Meaning
A request for someone to pause or wait briefly.
Cultural Background
Germans value clear communication. 'Moment mal' is a polite way to signal you are not ignoring the person, just pausing. In Austria, you might hear 'A Moment' or 'Einen Moment' more often than the full 'Moment mal'. Swiss German speakers often use 'Moment' or 'Einen Moment' with a slightly different intonation.
Tone matters
Say it with a friendly tone to avoid sounding like you are angry.
Meaning
A request for someone to pause or wait briefly.
Tone matters
Say it with a friendly tone to avoid sounding like you are angry.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is most appropriate for a friend?
You need your friend to wait while you tie your shoe. What do you say?
It is the standard informal way to ask for a pause.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesYou need your friend to wait while you tie your shoe. What do you say?
It is the standard informal way to ask for a pause.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, use 'Einen Moment, bitte' instead.
Only if you say it with a harsh tone.
Related Phrases
Einen Moment bitte
similarOne moment please
Warte mal
synonymWait a bit
Sekunde
similarA second
