ein Bier bitte
/aɪ̯n biːr ˈbɪtə/word by word
ein Bier bitte is the German way to say one beer please.
This phrase is a standard, polite way to order a single beer in a restaurant or bar.
Which one should you use?
If you want to order more than one beer, change ein to a number such as zwei (two) or drei (three). German does not use an indefinite article for numbers greater than one.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Bier is a neuter noun, which is why the indefinite article ein does not take an additional ending in this phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɪ̯n biːr ˈbɪtə/
Did you know?
- The word Bier shares a common ancestor with the English word 'beer', but both trace back to an ancient root meaning 'the dross' or 'sediment' found in brewing.
- While bitte means 'please' in this phrase, it is also the standard response when someone says 'thank you', effectively meaning 'you are welcome'.
- If you are in a traditional Bavarian beer garden, you might find that ordering ein Bier bitte is actually quite unusual because many people prefer to order by the specific glass size, such as a Maß.
Examples in context
- Ein Bier, bitte.One beer, please.
- Könnten Sie mir bitte ein Bier bringen?Could you please bring me a beer?
- Gib mir bitte ein Bier.Give me a beer, please.
- Ein Bier bitte.One beer please.
- Ich hätte gerne ein Bier bitte.I would like one beer please.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are at a pub.
- MaximilianHallo, ich nehme ein Bier bitte.Hello, I'll have one beer, please.
- LauraGerne. Und für Sie, Laura?Certainly. And for you, Laura?
- MaximilianIch möchte auch ein Bier bitte.I would also like one beer, please.
- LauraAlles klar, zwei Biere kommen sofort.All right, two beers coming right up.
