My Struggle with “Können Sie das wiederholen?” – And Why It’s Okay

Okay, so here I am, three months into living in Berlin. I’m working as a freelance translator, which is fantastic, but let’s be honest – the everyday German is hard. I’ve got a decent grasp of grammar, I can order coffee without completely embarrassing myself, but sometimes, just…sometimes I completely miss what people are saying. And that’s where “Können Sie das wiederholen?” comes in. It’s become my lifeline.

The Initial Panic – And That First Time

The first few weeks, I was a nervous wreck. I’d be in a shop, trying to order a loaf of bread – “Ich möchte einen Brot, bitte” – and the cashier would be speaking so quickly, using jargon about ‘Roggen’ and ‘Vollkorn’, and I’d just stare blankly. I’d end up buying the wrong thing, feeling utterly lost, and wanting to disappear. Then, I’d finally find the courage, my face burning, and say, “Entschuldigung, könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?” (Excuse me, could you please repeat that?).

It felt incredibly vulnerable. Like I was admitting defeat. But honestly, it was the right thing to do. I learned quickly that Germans don’t always speak slowly, and they don’t expect you to understand everything immediately. It’s a huge cultural difference.

Breaking Down the Phrase – It’s More Than Just “Repeat”

“Können Sie das wiederholen?” – it literally translates to “Can you repeat that?” But it’s so much more than just asking for a simple repetition. Let’s break it down.

• Können: (Can) – This shows politeness. It’s asking if they are able to repeat, not just demanding it.
• Sie: (You – formal) – Always use this with strangers or people you don’t know well. It’s showing respect.
• das: (that) – Refers to what was just said.
• wiederholen: (to repeat) – The core of the request.

You can also say: “Ich habe Sie nicht verstanden.” (I didn’t understand you.) This is perfectly acceptable and even more direct.

Real-Life Scenarios – Where I Used It (And Messed Up!)

Here are a few times I’ve actually used it, and some of the hilarious (and frustrating) consequences:

Scenario 1: The Doctor’s Appointment

I was at my doctor’s appointment, and the doctor was explaining something about my cholesterol levels. I understood bits and pieces, but not the whole thing. I panicked slightly, and blurted out, “Äh, könnten Sie das wiederholen, bitte?” The doctor, a very serious man in his fifties, looked at me completely bewildered. He repeated the sentence exactly the same way. I realized I hadn’t actually asked what I hadn’t understood. I needed to be more specific. I then said, “Ich verstehe die Zahlen nicht. Können Sie mir das bitte verständlicher erklären?” (I don’t understand the numbers. Can you explain that to me more clearly?).

Scenario 2: Ordering a Coffee – A Classic

This happened last week. I was at a café, trying to order a ‘Latte mit Milch’. The barista, a young woman with bright pink hair, was busy, and she said, “Ein Latte mit Milch, bitte?” I nodded, and then realized I’d said it exactly right! I felt like an idiot. “Entschuldigung,” I said, “könnten Sie das bitte noch einmal langsam sagen?” (Excuse me, could you please say that again slowly?). She smiled and repeated it, and I finally got my coffee.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask – Seriously!

The biggest mistake I made initially was worrying about sounding stupid. Honestly, Germans are incredibly polite and understanding. They’d rather you ask for clarification than pretend to understand and make a mistake.

I’ve learned to say it with a smile, “Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?” It feels much less confrontational than silently struggling.

A Few Extra Tips

• Be Specific: Instead of just saying “Können Sie das wiederholen?”, try “Können Sie den letzten Teil bitte wiederholen?” (Can you repeat the last part, please?)
• Use Gestures: Pointing or using your hands can help.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Say “Wie?” (How?) – If you truly don’t understand.

Learning German is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be times when you feel completely lost. But remembering that “Können Sie das wiederholen?” is a perfectly acceptable and valuable tool, and that people appreciate your effort, will make the journey a lot smoother. Ich glaube an Sie! (I believe in you!)