How to Say “Please Go Ahead” in German

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bitte schön
/ˈbɪtə ʃøːn/
The English phrase "please go ahead" can be translated into German as bitte schön.
bitte schön is a versatile polite expression. It is used to give someone permission to proceed with an action or to invite them to go first. Additionally, it can be used as a polite way to hand something to someone, similar to saying "here you go".

Which one should you use?

While bitte schön is the standard way to say "please go ahead", the variation bitte sehr is slightly more emphatic and can be used in similar contexts of giving permission or responding to thanks.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈbɪtə ʃøːn/

Did you know?

  • The word bitte is a shortened version of the phrase ich bitte, which means 'I beg'.
  • A speaker can change the tone of bitte schön to express sarcasm or impatience, shifting the meaning to 'well, go on then'.
  • The word bitte is used as a standalone request for someone to repeat themselves, similar to 'pardon' or 'what' in English.

Examples in context

  • Ja, bitte. Du kannst zuerst sprechen.
    Yes, please. You can speak first.
  • Nach Ihnen, bitte schön.
    After you, please go ahead.
  • Bitte schön, fangen Sie ruhig an.
    Please go ahead, feel free to start.

Example conversation

Julian and Julia are standing at a narrow doorway.

  1. Julian

    Julia, bitte schön.
    Julia, please go ahead.
  2. Julia

    Danke schön, Julian.
    Thank you, Julian.
  3. Julian

    Kein Problem.
    No problem.
  4. Julia

    Du bist sehr höflich.
    You are very polite.

Sources

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Elsie Eliza
Elsie ElizaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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