German Phrase
Probier bitte eine andere Maschine.
Meaning
A polite request asking someone to try a different machine. It can be used when the current device is broken, occupied, or unsuitable for the task at hand.
When to use
Use this sentence in everyday situations such as a gym, laundromat, kitchen, or any place with multiple similar devices where you need the other person to switch to a different one.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ProbierbitteeineandereMaschine.
Imperative (du)
For regular verbs, drop the infinitive ending -en and add -e (optional) to the stem; 'probieren' → 'Probier' (or 'Probier(e)') for the informal 'du' command.
Politeness with bitte
Adding 'bitte' after the imperative makes the request sound courteous and less abrupt.
Indefinite article + adjective declension
With a feminine noun like 'Maschine', the article is 'eine' and the adjective takes the weak ending '-e' → 'andere'.
Gender of Maschine
'Maschine' is feminine (die Maschine), so the article and adjective must agree in gender, case, and number.
🗨In Conversation
Meine Waschmaschine spinnt immer wieder.
My washing machine keeps malfunctioning.
Probier bitte eine andere Maschine.
Please try another machine.
✕Common Mistakes
Probieren Sie bitte eine andere Maschine.
Mixes formal 'Sie' with the informal imperative form; use 'Probieren Sie bitte...' for formal or 'Probier bitte...' for informal.
Probier bitte ein andere Maschine.
Wrong article gender and adjective ending; 'Maschine' is feminine, so it must be 'eine andere Maschine'.
Probier bitte eine anderer Maschine.
Adjective must agree with the feminine noun; use 'andere', not 'anderer'.
Probier bitte andere Maschine.
Missing the indefinite article; the phrase needs 'eine' to be grammatically complete.
↔Alternatives
Versuch bitte eine andere Maschine.
Please try another machine.
Benutze bitte eine andere Maschine.
Please use another machine.
Bitte benutze eine andere Maschine.
Please use another machine.
Cultural Tip
In German, imperatives can sound harsh, so pairing them with 'bitte' is common etiquette, especially in informal settings. If you need a formal tone (e.g., speaking to a stranger or a customer), switch to the Sie‑form: 'Probieren Sie bitte eine andere Maschine.' Also, remember that 'Maschine' can refer to many devices, so the surrounding context clarifies whether you mean a washing machine, coffee machine, etc.