What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal construction where hol is the imperative of holen (to fetch/get), mir is the dative 'me' and ein Bier is 'a beer'.
Which one should you use?
The verb hol implies going to a place to fetch something and returning, whereas bring focuses on the act of delivering the item to the speaker. To use the formal 'you' (Sie) instead of the informal 'du' (implied in 'hol'), you must change the verb to Holen Sie.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form hol mir ein Bier is informal. You can make the command sound significantly less blunt and more like a polite request by adding bitte (please) to get Hol mir bitte ein Bier. For formal situations, you might say Können Sie mir bitte ein Bier bringen? (Could you please bring me a beer?) or Ich hätte gerne ein Bier, wenn es Ihnen recht ist (I would like a beer, if you don't mind).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase hol mir ein Bier, the verb holen is used in the imperative singular form, which is used when addressing one person informally.
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, the word mir can actually mean 'we' instead of 'me', a remnant of an ancient contraction of 'wir'.
Examples in context
- Hol mir ein Bier, bitte.Get me a beer, please.
- Hey, hol mir ein Bier aus dem Kühlschrank.Hey, get me a beer from the fridge.
Example conversation
Two friends are hanging out in a living room.
- FelixHol mir ein Bier!Get me a beer!
- SarahMusst du das so laut sagen?Do you have to say it so loudly?
- FelixJa, ich habe Durst.Yes, I am thirsty.
- SarahNa gut, ich bringe es dir.Fine, I'll bring it to you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bier, ein, mir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
