bitte
Translation
please, you're welcome, here you go, excuse me?
Examples
Einen Kaffee, bitte.
A coffee, please.
Danke schön! - Bitte schön!
Thank you very much! - You're welcome!
Bitte, hier ist Ihr Schlüssel.
Here you go, here is your key.
Wie bitte? Ich habe Sie nicht verstanden.
Excuse me? I didn't understand you.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)), please ... please Einen Kaffee, bitte.
Danke! - Bitte! Thanks! - You're welcome! Danke für deine Hilfe! - Bitte!
Wie bitte? Excuse me? Wie bitte? Das habe ich nicht gehört.
Similar Words
Etymology
It comes from the imperative form of the verb 'bitten' (to ask, to request). The underlying sense is 'I ask of you'.
Memory Tips
Remember it as the Swiss Army knife of German politeness: for requests (please), replies to thanks (you're welcome), offering something (here you go), and asking for repetition (excuse me?).