How to say “May” in German

When learning German, understanding how to express requests and ask for permission is essential. The word “may,” commonly used in English to make polite requests, is translated as dürfen in German. This versatile verb allows speakers to ask for permission in various contexts, whether formal or informal. Depending on the subject of the sentence, dürfen changes its form, making it an important part of everyday conversation. In this article we will learn How to say “May” in German.

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How to Say “May” in German

In German, the word “may,” used to ask for permission or make polite requests, is primarily expressed using the verb dürfen. Below is a structured guide explaining different ways of saying “may” in German, along with example sentences.

1. Basic Form: Dürfen

The verb dürfen is used to express permission or ask for something politely. It is a modal verb, meaning it changes depending on the subject of the sentence.

Example Sentences:

• May I?
  Darf ich?
  (Translation: May I?)
• May we sit here?
  Dürfen wir hier sitzen?
  (Translation: May we sit here?)
• May he come in?
  Darf er reinkommen?
  (Translation: May he come in?)

Verb Conjugation Table:

Subject Pronoun	Conjugation of dürfen	Example Sentence (German)	Translation
Ich (I)	darf	Darf ich gehen?	May I go?
Du (You)	darfst	Darfst du kommen?	May you come?
Er/Sie/Es (He/She/It)	darf	Darf er bleiben?	May he stay?
Wir (We)	dürfen	Dürfen wir mitmachen?	May we join?
Ihr (You all)	dürft	Dürft ihr das sehen?	May you all see that?
Sie (They/You formal)	dürfen	Dürfen Sie hereinkommen?	May you come in?

2. Polite Requests Using dürfen

In formal or polite contexts, dürfen can be used to ask for permission respectfully. This is common in situations such as speaking to a stranger or in a professional setting.

Example Sentences:

• May I speak with you?
  Darf ich mit Ihnen sprechen?
  (Translation: May I speak with you?)
• May I ask a question?
  Darf ich eine Frage stellen?
  (Translation: May I ask a question?)
• May we enter the room?
  Dürfen wir den Raum betreten?
  (Translation: May we enter the room?)

3. Asking for Permission in Informal Contexts

In informal settings, dürfen is commonly used with friends, family, or peers. The sentence structure remains the same but the tone is more relaxed.

Example Sentences:

• May I borrow your book?
  Darf ich dein Buch ausleihen?
  (Translation: May I borrow your book?)
• May we go now?
  Dürfen wir jetzt gehen?
  (Translation: May we go now?)
• May he use your phone?
  Darf er dein Handy benutzen?
  (Translation: May he use your phone?)

4. Negative Form: Expressing Prohibition

The negative form of dürfen is used to indicate that something is not allowed. This is the equivalent of saying “may not” or “must not.”

Example Sentences:

• You may not park here.
  Du darfst hier nicht parken.
  (Translation: You may not park here.)
• He may not enter the building.
  Er darf das Gebäude nicht betreten.
  (Translation: He may not enter the building.)
• We may not leave the office early.
  Wir dürfen das Büro nicht früh verlassen.
  (Translation: We may not leave the office early.)

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5. Alternatives to dürfen for Expressing Permission

While dürfen is the most common way to say “may,” there are a few other ways to express similar meanings, though these are more indirect.

a. Using können (can)

In casual conversations, können is sometimes used to ask for permission, though it typically means “can.”

• Can I go out? (May I go out?)
  Kann ich rausgehen?
  (Translation: Can I go out?)

b. Using mögen (would like to)

In certain polite or indirect contexts, mögen can be used to express a desire, although it is less direct than dürfen.

• May I have a coffee? (Would I like a coffee?)
  Möchte ich einen Kaffee haben?
  (Translation: May I have a coffee?)

Formal Alternatives to “May” in German

When speaking or writing in formal contexts in German, especially in professional, official, or polite settings, there are several alternatives to the word “may” (dürfen) that can be used to make requests or ask for permission more respectfully. These expressions are ideal for business meetings, formal letters, or interactions with authority figures.

1. Könnten Sie (Could you)

The phrase könnten Sie is a polite way of asking for permission or making a request. It is the formal version of können (can), which makes it appropriate for situations where you want to show respect.

