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German Phrase

Ich hätte gern ein Glas Wasser, bitte.

/ɪç ˈhɛtə ɡɛʁn aɪn ɡlaːs ˈvasɐ ˈbɪtə/
Meaning"I would like a glass of water, please."
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Meaning

A courteous way to ask for a glass of water, typically used in restaurants, cafés, or when visiting someone’s home. The use of ‘hätte gern’ makes the request sound polite and non‑demanding.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to order water in a dining setting, ask a host for a drink, or simply request water in any polite conversation. It works both in formal and informal contexts.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchhättegerneinGlasWasserbitte

1

Konjunktiv II (hätte)

‘hätte’ is the subjunctive II of ‘haben’ and is used to make polite requests, similar to ‘would like’ in English.

2

gern vs. gerne

‘gern’ (or ‘gerne’) expresses a wish or preference; it softens the request and sounds friendly.

3

Indefinite article with neuter noun

‘ein Glas’ uses the neuter indefinite article ‘ein’ because ‘Glas’ is a neuter noun.

4

Bitte at the end

Placing ‘bitte’ at the end of the sentence is the most common polite formula in German.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich hätte gern ein Glas Wasser, bitte.

I would like a glass of water, please.

Natürlich, gleich kommt es.

Of course, it’ll be right over.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich habe gern ein Glas Wasser, bitte.

    ‘habe’ is present indicative; use ‘hätte’ (Konjunktiv II) for a polite request.

  • Bitte ich hätte gern ein Glas Wasser.

    ‘Bitte’ should come at the end, not before the verb.

  • Ein Glas Wasser bitte.

    Missing ‘hätte gern’; the sentence sounds abrupt rather than polite.

↔Alternatives

  • Könnte ich bitte ein Glas Wasser bekommen?

    Could I please get a glass of water?

  • Ein Glas Wasser, bitte.

    A glass of water, please.

  • Darf ich ein Glas Wasser haben?

    May I have a glass of water?

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Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries it’s common to add ‘bitte’ at the end of a request, not at the beginning. ‘Gern’ (or ‘gerne’) is optional but adds a friendly tone. When ordering in a restaurant, you’ll often hear the server reply with ‘Kommt sofort’ (‘It’ll be right away’) or ‘Hier bitte’ (‘Here you go’).