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gestatten sie

if you will allow me; may I

adverb ge-SHTAT-en zee Rare
Communication Expressions

Also means

permit me; allow me

Usage Note

Gestatten Sie is a formal, old-fashioned phrase for seeking permission to speak or act: Gestatten Sie, dass ich das kurz erkläre. It was once common as a self-introduction (Gestatten: mein Name ist ...) and is still occasionally used in formal ceremonial or ironic contexts. More archaic than erlauben Sie mir.

Examples

"Gestatten Sie, dass ich kurz auf Ihren letzten Punkt eingehe."

Natural Translation

Allow me to briefly address your last point.

Literal Translation

Allow you, that I briefly on your last point go in.

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