Example Sentences:

• Could you please send me the documents?
  Könnten Sie mir bitte die Unterlagen schicken?
  (Translation: Could you please send me the documents?)
• Could we start the meeting now?
  Könnten wir jetzt das Meeting beginnen?
  (Translation: Could we start the meeting now?)
• Could you give me more information?
  Könnten Sie mir mehr Informationen geben?
  (Translation: Could you give me more information?)

Why Use Könnten Sie?

Using könnten Sie softens the tone of the request, making it more courteous and less direct, which is ideal in formal communication.

2. Wären Sie so freundlich (Would you be so kind)

This is a very polite and formal way to request something. Wären Sie so freundlich translates to “Would you be so kind,” and it is often used to make particularly courteous requests.

Example Sentences:

• Would you be so kind as to sign this document?
  Wären Sie so freundlich, dieses Dokument zu unterschreiben?
  (Translation: Would you be so kind as to sign this document?)
• Would you be so kind as to give us a call?
  Wären Sie so freundlich, uns anzurufen?
  (Translation: Would you be so kind as to give us a call?)
• Would you be so kind as to confirm the appointment?
  Wären Sie so freundlich, den Termin zu bestätigen?
  (Translation: Would you be so kind as to confirm the appointment?)

Why Use Wären Sie so freundlich?

This phrase is used to show great respect, often in official requests or when asking someone to do something that requires a degree of effort.

3. Dürfte ich (Might I)

Dürfte ich is the formal equivalent of “May I” in English and is a very respectful way of asking for permission. This expression is more formal than simply using dürfen.

Example Sentences:

• Might I speak with you for a moment?
  Dürfte ich kurz mit Ihnen sprechen?
  (Translation: Might I speak with you for a moment?)
• Might we ask a question?
  Dürften wir eine Frage stellen?
  (Translation: Might we ask a question?)
• Might I have the pleasure of attending the event?
  Dürfte ich die Ehre haben, an der Veranstaltung teilzunehmen?
  (Translation: Might I have the pleasure of attending the event?)

Why Use Dürfte ich?

Using dürfte ich adds a layer of formality and politeness, often used when making very polite requests or when addressing someone of higher status.

4. Würden Sie (Would you)

Würden Sie is a formal and polite way to ask someone to do something. It’s similar to “would you” in English and is commonly used in business and formal situations.

Example Sentences:

• Would you please send the report by email?
  Würden Sie bitte den Bericht per E-Mail schicken?
  (Translation: Would you please send the report by email?)
• Would you kindly provide feedback on the project?
  Würden Sie freundlicherweise Feedback zum Projekt geben?
  (Translation: Would you kindly provide feedback on the project?)
• Would you be available for a meeting next week?
  Würden Sie nächste Woche für ein Treffen zur Verfügung stehen?
  (Translation: Would you be available for a meeting next week?)

Why Use Würden Sie?

This expression is very common in formal emails, meetings, or negotiations and shows both politeness and professionalism.

5. Hätten Sie die Güte (Would you be so good as to)

Hätten Sie die Güte is another very polite way to make requests in formal situations. It’s slightly more formal than würden Sie and is often used in professional or written correspondence.

Example Sentences:

• Would you be so good as to send the contract?
  Hätten Sie die Güte, den Vertrag zu schicken?
  (Translation: Would you be so good as to send the contract?)
• Would you be so good as to assist me with this task?
  Hätten Sie die Güte, mir bei dieser Aufgabe zu helfen?
  (Translation: Would you be so good as to assist me with this task?)
• Would you be so good as to schedule a meeting?
  Hätten Sie die Güte, ein Treffen zu vereinbaren?
  (Translation: Would you be so good as to schedule a meeting?)

Why Use Hätten Sie die Güte?

This phrase is often reserved for written communication or formal events, and conveys deep respect toward the person being addressed.

How to Respond to “May” in German

When someone asks for permission or makes a polite request using dürfen (may) in German, the way you respond can vary depending on the context. You might need to give permission, deny it, or express uncertainty. Here’s a guide on how to appropriately respond to “may” (dürfen) in different situations, along with example sentences.

1. Granting Permission

When you want to grant permission, you can respond positively with words that affirm the request.

a. Ja, natürlich (Yes, of course)

This is a polite and affirmative way to say “yes” when granting permission.

