Wie bitte?
Pardon? / I beg your pardon? / What did you say?
Beginner Phrase
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Pronunciation
/viː ˈbɪtə/
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Cultural Note
Wie bitte? is the polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves in German. Saying just 'Was?' (What?) is considered rude — parents routinely correct children: 'Es heißt nicht Was, es heißt Wie bitte!' (You don't say What, you say Pardon!). With rising intonation, it can also express shock or disbelief.
📝 Example Sentences
Wie bitte? Ich habe Sie nicht verstanden.
Pardon? I didn't understand you.
Wie bitte? Können Sie das wiederholen?
I beg your pardon? Can you repeat that?
Wie bitte?! Das kann nicht sein!
I beg your pardon?! That can't be!