- Please
- You're welcome
- Here you go (when handing something over)
- May I help you?
- Pardon?
How do you know which meaning is meant?
It all depends on the context, tone and the other words espressed alongside with Bitte. For example:
Expressing 'Pardon'.
- Ich bin heute einkaufen gegangen. (I went shopping today.)
- Wie bitte? (Pardon me?)
- Ich habe gesagt, dass ich heute einkaufen gegangen bin.
Expressing 'Here you go' when handing something over to someone.
- Ein Stück Apfelkuchen bitte. (A piece of apple cake please.)
- (Waiter serves the cake ) Bitte sehr.
- Danke.
Expressing 'May I help you?'
You will often hear simply Bitte/Bitte sehr/Bitte schön? in public places where service is provided. For instance waiters will often say this when they approach your table.
Expressing 'You're welcome'
- Vielen Dank für Ihren Geschenk! (Thank you very much for your present)
- Bitte sehr!
Expressing 'Please'.
- Kannst du mir bitte helfen? (Can you help me please?)
Expressing 'Yes, Please!'
- Darf ich Ihnen den Mantel abnehmen? (May I take your coat?)
- Bitte!
