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German Phrase

Bitte

/ˈbɪtə/
Meaning"Please / You're welcome"
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Meaning

The word 'Bitte' is one of the most versatile and essential words in German. It primarily means 'please' when making a request, but it also serves as 'you're welcome' in response to 'Danke' (thank you). Additionally, it can mean 'here you go' when offering something, or 'pardon?' when asking someone to repeat themselves.

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When to use

Use 'Bitte' when asking for something politely, like 'Ein Kaffee, bitte' (A coffee, please). Respond with 'Bitte' after someone thanks you, meaning 'you're welcome'. You can also use it when handing something over, or if you didn't understand what someone said and want them to repeat it.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Bitte

1

Bitte as 'Please'

'Bitte' is used to make requests polite. It often comes at the end of a sentence or phrase, like 'Einen Kaffee, bitte.' (A coffee, please.)

2

Bitte as 'You're Welcome'

When someone says 'Danke' (Thank you), the standard response is 'Bitte' (You're welcome). This is a direct and polite reply.

3

Bitte for 'Here You Go'

When handing something to someone, you can say 'Bitte' or 'Hier, bitte' to mean 'Here you go' or 'Here it is'.

4

Bitte for 'Pardon?'

If you didn't hear or understand something, you can say 'Bitte?' with a rising intonation to ask someone to repeat themselves, similar to 'Pardon?' or 'Excuse me?'

🗨In Conversation

A

Ein Wasser, bitte.

A water, please.

Hier, bitte.

Here, you go.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich möchte bitte Kaffee.

    While not strictly wrong, placing 'bitte' at the end of the sentence is more natural and common in German requests. 'Ich möchte Kaffee, bitte.'

  • Danke! Bitte schön.

    While 'Bitte schön' is an acceptable, slightly more formal variant of 'you're welcome', simply 'Bitte' is more common and perfectly polite in most situations. Overusing 'schön' can sound a bit stiff.

↔Alternatives

  • Gern geschehen

    My pleasure / You're welcome

  • Kein Problem

    No problem

  • Seien Sie so nett

    Be so kind (as to...)

  • Hier, bitte

    Here, please (when handing something over)

de

Cultural Tip

In German culture, politeness is highly valued, and 'Bitte' is a cornerstone of polite interaction. It's crucial to use it frequently, both when making requests and when responding to thanks. Not using 'Bitte' can come across as abrupt or impolite. Its versatility makes it a powerful tool for navigating social situations smoothly.