bitten
Translation
to ask for, to request, to beg
Examples
Ich bitte dich um Hilfe.
I'm asking you for help.
Er bat sie, hereinzukommen.
He asked her to come in.
Darf ich um Ihre Aufmerksamkeit bitten?
May I ask for your attention?
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((for sth.)) to ask sb. for sth. Ich bitte dich um einen Gefallen.
((sb.)) ((to do sth.)) to ask sb. to do sth. Sie bat ihn, leise zu sein.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fragen (to ask a question), anfragen (to inquire); Antonyms: befehlen (to command), geben (to give)
Etymology
From Old High German 'bitten', related to the English word 'bid'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'Bitte' (please). 'bitten' is the action of being polite and asking for something.