How do you say "Ask for a small favor" in German?

"Ask for a small favor" in German is "Um einen kleinen Gefallen bitten". This phrase is commonly used in Germany.

What does "Um einen kleinen Gefallen bitten" mean in English?

"Um einen kleinen Gefallen bitten" means "Ask for a small favor" in English. Usage tip: Bitten um + accusative means "to ask for." A small grammar package inside a favour package.

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How to Say ‘Ask for a small favor’ in German

Um einen kleinen Gefallen bitten

oom EYE-nen KLY-nen guh-FAL-len BIT-ten

[oom EYE-nen KLY-nen guh-FAL-len BIT-ten]

💬 Usage Tip: Bitten um + accusative means "to ask for." A small grammar package inside a favour package.

🇩🇪 In Germany: Calling it einen kleinen Gefallen makes the request sound lighter and more considerate.

Phrase Breakdown

[oom]

for

Used with bitten to mean ask for something.

Example

Ich möchte Sie um einen kleinen Gefallen bitten.

I would like to ask you for a small favor.

einen

[EYE-nen]

Accusative masculine form of the indefinite article ein.

Example

Ich frage nur um einen kleinen Gefallen.

I am only asking for a small favor.

kleinen

[KLY-nen]

small

Describes something little or minor.

Example

Es ist nur ein kleinen Gefallen für morgen.

It is only a small favor for tomorrow.

Gefallen

[guh-FAL-len]

favor

A helpful act that someone does for another person.

Example

Könnte ich Sie um einen kleinen Gefallen bitten?

Could I ask you for a small favor?

bitten

[BIT-ten]

to ask

A verb meaning to request something from someone.

Example

Ich möchte Sie um einen kleinen Gefallen bitten.

I would like to ask you for a small favor.

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