ein bisschen
a little
A small amount of something. This expression is used mainly in spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Im Kühlschrank ist noch ein bisschen Milch.
There is still a little milk in the fridge.
bisschen
bit
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Meanings
ein bisschen
a bit
To a small degree or for a short time; somewhat or a little. This expression is used mainly in spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin heute ein bisschen müde.
I'm a bit tired today.
kein bisschen
not at all
Not at all; to no degree whatsoever. This expression intensifies a negation.
EXAMPLE
Deine Ausrede überzeugt mich kein bisschen.
Your excuse doesn't convince me at all.
Forms
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | – | – |
| accusative | – | – |
| dative | – | – |
| genitive | – | – |
Usage tips
Fixed determiners
In standard German, 'bisschen' usually occurs in the fixed expressions 'ein bisschen' (a little/a bit) or 'kein bisschen' (not at all). The determiner is normally part of the expression in both speech and writing.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche noch ein bisschen Zeit.
I still need a little time.
Expressing quantities
'Ein bisschen' (a little) often comes before substances and other uncountable things. 'Ein bisschen von' (a little of) can also refer to a small amount from a particular whole.
EXAMPLE
Gibst du mir bitte noch ein bisschen Reis?
Could you give me a little more rice, please?
Expressing degree
Before an adjective or adverb, 'ein bisschen' (a little/a bit) comes directly before the word it modifies: 'ein bisschen müde' (a bit tired). With a verb, 'ein bisschen' indicates a small degree or a short duration and comes after the verb in the sentence, often at the end.
EXAMPLE
Warte bitte noch ein bisschen, dann bin ich fertig.
Please wait a little longer, then I'll be finished.
Intensified negation
'Kein bisschen' (not at all) intensifies a negation and often comes before an adjective or before the participle or verb part to which the negation refers. The expression is used without an additional negation particle.
EXAMPLE
Der lange Weg hat ihn kein bisschen abgeschreckt.
The long journey didn't put him off in the slightest.
In real life
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