German · Real conversations
Ask for more time naturally in German
A request for more time is easier to answer when it is specific. Ask briefly, propose a new deadline, or explain how much time is needed for a particular task.
Three ways to say it
Könnte ich etwas mehr Zeit bekommen?
Could I have a little more time?
Request a little more time when the exact extension is still being discussed.
Könnten wir die Frist auf Montag verschieben?
Could we move the deadline to Monday?
Propose a concrete replacement deadline.
Ich brauche noch einen Tag, um die Einzelheiten zu prüfen.
I need another day to check the details.
Explain the amount of extra time and what it will allow you to check.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'move the deadline' means change the agreed completion date, not move a line on the ground. Use the target-language scheduling construction, including the preposition used with the new day.
See the difference in context
Being asked to finish immediately
Kannst du das jetzt fertig machen?
Can you finish this now?
Könnte ich etwas mehr Zeit bekommen?
Could I have a little more time?
Requesting a later report deadline
Der Bericht muss bis Freitag fertig sein.
The report is due on Friday.
Könnten wir die Frist auf Montag verschieben?
Could we move the deadline to Monday?
Your turn
Explain that you need another day to check the details. Give both the duration and the reason.
Reveal a sample reply
Ich brauche noch einen Tag, um die Einzelheiten zu prüfen.
I need another day to check the details.
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking German
Use Sie for formal address and du with people you address informally. Könnten Sie …? is a useful polite request. Keep noun capitals and the verb position shown in each complete sentence.
The examples preserve German accents and ß. Read a full sentence before replacing a detail: a subordinate clause can move the verb to the end, and case can change an article or pronoun.
