German Phrase
Ist nur 'ne kleine Bitte.
Meaning
Literally, “It’s just a small request.” The speaker is trying to make the ask sound modest and polite, often to soften a favor they are asking for.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal, spoken German – with friends, family, or colleagues you know well. It’s perfect when you want to ask for something without sounding demanding.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Istnur'nekleineBitte
Verb "sein" (ist)
"Ist" is the 3rd person singular present of "sein" and is used here as a copula linking the subject (implied) to the predicate.
Adverb "nur"
"Nur" means "only" or "just" and modifies the whole statement, down‑playing the request.
Colloquial article "'ne"
"'ne" is the spoken contraction of the feminine indefinite article "eine"; it is informal and should not be used in formal writing.
Adjective ending "-e"
Because "Bitte" is feminine and the article is indefinite, the adjective takes the weak ending "-e" (kleine).
Noun "Bitte"
"Bitte" is a feminine noun meaning "request" or "please".
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du mir bitte das Buch aus dem Regal holen?
Can you please get the book from the shelf for me?
Ist nur 'ne kleine Bitte.
It’s just a small request.
✕Common Mistakes
Ist nur ein kleine Bitte.
The noun "Bitte" is feminine, so the indefinite article must be "eine" (or its colloquial form "'ne").
Ist nur 'ne kleiner Bitte.
With the indefinite article the adjective takes the weak ending "-e", not "-er".
'Ne nur kleine Bitte.
The adverb "nur" must stay before the article; swapping order changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Es ist nur eine kleine Bitte.
It’s only a small request.
Nur eine kleine Bitte.
Just a small request.
Nur ein kleiner Wunsch.
Just a little wish.
Cultural Tip
The contraction "'ne" is typical of everyday spoken German, especially in northern Germany and among younger speakers. Avoid it in formal emails, business letters, or when speaking to strangers you want to impress. Also note that the adjective "kleine" must match the feminine noun "Bitte" with the weak ending "-e".