bitte hilf mir
In German, "please help" is expressed as bitte hilf mir.
This phrase is a request for assistance used when someone needs help with a task or in a difficult situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bitte (please), hilf (the imperative form of helfen, to help) and mir (the dative form of ich, meaning me).
Which one should you use?
While bitte hilf mir is a polite request for assistance with a task, the single word Hilfe! is a high-urgency shout used in emergencies.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase bitte hilf mir uses the informal singular imperative. If you are addressing a stranger or a superior, you should use bitte helfen Sie mir. If you are asking a group of people you know well, such as friends or family, use the plural imperative bitte helft mir.
Did you know?
- The word bitte is actually a shortened version of the full sentence 'I beg you'.
- If you ask for help using the wrong form, such as using the informal hilf mir with a boss, it can sound unintentionally rude or overly familiar.
Examples in context
- Bitte hilf mir beim Kochen.Please help me cook.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase bitte hilf mir when asking for help with cooking.Tatoeba #1486304 by Dejo, translation #325796 by CK
- Bitte hilf mir! Ich sterbe!Please help me. I'm dying.This sentence shows the use of bitte hilf mir in a high-urgency context.Tatoeba #3300301 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3300290 by Hybrid
- Bitte hilf mir, Arbeit zu finden!Please help me find a job.This sentence shows how to use bitte hilf mir when asking for help to find a job.Tatoeba #13330261 by Waldelfe, translation #3162060 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte helfen?Excuse me, could you please help me?
- Entschuldigen Sie die Störung, könnten Sie mir bitte helfen?Excuse the interruption, could you please help me?
- Weißt du, wie man das macht? Könntest du mir bitte helfen?Do you know how to do this? Could you please help me?
- Kannst du mir bei diesem Problem helfen?Can you help me with this problem?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas is trying to move a heavy wooden box in the living room.
- LukasBitte hilf mir mal kurz.Please help me for a moment.
- LauraGerne, ist die Kiste schwer?Gladly, is the box heavy?
- LukasJa, sie ist sehr schwer.Yes, it is very heavy.
- LauraKein Problem, ich packe mit an.No problem, I will help you with it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bitte, mir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
