What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of einen (one), Moment (moment) and bitte (please).
Which one should you use?
While Moment is a standard word for a period of time, you can also use Augenblick, which literally means "blink of an eye." Using Augenblick can make the request sound more elegant or slightly more formal. Additionally, adding mal to the phrase as in Moment mal, bitte makes it sound more colloquial and slightly more abrupt.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Formal ways to say this include Einen Moment bitte, Augenblick bitte. and Bitte einen Augenblick Geduld. Informal options include Einen Augenblick mal. or Warte kurz.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, you can say Einen Augenblick, bitte. In Switzerland, you can say E chline Moment, bitte.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word einen is in the accusative masculine singular form because the implied verb is warten Sie auf einen Moment (wait for one moment) or geben Sie mir einen Moment (give me one moment).
Did you know?
- In some contexts, Moment mal! can function as an exclamation of surprise or disbelief, similar to saying 'Wait a minute!' in English.
- The German word Moment shares its Latin roots with the English word 'momentum'.
- In the Swiss version E chline Moment, bitte, the word chline adds a nuance of 'smallness' that is not typically used in the standard German version of the phrase.
Examples in context
- Einen Moment, bitte, ich schaue kurz nach.One moment, please, I'll check quickly.
- Einen Moment, bitte, ich schaue sofort nach.One moment, please, I will check immediately.
- Einen Moment, bitte, ich bin gleich da.One moment, please, I will be right there.
- Einen Moment, bitte, das ist gerade wichtig.One moment, please, that is important right now.
Example conversation
Hannah is helping Lukas find a document in an office.
- HannahHaben Sie die Datei gefunden, Hannah?Did you find the file, Hannah?
- LukasEinen Moment, bitte, Lukas.One moment, please, Lukas.
- HannahKein Problem, ich warte.No problem, I'll wait.
- LukasHier ist sie!Here it is!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one moment, please” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Moment, bitte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
