German Phrase
Stilles Wasser, bitte.
Meaning
A short, polite way to ask for still (non‑carbonated) water in a German‑speaking setting. It directly translates to ‘Still water, please.’ The phrase is concise and commonly used in restaurants, cafés and when visiting someone’s home.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want a glass of non‑sparkling water, especially in restaurants, cafés, hotels, or at a private dinner. It works both in casual and semi‑formal contexts, as long as you keep a friendly tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
StillesWasser,bitte.
Adjective Declension (Weak)
‘Stilles’ is the weak declension of the adjective ‘still’ because it follows the indefinite article (omitted here) and modifies a neuter noun in the nominative case.
Neuter Noun
‘Wasser’ is a neuter noun (das Wasser). In the nominative singular it stays unchanged.
Bitte as a Polite Particle
‘Bitte’ placed at the end of a request works like ‘please’ in English and makes the phrase courteous.
🗨In Conversation
Stilles Wasser, bitte.
Still water, please.
Natürlich, hier bitte.
Of course, here you go.
✕Common Mistakes
Stille Wasser, bitte.
The adjective needs the weak ending ‘‑es’ because it modifies a neuter noun without an article.
Bitte Wasser, stilles.
‘Bitte’ should stay at the end of the request; moving it changes the natural order.
das stilles Wasser, bitte.
When using the definite article, the adjective takes the strong ending ‘‑e’: ‘das stille Wasser’. Without the article, use the weak ending ‘‑es’.
↔Alternatives
Ein Glas stilles Wasser, bitte.
A glass of still water, please.
Könnte ich bitte stilles Wasser haben?
Could I have still water, please?
Ich hätte gern stilles Wasser.
I would like still water.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, sparkling water (Sprudel) is often the default when you ask for ‘Wasser’. Specifying ‘stilles Wasser’ tells the server you want non‑carbonated water. It’s perfectly normal to ask for still water, but be aware that many restaurants automatically bring sparkling unless you say otherwise.