• Example:
  • Darf ich das Fenster öffnen?
    (May I open the window?)
  • Ja, natürlich.
    (Yes, of course.)

b. Selbstverständlich (Certainly)

This is a slightly more formal way to say “certainly,” often used in polite or professional settings.

• Example:
  • Dürfen wir hier sitzen?
    (May we sit here?)
  • Selbstverständlich.
    (Certainly.)

c. Gerne (Gladly)

This response is often used when you’re happy to grant permission and indicates a willingness to help.

• Example:
  • Darf ich Ihr Buch ausleihen?
    (May I borrow your book?)
  • Gerne.
    (Gladly.)

d. Kein Problem (No problem)

This is an informal way of granting permission, often used in casual contexts.

• Example:
  • Darf ich das Auto nehmen?
    (May I take the car?)
  • Kein Problem.
    (No problem.)

2. Denying Permission

Sometimes, you need to deny a request. Here are polite ways to say “no” without sounding harsh.

a. Nein, leider nicht (No, unfortunately not)

This is a polite and slightly apologetic way to deny permission, expressing regret.

• Example:
  • Dürfen wir den Raum betreten?
    (May we enter the room?)
  • Nein, leider nicht.
    (No, unfortunately not.)

b. Es tut mir leid, aber… (I’m sorry, but…)

This is a more formal and apologetic way to deny permission, typically used in polite or professional settings.

• Example:
  • Darf ich das Meeting früher verlassen?
    (May I leave the meeting early?)
  • Es tut mir leid, aber das ist nicht möglich.
    (I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.)

c. Das geht leider nicht (That’s not possible)

This phrase is commonly used to deny permission without being too blunt.

• Example:
  • Dürfen wir hier parken?
    (May we park here?)
  • Das geht leider nicht.
    (That’s not possible.)

3. Expressing Uncertainty or Hesitation

In some cases, you might not be able to give a definitive answer right away. These phrases express uncertainty or a need for more information.

a. Ich bin mir nicht sicher (I’m not sure)

Use this phrase when you’re uncertain and need more time or information before giving permission.

• Example:
  • Dürfen wir früher gehen?
    (May we leave early?)
  • Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ich muss nachfragen.
    (I’m not sure, I have to ask.)

b. Vielleicht (Maybe)

This is a neutral response when you aren’t ready to commit to a “yes” or “no.”

• Example:
  • Darf ich den Computer benutzen?
    (May I use the computer?)
  • Vielleicht, ich muss noch etwas erledigen.
    (Maybe, I still have something to do.)

c. Das muss ich erst klären (I need to clarify that first)

This response shows that you need to check with someone else or gather more information before giving a response.

• Example:
  • Dürfen wir die Präsentation früher starten?
    (May we start the presentation early?)
  • Das muss ich erst klären.
    (I need to clarify that first.)

4. Offering an Alternative

If you cannot grant the original request but would like to offer an alternative solution, use one of these phrases.

a. Vielleicht später (Maybe later)

This is a polite way to delay granting permission, often used when it’s not possible at the moment.

• Example:
  • Darf ich eine Pause machen?
    (May I take a break?)
  • Vielleicht später, nach dem Meeting.
    (Maybe later, after the meeting.)

b. Wie wäre es damit…? (How about…?)

This phrase introduces an alternative solution to the request.

• Example:
  • Dürfen wir den Raum jetzt nutzen?
    (May we use the room now?)
  • Wie wäre es, wenn Sie in einer Stunde zurückkommen?
    (How about you come back in an hour?)

Tips for Practicing German Greetings: “May” (dürfen)

When learning how to use “may” in German, specifically the verb dürfen to ask for permission or make polite requests, it’s important to practice regularly. Here are some effective tips to help you master using dürfen in greetings and everyday conversations.

1. Start with Simple Phrases

Begin by practicing basic phrases that incorporate dürfen in common situations. This will help you build confidence in using the verb in both informal and formal contexts.

Examples to Practice:

• Darf ich eintreten?
  (May I come in?)
• Darf ich mich setzen?
  (May I sit down?)
• Darf ich Ihnen helfen?
  (May I help you?)

