“Was darf es sein?”
What can I get you? / What would you like?
ShoppingGeneralA1
Literal Translation
Word for word: “What may it be?”
Pronunciation
/vas daʁf ɛs zaɪ̯n/
When to Use This Phrase
This polite question is standard at bakeries, butcher's counters and market stalls, and in speech it usually sounds like 'Was darf's sein?'. Answer with 'Ich hätte gern...' plus what you want.
Example Sentences
Guten Morgen! Was darf es sein? — Ich hätte gern sechs Brötchen.
Good morning! What can I get you? — I'd like six bread rolls.
Was darf es sein? — Ein Kilo Tomaten, bitte.
What would you like? — A kilo of tomatoes, please.
Word Breakdown
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