bitte
/ˈbɪtə/
The German word for "please" is bitte.
bitte is used as an interjection to make a polite request.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Which one should you use?
While bitte functions as "please" for requests, you can also use related forms like Bitte schön or Bitte sehr! to express "you're welcome". Additionally, using Bitte? with a rising intonation is a common way to ask someone to repeat what they just said, acting as "Pardon?" or "What?"
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɪtə/
When do people say it?
bitte is used to be polite during a request, but it is also the standard response when someone thanks you.
Did you know?
- In a restaurant, a waiter will often say bitte when placing a dish or a drink in front of a customer. In this context, it functions as 'here you go'.
- Because bitte is an ellipsis of 'ich bitte dich', the word literally carries the weight of 'I beg you' or 'I entreat you'.
- If someone says bitte with a sharp, falling intonation in a crowded place, it can be an impatient way of saying 'move aside' or 'let me through'.
Examples in context
- Bitte ruf ihn an.Please ring him up.This sentence shows how to use bitte in a command or request.Tatoeba #651899 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #38458 by mcq
- Bitte sag es mir.Please, tell me.This sentence shows how to use bitte to ask for information.Tatoeba #1314661 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #38579 by CK
- Gib es mir bitte!Give it to me, please.This sentence shows how to place bitte at the end of a request.Tatoeba #2045585 by Tamy, translation #41825 by CK
- Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen?Could you please help me?
- Kannst du mir bitte helfen?Can you please help me?
- Bitte schön!You're welcome!
- 5458 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are in a cafe.
- JulianKann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben?Can I please have the menu?
- HannahNatürlich, hier ist sie.Of course, here it is.
- JulianDanke, Hannah.Thanks, Hannah.
- HannahGerne.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries bitte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bitte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
