How to Say ‘It's just a little present.’ in German
Es ist nur ein kleines Geschenk.
ess ist noor ine KLY-nus guh-SHENK
[ess ist noor ine KLY-nus guh-SHENK]
🇩🇪 In Germany: When offering a gift, downplaying it with [nur] is common and sounds modest. That fits German gift-giving etiquette well, especially with people you want to respect.
Phrase Breakdown
Es ist nur
ess ist noor
It is only
A fixed sentence starter that introduces a small or modest thing.
Es ist nur ein Vorschlag.
It's only a suggestion.
Words in this phrase
Es
[ess]
it
Neutral pronoun referring to the gift.
Es ist nur ein kleines Geschenk, aber von Herzen.
It is only a small gift, but from the heart.
ist
[ist]
is
Form of 'sein' meaning 'is'.
Es ist nur ein kleines Geschenk, nichts Besonderes.
It is only a small gift, nothing special.
nur
[noor]
only; just
Used to sound modest about the present.
Es ist nur ein kleines Geschenk, bitte nehmt es an.
It is only a small gift, please accept it.
Ein kleines Geschenk
ine KLY-nus guh-SHENK
a small gift / present
The noun phrase referring to something given as a present; 'klein' shows it is modest in size or value.
Ich habe ein kleines Geschenk für dich.
I have a small gift for you.
Words in this phrase
ein
[ine]
a
Indefinite article used before the neuter noun phrase here.
Es ist nur ein kleines Geschenk für euch.
It is only a small gift for you all.
kleines
[KLY-nus]
small; little
Describes the gift as small and simple.
Es ist nur ein kleines Geschenk aus meiner Heimat.
It is only a small gift from my hometown.
Geschenk
[guh-SHENK]
gift; present
A noun meaning a present given to someone.
Es ist nur ein kleines Geschenk als Dankeschön.
It is only a small gift as a thank-you.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”
Emma L., 27, UX Researcher
“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”
Marcus J., 40, Engineer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager