bisschen

Bisschen is a colloquial German term meaning "a little" or "a bit." It functions as an adverb, typically modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express a small extent, amount, or degree. In standard or formal writing, speakers often substitute "ein wenig" or "ein kleines bisschen" instead. "Bisschen" is more common in everyday spoken language and informal texts.

Originates from the noun Biss (bite) with the diminutive suffix -chen; formed as "ein Bisschen" or the more common contracted form "ein bisschen." The uncapitalized form "bisschen" is used as an adverb; when capitalized as a noun (das Bisschen), it refers to a small amount or a small portion.

Regional variations include "bissl" in Austrian German and some dialects; "ein bisschen" widely used; "ein kleines bisschen" is common; "ein wenig" is the closest formal equivalent.

Pronunciation approximates [ˈbɪsən] or [ˈbɪsçn̩]; the "chen" suffix yields the [çn̩] sound in standard High German.

Examples: "Ich habe nur ein bisschen Zeit." "Kannst du mir ein wenig helfen?" "Gib mir bitte ein bisschen Wasser."