noch ein Bier
/nɔx aɪ̯n biːr/word by word
In German, 'another beer' is expressed as noch ein Bier.
The phrase is used to request an additional serving of beer. To make a standard polite request when ordering in a bar or restaurant, you should add 'bitte' (please) to the end: Noch ein Bier, bitte.
What does it mean word for word?
Literallly, the phrase means 'still a beer', where noch means 'still' or 'yet' and ein Bier means 'a beer'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, you might hear the phrase Noch a Maß, bittscheen!, which specifically means 'Another liter-sized beer, please!'
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase noch ein Bier, the word ein is in the accusative case because the beer acts as the direct object of an implied verb, such as 'Ich möchte…' (I would like…).
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔx aɪ̯n biːr/
Did you know?
- In some traditional settings, asking for noch ein Bier might be accompanied by a 'Prost' toast, where it is customary to look the other person directly in the eyes.
- The word Bier is actually named after the very thing that makes it possible: the ancient Proto-Indo-European word for 'dross' or 'brewer's yeast'.
- The phrase noch ein Bier is often used as a social lubricant to prolong a conversation, as it is culturally common in Germany to stay at a table for hours.
Examples in context
- Trink noch ein Bier!Have another beer.This sentence uses noch ein Bier to encourage someone to have another beer.Tatoeba #7964973 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6824202 by CK
- Gib mir noch ein Bier!Give me another beer.This sentence uses noch ein Bier to request that someone give you another beer.Tatoeba #1935098 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1935070 by Spamster
- Hol mir noch ein Bier!Get me another beer.This sentence uses noch ein Bier to request that someone get you another beer.Tatoeba #1935099 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1935072 by Spamster
- Willst du auch noch ein Bier?Do you want another beer?
- Ja, bitte noch ein Bier.Yes, another beer, please.
- Soll ich dir noch ein Bier holen?Should I get you another beer?
- Klar, gib mir bitte noch 'n Bier!Sure, please give me another beer!
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a bar in the evening.
- JuliaLukas, ich hätte gerne noch ein Bier.Lukas, I would like another beer.
- LukasSoll ich noch ein Bier bestellen?Should I order another beer?
- JuliaJa, bitte, das wäre toll.Yes, please, that would be great.
- LukasKein Problem, ich hole es gleich.No problem, I will get it right away.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (noch, ein, Bier) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bier, ein, noch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
