ja, bitte
The German phrase for "yes please" is ja, bitte.
ja, bitte is a polite way to accept an offer or to agree to a suggestion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of ja (yes) and bitte (please).
Which one should you use?
While ja, bitte is used to accept an offer, the phrase nein, danke (no, thanks) is the standard polite way to decline one.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says bitte? with a rising intonation, it does not mean 'please' but acts as 'pardon?' or 'what did you say?'
- The word bitte is an ellipsis of ich bitte, which literally means 'I beg'. When you say ja, bitte, you are technically saying 'yes, I beg you'.
- While bitte means 'please' in ja, bitte, it is also the standard way to say 'you are welcome' after someone says danke.
Examples in context
- Ja, bitte tu das!Yes, please do that.This sentence shows how to use ja, bitte to give permission or instruction.Tatoeba #8860015 by wolfgangth, translation #6273785 by CK
- „Soll ich das Fenster zumachen?“ – „Ja, bitte.“"Shall I close the window?" "Yes, please."This example demonstrates responding to an offer to close a window with ja, bitte.Tatoeba #13506159 by Waldelfe, translation #73616 by CK
- „Möchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?“ „Ja, bitte.“"Will you have another slice of pie?" "Yes, please."This example shows how to use ja, bitte to accept an offer of food.Tatoeba #797954 by al_ex_an_der, translation #35507 by CK
- Ja, sehr gerne!Yes, very gladly!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian offers Laura a glass of water.
- MaximilianMöchtest du ein Glas Wasser, Laura?Would you like a glass of water, Laura?
- LauraJa, bitte.Yes, please.
- MaximilianSoll ich dir auch Eis dazu geben?Should I give you some ice with it?
- LauraJa, bitte, das wäre toll.Yes, please, that would be great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bitte, ja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
