B1 Formal Service
„Was befehlen Sie?"
What can I do for you?
What does „Was befehlen Sie?" mean in German?
„Was befehlen Sie?" means "What can I do for you?." Literally: "What do you command?."
Literal Translation
"What do you command?"
Was What
befehlen do
Sie you
English Equivalent
"What can I do for you?"
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Polite; strong verb (befehlen/befahl/befohlen)
When is this idiom used?
Formal
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Quick Quiz — Test Yourself
Test your knowledge of Was befehlen Sie?
Related Idioms
„Was belieben Sie?"
What is your pleasure?
„Ab (= geht ab, gehen ab)."
Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Sie sitzen noch auf der ABC-Bank."
They are still beginners.
