German: How to Politely Ask Someone to Repeat Themselves
Learn to ask for repetition in German politely, using phrases like 'Könnten Sie das wiederholen?' and 'Wie bitte?' with appropriate register.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you miss part of what someone said in German, you need a polite way to ask them to say it again. This lesson teaches you standard phrases for requesting repetition, from formal to informal, so you can keep the conversation going without switching to English. You will learn to use 'Wie bitte?', 'Könnten Sie das wiederholen?', and other expressions, and to avoid common mistakes like using 'Was?' with strangers.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone to repeat what they said using polite German phrases.
- choose between formal and informal requests for repetition depending on the situation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Wie bitte?
Pardon? / Sorry, what did you say?
vee BIT-tuh
The most common polite way to ask for repetition. Suitable in most situations, formal and informal. Rising intonation.
Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?
Could you please repeat that?
KUN-ten zee dahs BIT-tuh vee-der-HOH-len
Formal, polite. Use with strangers, officials, or in professional settings. 'Sie' form.
Kannst du das bitte wiederholen?
Can you please repeat that?
KAHNST doo dahs BIT-tuh vee-der-HOH-len
Informal, used with friends, family, peers. 'du' form.
Entschuldigung, ich habe das nicht verstanden. Könnten Sie es noch einmal sagen?
Excuse me, I didn't understand that. Could you say it again?
ent-SHOOL-dee-goong, ikh HAH-buh dahs nikht fer-SHTAN-den. KUN-ten zee es nokh EYE-nahl ZAH-gen
Formal, apologetic. Useful when you need to be extra polite or when background noise made it hard to hear.
Noch einmal, bitte.
Once more, please.
nokh EYE-nahl, BIT-tuh
Short and direct but still polite due to 'bitte'. Can be used formally and informally.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask for repetition politely, use 'Könnten Sie' (formal) or 'Kannst du' (informal) + 'das bitte wiederholen?' or 'es bitte noch einmal sagen?'. For example: 'Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?' (Could you please repeat that?) or 'Kannst du das bitte noch einmal sagen?' (Can you please say that again?). The word 'bitte' softens the request. You can also use the shorter 'Wie bitte?' which works in both registers.
When to use it
Use 'Wie bitte?' when you simply didn't catch what was said and want a quick repetition. It is polite in most contexts. Use 'Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?' in formal situations, such as with a doctor, a professor, or a stranger. Use 'Kannst du das bitte wiederholen?' with friends or family. If you need to apologize for not understanding, add 'Entschuldigung, ich habe das nicht verstanden' before your request. Avoid 'Was?' with strangers; it sounds abrupt.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Entschuldigung, könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?
Excuse me, could you please repeat that?ent-SHOOL-dee-goong, KUN-ten zee dahs BIT-tuh vee-der-HOH-lenJa, gerne. Der Zug fährt um 14:30 Uhr von Gleis 5.
Yes, gladly. The train leaves at 2:30 PM from platform 5.yah, GEHR-nuh. dair tsook fairt oom FEER-tsayn OO-ER oon-dairt-sikhs oo-er fon glice foonfDanke. Und wie bitte? Von Gleis 5?
Thank you. And sorry, what was that? From platform 5?DAHN-kuh. oont vee BIT-tuh? fon glice foonf?Genau, Gleis 5.
Exactly, platform 5.guh-NOW, glice foonfA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, politeness is often conveyed through clear use of 'Sie' versus 'du' and the word 'bitte'. Using 'Wie bitte?' is standard and polite, but in very formal contexts, a full sentence like 'Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?' is preferred. In Austria and Switzerland, 'Wie bitte?' is also common, but you may hear 'Bitte?' alone with a rising tone. Avoid using 'Was?' with strangers, as it can sound rude.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Was?' to ask for repetition with someone you don't know well.
Try this instead: Use 'Wie bitte?' or 'Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?' instead. For example, say 'Wie bitte?' rather than 'Was?' to sound polite.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely ask a stranger to repeat what they said?
Show a sample answer
Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?
This uses the formal 'Sie' and 'bitte', making it polite and appropriate for strangers. 'Wie bitte?' is also correct and more concise.
2What is the informal way to ask a friend to repeat something?
Show a sample answer
Kannst du das bitte wiederholen?
This uses the informal 'du' form, suitable for friends. 'Kannst du das bitte noch einmal sagen?' is another valid option.
3If you didn't understand because of noise, what could you say before asking for repetition?
Show a sample answer
Entschuldigung, ich habe das nicht verstanden.
This apologizes and explains why you need repetition. You can follow with 'Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?' or 'Wie bitte?'.
Use 'Wie bitte?' for a quick polite repetition, and 'Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?' in formal situations. Always use 'bitte' to soften your request, and match 'Sie' or 'du' to your relationship with the speaker.
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