confuse 'sollen' with 'müssen'—'Was soll ich tun?' asks for advice, not a strict obligation.

Es ist ein Notfall.

It's an emergency.

Meaning: It's an emergency.

When to use: Use when there is an urgent situation that needs immediate attention.

Kannst du dir das mal anschauen?

Can you look at this?

Meaning: Can you look at this?

When to use: Ask someone to inspect or check something (a device, a document, an injury). 'mal' makes it sound natural and polite.

Kannst du mit mir kommen?

Can you come with me?

Meaning: Can you come with me?

When to use: Ask someone to accompany you, for example to find help or show a problem to staff.

Kannst du bitte jemanden holen?

Can you get someone, please?

Meaning: Can you get someone, please?

When to use: Ask someone to find another person who can help (a staff member, a medic, or security). Polite with 'bitte'.