These common phrases are useful in daily greetings and polite interactions.

2. Use Role-Playing Scenarios

Create role-playing exercises where you practice asking for permission in German. You can act out different scenarios, such as asking to enter a room, borrow something, or join a group conversation.

Role-Playing Ideas:

• At the office:
  Darf ich bitte den Raum betreten? (May I please enter the room?)
• In a café:
  Darf ich hier sitzen? (May I sit here?)
• At a friend’s house:
  Darf ich dein Buch ausleihen? (May I borrow your book?)

Role-playing will help you get comfortable with different tones and formalities.

3. Practice Both Formal and Informal Settings

In German, the way you ask for permission changes depending on how formal the situation is. Practice using dürfen in both informal (friends, family) and formal (colleagues, strangers) contexts to understand when to be more polite.

Informal:

• Darf ich mitkommen?
  (May I come along?)
• Darfst du mit uns essen?
  (May you eat with us?)

Formal:

• Dürfen wir mit Ihnen sprechen?
  (May we speak with you?)
• Darf ich Ihnen helfen?
  (May I assist you?)

4. Respond to Requests

When practicing dürfen, it’s also important to know how to respond to permission requests. Pair up with a conversation partner, or even practice alone, by responding to common dürfen questions.

Positive Responses:

• Ja, natürlich.
  (Yes, of course.)
• Selbstverständlich.
  (Certainly.)

Negative Responses:

• Nein, leider nicht.
  (No, unfortunately not.)
• Es tut mir leid, aber das geht nicht.
  (I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.)

This will reinforce how to use dürfen in a full conversation.

5. Create Flashcards

Use flashcards to memorize common phrases and conjugations of dürfen. Write down different forms of the verb based on the subject pronoun and attach a related phrase.

Example Flashcards:

• Front:
  Darf ich?
  (May I?)
• Back:
  Conjugation: ich darf
  Example: Darf ich nach draußen gehen? (May I go outside?)

Flashcards help with quick recall and reinforce memory.

6. Engage in German Media

Watch German TV shows, movies, or YouTube videos where characters ask for permission in various situations. Pay attention to the tone and formality of how dürfen is used, and try to mimic their phrasing.

Activities:

• Watch a German talk show and listen for formal requests.
• Pay attention to dialogues in German sitcoms where characters ask friends for permission.

This will give you a natural feel for how to use dürfen in different contexts.

7. Speak with Native Speakers

Whenever possible, practice using dürfen with native German speakers or language partners. You can ask them for feedback on how polite your requests sound and improve your fluency through real-life practice.

Ideas for Practice:

• Ask simple questions like Darf ich das Fenster öffnen? during language exchanges.
• Ask native speakers how they would phrase specific requests based on different levels of formality.

Interacting with native speakers will help you refine your understanding of formal vs. informal contexts.

8. Set Small Goals

Create small, achievable goals for practicing dürfen. For example, decide to practice using dürfen in five different conversations this week, or learn a new phrase each day that incorporates the verb.

Goal Example:

• Goal 1: Use Darf ich in one conversation today.
• Goal 2: Learn how to ask permission for three different activities this week.

Setting small goals will keep your practice consistent and manageable.

Exercises for Practicing German Greetings: “May” (dürfen)

Here are a few exercises designed to help you practice using the German equivalent of “may” (dürfen) in greetings and permission-based conversations. These exercises range from sentence completion to role-playing activities, with translations provided to enhance your understanding.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks with dürfen

Complete the sentences below using the correct form of dürfen based on the subject pronoun (ich, du, wir, Sie, ihr).

Questions:

1. (du) _______ du bitte die Tür öffnen?
   (May you please open the door?)
2. (wir) _______ wir uns setzen?
   (May we sit down?)
3. (ich) _______ ich das Buch ausleihen?
   (May I borrow the book?)
4. (Sie) _______ Sie mir helfen?
   (May you help me?)
5. (ihr) _______ ihr heute mit uns kommen?
   (May you all come with us today?)

Answers:

1. Darfst du bitte die Tür öffnen?
   (May you please open the door?)
2. Dürfen wir uns setzen?
   (May we sit down?)
3. Darf ich das Buch ausleihen?
   (May I borrow the book?)
4. Dürfen Sie mir helfen?
   (May you help me?)
5. Dürft ihr heute mit uns kommen?
   (May you all come with us today?)

