Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| ein bisschen | /aɪ̯n ˈbɪsçən/ (standard, word by word) |
| ein wenig | /aɪ̯n ˈveːnɪç/ (standard, word by word) |
| etwas | /ˈɛtvas/ |
All these forms are used to express a small extent or degree. While ein bisschen is an adverbial phrase, etwas is more versatile and can function as both an adverb meaning "a little" and a determiner meaning "some".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ein bisschen literally translates to "a bit", where ein means "a" and bisschen means "bit" or "piece".
Which one should you use?
ein bisschen is the most common way to say "a little" in everyday spoken German. ein wenig is slightly more formal or literary. etwas can mean both "a little" and "some". Additionally, wenig is a shorter, informal variant of ein wenig.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, you may hear a weng or a wengerl to mean "a little". In some northern German regions, the colloquial term lütte is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using ein bisschen as an adverb to modify an adjective, it remains uninflected and does not change its ending.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɪ̯n ˈbɪsçən/
Did you know?
- The word wenig has a surprising history, as it was once closely linked to the Old High German word wē, which means 'woe'.
- The phrase ein bisschen is so common in speech that it is frequently used as a filler or to soften a request, even when the amount is not literally small.
Examples in context
- Es ist etwas kalt.It is a little cold.This sentence shows how to use etwas to modify an adjective.Tatoeba #1258908 by Esperantostern, translation #488166 by saasmath
- Gib mir etwas Geld.Give me a little money.This sentence demonstrates using etwas to modify a noun.Tatoeba #674965 by samueldora, translation #64568 by CK
- Mir ist etwas kalt.I'm a little cold.This sentence shows the use of etwas to describe a physical sensation.Tatoeba #3016381 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2549089 by CK
- Ich habe nur ein wenig Erfahrung in diesem Bereich.I have only a little experience in this field.
- Ich habe etwas Zeit, um Ihre Fragen zu beantworten.I have a little time to answer your questions.
- Ich kann dir ein bisschen Kleingeld leihen, wenn du es brauchst.I can lend you a little change if you need it.
- Ich habe nur ein bisschen Kuchen übrig. Möchtest du etwas?I have only a little cake left. Would you like some?
- Hast du noch ein wenig Platz in deinem Rucksack?Do you have a little space left in your backpack?
- Do kriagst a wengerl Zitronensaft dazua.Here, you get a little lemon juice with it.
- 1326 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their German language skills in a cafe.
- SarahSprichst du gut Deutsch, Felix?Do you speak German well, Felix?
- FelixNur ein bisschen, Sarah.Only a little, Sarah.
- SarahDas ist doch schon ein Anfang.That is already a start.
- FelixJa, aber ich muss noch viel lernen.Yes, but I still have to learn a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “a little” translations and entries etwas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ein, bisschen, wenig) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bisschen, ein, etwas, wenig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
