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wenn ich unterbrechen darf

if I may interrupt; may I interject

adverb VEN ikh un-ter-BREKH-en DARF Rare
Communication Questions

Also means

excuse me for interrupting

Usage Note

Wenn ich unterbrechen darf is a polite formula for interjecting in a conversation or presentation: Wenn ich kurz unterbrechen darf — ich habe eine Frage zu diesem Punkt. It softens the interruption and signals that the speaker respects the floor. Common in academic seminars, meetings, and formal debates.

Examples

"Wenn ich kurz unterbrechen darf: das Dokument enthält einen Fehler."

Natural Translation

If I may briefly interrupt: the document contains an error.

Literal Translation

If I briefly interrupt may: the document contains an error.

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