---

2. Translate the Sentences

Translate the following English sentences into German, paying attention to the use of dürfen.

Exercise:

1. May I go to the bathroom?
2. May we attend the meeting?
3. May I speak with you for a moment?
4. May you give me a glass of water?
5. May we ask a question?

Translation:

1. Darf ich auf die Toilette gehen?
2. Dürfen wir an der Besprechung teilnehmen?
3. Darf ich kurz mit Ihnen sprechen?
4. Dürfen Sie mir ein Glas Wasser geben?
5. Dürfen wir eine Frage stellen?

---

3. Match the Response

Match the following permission requests with the correct responses.

Exercise:

1. Darf ich hier parken?
   (May I park here?)
2. Dürfen wir reinkommen?
   (May we come in?)
3. Darf ich Ihren Computer benutzen?
   (May I use your computer?)
4. Dürfen wir das Fenster öffnen?
   (May we open the window?)

Responses:

a. Ja, gerne! (Yes, gladly!)
b. Es tut mir leid, aber nein. (I’m sorry, but no.)
c. Nein, leider nicht. (No, unfortunately not.)
d. Natürlich, kein Problem. (Of course, no problem.)

Answers:

1. c. Nein, leider nicht.
2. d. Natürlich, kein Problem.
3. b. Es tut mir leid, aber nein.
4. a. Ja, gerne!

---

4. Role-Playing Scenarios

Practice the following role-playing exercises with a partner, focusing on how to use dürfen to ask for permission and respond appropriately.

Scenario 1: At a Restaurant

• Person A: Ask the waiter if you may sit at a specific table.
• Person B (Waiter): Respond politely, granting or denying permission.

Example:

• Person A: Darf ich an diesem Tisch sitzen?
  (May I sit at this table?)
• Person B: Ja, natürlich! Setzen Sie sich bitte.
  (Yes, of course! Please sit down.)

---

Scenario 2: In a Library

• Person A: Ask the librarian if you may borrow a certain book.
• Person B (Librarian): Politely respond, denying permission.

Example:

• Person A: Darf ich dieses Buch ausleihen?
  (May I borrow this book?)
• Person B: Es tut mir leid, aber dieses Buch ist nicht verfügbar.
  (I’m sorry, but this book is not available.)

---

5. Create Your Own Sentences

Write three of your own sentences asking for permission in German, using dürfen. Then, translate them into English.

Example:

1. Darf ich mit Ihnen sprechen?
   (May I speak with you?)
2. Dürfen wir diesen Film sehen?
   (May we watch this movie?)
3. Darfst du uns begleiten?
   (May you accompany us?)

---

6. Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:

Exercise:

1. Darfst ich dein Auto fahren?
2. Dürfen du mir helfen?
3. Darf wir hier parken?
4. Dürfen ich etwas trinken?

Corrected:

1. Darf ich dein Auto fahren?
   (May I drive your car?)
2. Darfst du mir helfen?
   (May you help me?)
3. Dürfen wir hier parken?
   (May we park here?)
4. Darf ich etwas trinken?
   (May I drink something?)

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7. Conversation Practice

Have a conversation with a partner using at least 5 permission-related questions with dürfen and appropriate responses. Focus on fluency and accuracy in both formal and informal settings.

Example:

• Person A: Darf ich Ihnen eine Frage stellen?
  (May I ask you a question?)
• Person B: Ja, natürlich.
  (Yes, of course.)
• Person A: Dürfen wir das Fenster öffnen?
  (May we open the window?)
• Person B: Nein, leider nicht.
  (No, unfortunately not.)

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How to Say “May” in German: Conclusion

In German, dürfen is used like “may” in English to ask for permission. Use Darf ich…? (May I…?) or Dürfen wir…? (May we…?) for requests. For formal situations, try Könnten Sie…? (Could you…?) or Wären Sie so freundlich…? (Would you be so kind as to…?).

Respond with Ja, natürlich (Yes, of course) to agree, or Es tut mir leid, aber… (I’m sorry, but…) to decline. Practice using dürfen in different scenarios to get comfortable with polite requests and responses.