nur ein bisschen
/nuːɐ̯ ən ˈbɪsjən/word by word
The English phrase "just a little" is translated into German as nur ein bisschen.
nur ein bisschen is used to describe a small amount of something or a short period of time. In a friendly context, you can also use echt ein bisschen to mean "really just a little".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nur (only), ein (a) and bisschen (bit/little bit).
Which one should you use?
While nur ein bisschen is very common in spoken German, nur ein wenig is a slightly more formal alternative used to describe quantities or amounts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, bisschen functions as a substantive noun. It is always written with a lowercase b unless it starts a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/nuːɐ̯ ən ˈbɪsjən/
Did you know?
- The word bisschen is actually a diminutive of Bissen, which means 'a bite'. When you say nur ein bisschen, you are literally saying 'just a little bite'.
- If a German speaker says ein bisschen while talking about alcohol, they might actually be drinking a significant amount, using the phrase as a modest understatement.
- In German, the diminutive suffix -chen used in bisschen automatically makes any noun neuter, regardless of the original noun's gender.
Examples in context
- Gib mir nur ein bisschen.Give me just a little.This sentence is useful for requesting a small amount.Tatoeba #1318072 by al_ex_an_der, translation #33042 by CK
- Er spricht nur ein bisschen Englisch.He can speak just a little English.This sentence is useful for describing a limited level of ability.Tatoeba #1639940 by Zaghawa, translation #913486 by CK
- Ich bin nur ein bisschen außer Puste.I'm just a little wheezy.This sentence is useful for describing a physical state.Tatoeba #3887971 by Vortarulo, translation #2545376 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte ein bisschen Wasser geben?Excuse me, could you please give me just a little bit of water?
- Ich benötige nur wenig Zeit.I only need just a little time.
- Könntest du mir nur ein klein wenig Ketchup geben?Could you give me just a little bit of ketchup?
- Ich brauche nur ein klein wenig Hilfe.I only need just a little bit of help.
- Hast du vielleicht 'n bisschen Zeit?Do you perhaps have just a little time?
- Könntest du mir ein bisschen Salz geben?Could you give me just a little bit of salt?
- Gib mir bitte nur ein bisschen Platz.Please give me just a little bit of space.
- Es tut mir leid, ich habe nur wenig Zeit.I'm sorry, I only have just a little time.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is offering Sarah some cake.
- MaximilianMöchtest du ein Stück Kuchen, Sarah?Would you like a piece of cake, Sarah?
- SarahJa, aber bitte nur ein bisschen.Yes, but just a little please.
- MaximilianAlles klar, ich schneide dir ein kleines Stück.All right, I'll cut you a small piece.
- SarahDanke, Maximilian!Thanks, Maximilian!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nur, ein, bisschen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bisschen, ein, nur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
