German Phrase
Das ist ein bisschen zu teuer.
Meaning
Literally, 'That is a little too expensive.' The speaker acknowledges that the price is higher than they are comfortable paying, but the excess is not extreme—just enough to raise a concern.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to comment on the price of an item, a service, or a ticket in a polite yet clear way. It works well in shops, markets, restaurants, or when discussing budgets with friends or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dasisteinbisschenzuteuer.
Das (demonstrative pronoun)
Neuter nominative pronoun used to point to something previously mentioned or obvious in context.
ist (sein)
3rd person singular present of 'sein' used as a copular verb linking subject and predicate adjective.
ein bisschen (adverbial phrase)
Literally 'a little', formed with the indefinite article + noun 'Bisschen' and functions as an adverb to soften statements.
zu (adverb)
When placed before an adjective it means 'too', indicating excess beyond an acceptable limit.
teuer (adjective)
Predicative adjective meaning 'expensive'; with 'zu' it expresses that something exceeds the speaker's price tolerance.
🗨In Conversation
Wie viel kostet das neue Handy?
How much does the new phone cost?
Das ist ein bisschen zu teuer.
That's a bit too expensive.
✕Common Mistakes
Das ist zu teuer.
Missing the softening 'ein bisschen' changes the tone to a blunt 'too expensive'.
Das ist ein bisschen teuer.
Without 'zu' the meaning shifts to 'a little expensive' rather than 'too expensive'.
Das ist ein bisschen zu zu teuer.
Duplicating 'zu' is a common typo; only one 'zu' is needed before the adjective.
↔Alternatives
Das ist etwas zu teuer.
That's somewhat too expensive.
Das ist ein wenig zu teuer.
It's a little too expensive.
Das ist leider zu teuer.
Unfortunately, it's too expensive.
Das kostet zu viel.
That costs too much.
Cultural Tip
Germans value directness, but adding 'ein bisschen' softens the criticism and keeps the conversation friendly. In price negotiations it's common to first state the price, then say 'ein bisschen zu teuer' before suggesting a lower amount. In southern Germany you might hear 'ein bisschen' replaced by 'ein wenig' with the same effect.