bitten

ask

verb BIT-en Less Common

Also means

request

Usage Note

bitten means to 'ask for' a favour and takes um plus accusative: Ich bitte um Hilfe. Keep it apart from bieten (to offer) and from beten (to pray). The polite bitte (please / you're welcome) comes from this strong verb, whose past is bat.

Examples

"Ich bitte dich um einen Gefallen."

Natural Translation

I'm asking you for a favour.

Literal Translation

I ask you for a favour.

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