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How to Say ‘I'm a bit late.’ in German

Ich bin ein bisschen spät.

ikh bin ine BISS-khen shpate

[ikh bin ine BISS-khen shpate]

Phrase Breakdown

Ich bin

ikh bin

I am

Subject and verb. The 'ch' in 'ich' is soft, like a whispered 'h'.

Example

Ich bin müde.

I am tired.

Words in this phrase

Ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

bin

[bin]

First-person singular form of 'sein' meaning 'to be.'

Example

Beim Kennenlernen sage ich: Ich bin neu hier.

When meeting people I say: I am new here.

ein bisschen spät.

ine BISS-khen shpate

a little late.

'ein bisschen' means a little. 'spät' has a long 'ä' and starts with 'shp'.

Example

Es ist ein bisschen kalt.

It's a little cold.

Words in this phrase

ein

[ine]

The indefinite article 'ein'.

Example

Ich brauche ein Auto.

I need a car.

bisschen

[BISS-khen]

a little bit

Used with 'ein' to mean a small amount or slightly.

Example

Ich bin ein bisschen hungrig.

I am a little bit hungry.

spät

[shpate]

late

After the expected or desired time.

Example

Es ist schon spät.

It's already late.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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