ein bisschen
/aɪ̯n ˈbɪsçən/word by word
The English phrase 'a little bit' can be translated into German as ein bisschen.
Ein bisschen is a common and versatile way to express a small amount or quantity of something in German.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ein (a/one) and bisschen (a bit/morsel).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While ein bisschen is the standard, ein wenig is a slightly more formal alternative used to express a small quantity. For even more formal contexts involving quantities, you can use etwas. If you wish to describe a small degree of change or a minimal difference, the formal term geringfügig (meaning 'slightly' or 'minimally') is appropriate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern dialects, such as Bavarian and Austrian German, you will often hear the regional variation ein bisserl.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverbial phrase to modify a verb or an adjective, ein bisschen remains unchanged and does not change for case or gender.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɪ̯n ˈbɪsçən/
Did you know?
- The word bisschen is inseparable from the concept of 'eating' in its linguistic roots. Even when talking about time or abstract feelings, the ghost of a 'bite' of food remains in the word.
- The diminutive suffix '-chen' used in bisschen is one of the most common ways in German to make something sound smaller, cuter, or less threatening.
- If you are at a formal dinner in Germany, using ein bisschen to ask for more food might sound slightly too casual. In such settings, switching to the more elegant ein wenig shows better manners.
Examples in context
- Bleib noch ein bißchen!Stay a little bit longer.This sentence shows how to use ein bisschen to modify the duration of an action.Tatoeba #13395764 by Waldelfe, translation #9779255 by CK
- Komm ein bißchen näher!Come a little bit closer.This sentence shows how to use ein bisschen to modify the degree of proximity.Tatoeba #13866463 by Waldelfe, translation #10531748 by CK
- Ein bisschen Spaß muss sein.A little bit of fun is always good.This sentence demonstrates using ein bisschen to quantify an abstract concept like fun.Tatoeba #1206333 by Esperantostern, translation #6317102 by Adelpa
- Ich spreche ein bisschen DeutschI speak a little bit of German
- Ich verstehe ein wenig DeutschI understand a little bit of German
- Ich möchte etwas WasserI would like a little bit of water
- Der Preis ist geringfügig gestiegenThe price has increased slightly
- Kannst du mir ein kleines bisschen helfen?Can you help me a little bit?
- Ich habe nur ein wenig ZeitI have only a little bit of time
- I hätt gern a bisserl mehrI would like a little bit more
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are sitting in a cafe.
- JuliaHast du ein bisschen Zucker für mich?Do you have a little bit of sugar for me?
- LukasJa, hier ist ein bisschen Zucker.Yes, here is a little bit of sugar.
- JuliaDanke, Lukas!Thanks, Lukas!
- LukasGerne, Julia.You're welcome, Julia.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ein, bisschen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
