German Phrase
Nur Wasser für mich, bitte.
Meaning
A polite way to tell a server that you would like only water and nothing else. The word 'nur' stresses that you do not want any other drink.
When to use
Use this sentence in cafés, restaurants, or any setting where drinks are offered. It works well when the staff asks what you would like to drink or when you want to decline other options.
✦Grammar Breakdown
NurWasserfürmichbitte
Nur (only)
An adverb placed before the noun or phrase it modifies; it emphasizes exclusivity.
Wasser (water)
A neuter noun; when used without an article after 'nur', the article is omitted.
für (for) + Accusative
The preposition 'für' always takes the accusative case; here it governs 'mich'.
mich (me)
Accusative personal pronoun; used after 'für' to indicate the beneficiary.
bitte (please)
A polite particle usually placed at the end of a request in German.
🗨In Conversation
Möchten Sie etwas zu trinken?
Would you like something to drink?
Nur Wasser für mich, bitte.
Only water for me, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Nur Wasser für mir, bitte.
Use the accusative 'mich' after 'für', not the dative 'mir'.
Wasser nur für mich, bitte.
The adverb 'nur' should precede the noun, not follow it.
Bitte, nur Wasser für mich.
While understandable, the most natural order places 'bitte' at the end.
↔Alternatives
Ein Wasser, bitte.
A water, please.
Ich nehme nur Wasser, bitte.
I'll have only water, please.
Bitte nur Wasser.
Please, only water.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it’s common to specify the type of water: 'stilles Wasser' (still) or 'Sprudelwasser' (sparkling). If you want sparkling, say 'Nur Sprudelwasser, bitte.' Also, placing 'nur' before the noun can sound a bit abrupt; a softer version is 'Ich hätte gern nur Wasser, bitte.'