SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Time And Dates

German Phrase

Ja, ich habe ein bisschen Zeit.

/jaː ɪç ˈhaː.bə aɪ̯n ˈbɪs.çən tsaɪ̯t/
Meaning"Yes, I have a little bit of time."
💡

Meaning

This phrase is a polite way to confirm availability for a short conversation or task. It uses the verb 'haben' (to have) and the quantifier 'ein bisschen' (a little bit) to manage expectations about the duration of the engagement.

🎯

When to use

Use this when someone asks if you have a moment to talk or help with something. It is appropriate for both casual and professional settings when you aren't in a rush but don't want to commit to a long meeting.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Jaichhabeein bisschenZeit

1

Habe

This is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'haben' (to have).

2

Ein bisschen

This is a fixed phrase used to quantify uncountable nouns, meaning 'a bit' or 'a little.'

3

Zeit

Nouns in German are always capitalized. 'Zeit' is feminine, though its gender is not explicitly shown here due to the quantifier.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hast du kurz Zeit für eine Frage?

Do you have a moment for a question?

Ja, ich habe ein bisschen Zeit.

Yes, I have a little bit of time.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ja, ich bin ein bisschen Zeit.

    Use 'haben' for possession or availability; 'sein' (bin) implies you are the concept of time itself.

  • Ja, ich habe ein kleines Zeit.

    'Zeit' is an uncountable noun in this context; use 'ein bisschen' rather than the adjective 'klein'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ja, ich habe kurz Zeit.

    Yes, I have time briefly.

  • Ich habe einen Moment.

    I have a moment.

de

Cultural Tip

Germans value punctuality and directness regarding their schedule. Using 'ein bisschen' is an honest way to signal that you can talk now but helps set clear boundaries so the other person knows not to take up too much of your day.