bisschen
a little, a bit
Means 'a little' or 'a bit'. It is used with 'ein' (ein bisschen) to indicate a small amount or degree. It is very common in everyday speech and can soften requests or statements.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where bisschen was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Und jetzt ein bisschen Musik.And now a little music.
- Beeil dich ein bisschen.Hurry up a bit.
- Mach mal ein bisschen Platz hier, Quie.Make a little room here, Quie.
Example sentences
- Ich möchte ein bisschen Wasser.I would like a little water.
- Kannst du ein bisschen langsamer sprechen?Can you speak a little slower?
- Er ist ein bisschen müde.He is a bit tired.
Common phrases
- ein bisschena little, a bit
- ein bisschen viela bit too much
- ein bisschen mehra little more
The mistake English speakers make
Forgetting the 'ein' and saying just 'bisschen'. Always say 'ein bisschen'.
Don’t confuse it with
- wenig — 'Wenig' means 'little' in the sense of 'not much' and is often used without 'ein', while 'ein bisschen' is more neutral and common in spoken German.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'bisschen' and 'ein bisschen'?
'Bisschen' is almost always used with 'ein'. 'Ein bisschen' means 'a little' or 'a bit'. Without 'ein', it is rarely used and sounds incomplete.
Can 'bisschen' be used as an adjective?
No, 'bisschen' is not an adjective. It is used as a pronoun or adverb, often with 'ein' to modify nouns or verbs.