Wasser, bitte
/ˈvasər ˈbɪtə/word by word
The English phrase "water, please" is expressed in German as Wasser, bitte.
Wasser, bitte is used to make a polite request for a glass or bottle of water. While this is grammatically a fragment rather than a full sentence, it is a perfectly natural and polite way to order in a restaurant or cafe.
Which one should you use?
When ordering, you might hear the waiter ask Still oder mit Kohlensäure? (Still or with carbon dioxide?). In Germany, if you order Wasser, they will almost always follow up by asking if you want it still (still) or mit Kohlensäure (sparkling/carbonated).
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the indefinite article ein to the phrase, resulting in ein Wasser, bitte, makes the request sound more like you are asking for a specific glass or bottle of water.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvasər ˈbɪtə/
Did you know?
- In Germany, tap water is among the cleanest and most strictly monitored in the world. However, it is rarely served for free in restaurants, where you are expected to order bottled Wasser.
- While Wasser, bitte is polite, it is common for Germans to use bitte as a response when someone says danke (thanks), making it function as both 'please' and 'you are welcome'.
- The term Kohlensäure used to describe sparkling water literally translates to 'carbon acid', which sounds much more chemical than the English 'carbonation'.
Examples in context
- Wasser, bitte.Water, please.
- Ein Glas Wasser, bitte.A glass of water, please.
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are dining at a restaurant.
- JulianIch nehme die Pasta. Und Wasser, bitte.I'll take the pasta. And water, please.
- JuliaMöchtest du auch ein Wasser, Julia?Would you also like a water, Julia?
- JulianJa, bitte.Yes, please.
- JuliaAlles klar, ich bestelle es.All right, I will order it.
