Permission uses
means be allowed to. A question such as asks permission. It is different from , which can describe whether you are able to go. In everyday requests is also common, but makes permission explicit.
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
Not allowed, or not necessary?
means you are not allowed to come. means you do not have to come; it is optional. These messages are very different. Keep the normal modal frame with the infinitive at the end: .
A polite request
and are useful everyday permission questions. The verb comes first in a yes/no question. A short answer can be or .
Practice 1/5 · Finding words
Notice the useful forms
Tap the marked grammar forms.
?
May I sit here?
.
You are not allowed to come.
.
You do not have to come.
Practice 2/5 · The right form
Match the person and permission
Choose the right word for the gap.
Ich essen.
I am allowed to eat.
Du kommen.
You are allowed to come.
Lotte helfen.
Lotte is allowed to help.
Wir ein Foto machen.
We may take a photograph.
Ihr hier spielen.
You may play here (several people).
Sie schon arbeiten?
Are you allowed to work yet (polite)?
Hier ist Rauchen verboten. Sie rauchen.
Smoking is forbidden here. You may not smoke.
Der Termin ist freiwillig. Sie kommen.
The appointment is voluntary. You do not have to come.
Practice 3/5 · Fill the gaps
Complete the conversation
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
Ich essen. Du kommen.
I may eat. You may come.
Lotte helfen. Wir ein Foto machen.
Lotte may help. We may take a photograph.
Ihr hier sitzen. Sie auch hier sitzen?
You may sit here (several people). May you sit here too (polite)?
Hier ist Rauchen verboten. Du rauchen.
Smoking is forbidden here. You may not smoke.
Du hast heute frei. Du arbeiten.
You have time off today. You do not have to work.
Practice 4/5 · Building sentences
Put the message together
Put the words in order.
May I go to the festival now?
We may take a photograph here.
You may not smoke here (polite).
Practice 5/5 · In situations
Respond to the situation
Choose the right words for the situation.
There is a no-smoking sign. You explain the rule politely to a visitor.
You say:
Nicht dürfen expresses the prohibition.
There is a no-smoking sign. You explain the rule politely to a visitor.
You say:
Nicht dürfen expresses the prohibition.
You feel better and want the doctor’s permission to attend the festival.
You say:
Dürfen asks for permission in the relevant situation.
You feel better and want the doctor’s permission to attend the festival.
You say:
Dürfen asks for permission in the relevant situation.
Unit complete
