Bitte

Bitte is a common German word with several related senses. As an adverb or interjection, it primarily functions as a polite request, equivalent to “please” in English. It is used to soften commands and make requests sound courteous, for example: Kannst du mir bitte helfen? It can also be used to offer or hand something to someone with the meaning “here you go” (Hier, bitte). Additionally, bitte is often heard when someone answers a request with “you’re welcome,” as in Bitte—the standard polite response to thanks.

The noun die Bitte, meaning “a request” or “a plea,” is related to the verb bitten, “to ask” or “to beg.” The phrase eine Bitte an jemanden richten means “to make a request of someone.” In formal or written German, bitte appears in many set phrases such as bit­te schön or bit­te sehr, which add emphasis to the request or offer.

Usage notes: bitte is versatile and widely used across German-speaking regions. It can stand alone or be combined with other words for emphasis, politeness, or formality. While “please” is its primary function in requests, its use as a courtesy response to thanks is equally common. In everyday speech, the tone and accompanying context determine whether bitte functions as a request, a delivery marker (“here you are”), or a polite reply.