German · Greetings & Phrases
Bitte
Please / You are welcome
Beginneradverb
Definition
Used to make polite requests; also used as a response to thank you.
Example
Ein Kaffee, bitte.
A coffee, please.
Etymology
'Bitte' translates to 'please' or 'you are welcome.' It originates from the Old High German 'bitten,' which means 'to ask' or 'to request.'
How & Where It’s Used
'Bitte' is used in both formal and informal contexts as a polite request or response. It is common in both spoken and written forms throughout German-speaking regions.