Signification
Used to say 'you're welcome' or to offer something politely.
Contexte culturel
In Germany, it is considered rude to receive an item without the giver saying 'Bitte schön' and the receiver saying 'Danke.' It's a rhythmic social exchange. Austrians might use 'Bitte gar sehr' or 'Küss die Hand' (archaic) in very formal settings, but 'Bitte schön' remains the standard for daily life. Swiss German speakers often use 'Bitte schö' or 'Merci vielmal.' In high German contexts, 'Bitte schön' is perfectly accepted. For waiters and shopkeepers, 'Bitte schön' is a tool to manage the flow of customers. It signals readiness and politeness simultaneously.
The Service Loop
In Germany, the 'Service Loop' is: Clerk gives item + 'Bitte schön' -> Customer takes item + 'Danke' -> Clerk responds 'Bitte schön' again. It's perfectly normal to hear it twice!
The Umlaut Matters
Never write 'schon' instead of 'schön.' It changes the meaning entirely and can sound impatient.
Signification
Used to say 'you're welcome' or to offer something politely.
The Service Loop
In Germany, the 'Service Loop' is: Clerk gives item + 'Bitte schön' -> Customer takes item + 'Danke' -> Clerk responds 'Bitte schön' again. It's perfectly normal to hear it twice!
The Umlaut Matters
Never write 'schon' instead of 'schön.' It changes the meaning entirely and can sound impatient.
Eye Contact
When saying 'Bitte schön' while handing something over, brief eye contact is expected and polite.
Rising Intonation
If you use it to mean 'May I help you?', use a rising intonation at the end like a question.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a guest.
Kellner: 'Ihr Kaffee, ______ ______!' Gast: 'Vielen Dank.'
The waiter is handing over an item, so 'Bitte schön' is the correct phrase.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You just handed your passport to a police officer.
When handing over an object, 'Bitte schön' is the polite accompaniment.
Which response is NOT appropriate when someone says 'Danke'?
A: Danke für die Hilfe! B: ________
'Entschuldigung' means 'sorry' and doesn't make sense as a response to 'thanks.'
Fill in the missing word.
Danke ______! — Bitte ______!
The standard pair is 'Danke schön' and 'Bitte schön.'
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Three Faces of 'Bitte schön'
The Response
- • After 'Danke'
- • After 'Danke schön'
- • After a favor
The Gesture
- • Handing a gift
- • Serving food
- • Giving change
The Service
- • 'Who's next?'
- • 'May I help?'
- • In a shop
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKellner: 'Ihr Kaffee, ______ ______!' Gast: 'Vielen Dank.'
The waiter is handing over an item, so 'Bitte schön' is the correct phrase.
You just handed your passport to a police officer.
When handing over an object, 'Bitte schön' is the polite accompaniment.
A: Danke für die Hilfe! B: ________
'Entschuldigung' means 'sorry' and doesn't make sense as a response to 'thanks.'
Danke ______! — Bitte ______!
The standard pair is 'Danke schön' and 'Bitte schön.'
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or a stranger, but it's also fine with friends.
Yes, 'Bitte' is a shorter, slightly less warm version. 'Bitte schön' is more complete.
'Bitte sehr' is slightly more formal and emphatic. Use it in very professional settings.
No! Use 'Entschuldigung' to apologize, and 'Kein Problem' to respond to an apology.
They are using it as a shorthand for 'What can I do for you?' or 'Who is next?'
Yes, especially when you are sending an attachment. 'Hier ist die Datei, bitte schön.'
Traditionally two words ('Bitte schön'), but in informal writing, 'Bitteschön' is common.
Shape your mouth for an 'O' but try to say 'E'. It takes practice!
Only in very specific contexts. Usually, 'please' is just 'bitte.'
Yes, the phrase never changes, no matter how many people you address.
Expressions liées
Bitte sehr
similarA slightly more formal version of 'Bitte schön.'
Gern geschehen
synonymMy pleasure / Gladly done.
Nichts zu danken
synonymNothing to thank for.
Keine Ursache
synonymNo cause (for thanks).
Bitte?
contrastPardon? / What did you say?
Wie bitte?
relatedI beg your pardon?
