German · Greetings & Essentials
"Please" in German: bitte
bitte
The German word for please is bitte. The same word also means you're welcome and here you go, so context decides the English translation. You can soften a request with bitte or strengthen it with bitte schön.
Ordering at a bakery
Ein Brötchen, bitte.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce bitte
Say it
BIT-tuh
/ˈbɪtə/
BIT-tuh. Both vowels are short. Stress the first syllable. The final e is a soft schwa, not a clear ay sound.
"Please" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| bitte | please; you're welcome; here you go The all-purpose polite word in requests and replies. | The all-purpose polite word in requests and replies. |
| bitte schön | please / you're welcome A warmer or more polite version of bitte. | A warmer or more polite version of bitte. |
| Könntest du bitte…? | Could you please…? A soft request with friends (du). With strangers use Sie. | A soft request with friends (du). With strangers use Sie. |
| Wenn ich bitten darf | if I may ask Very polite lead-in for a favour. | Very polite lead-in for a favour. |
How to use bitte in real life
- 1Ordering at a bakery
Ein Brötchen, bitte.
One bread roll, please.
Putting bitte at the end is the most natural order pattern.
- 2Asking a friend
Kannst du bitte das Fenster aufmachen?
Can you please open the window?
Bitte sits after the verb phrase. With Sie say Können Sie bitte…?
- 3Handing something over
Bitte, hier ist dein Schlüssel.
Here you go, here's your key.
Here bitte means here you go, not please.
Mistakes English speakers make with bitte
Incorrect: Please, ein Kaffee.
Correct: Einen Kaffee, bitte.
Don't mix English please into a German order. Put bitte at the end of the German phrase.
Incorrect: Bitte? (meaning please do it)
Correct: Kannst du das bitte machen?
Alone, Bitte? often means "pardon?" when you didn't hear. For a request, add the verb.
Good to know
Bitte is one of the most flexible polite words in German. Cashiers say Bitte when they hand you change, waiters say Bitte schön when they serve food, and you answer Danke with Bitte. Learning those roles early makes everyday chats feel smoother.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Ordering coffee at a counter
ChatPal
Hallo! Was darf's sein?
Hi! What can I get you?
You
Einen Cappuccino, bitte.
A cappuccino, please.
ChatPal
Gern. Zum Mitnehmen oder hier trinken?
Sure. To take away or drink here?
You
Zum Mitnehmen, bitte schön.
To take away, please.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Please" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Please" in German
Does bitte always mean please?
No. It can mean please, you're welcome, here you go, or pardon? Tone and situation tell you which meaning fits.
Where do you put bitte in a sentence?
Often at the end of a short request: Einen Tee, bitte. In longer sentences it sits near the verb: Kannst du bitte warten?
What is the Sie form of a bitte request?
Use Sie and the plural verb: Können Sie bitte…? or Würden Sie bitte…? Keep bitte in the same place.
Is bitte schön necessary?
Not required. Bitte alone is polite. Bitte schön just sounds a bit warmer or more careful.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
