Voted Best Answer
Jun 03, 2013 - 11:25 AM
I agree with Tony. It's simply something that is a colloquialism in Germany. who knows how it began. Language doesn't always follow rules, or translate exactly. You will also hear Germans say, "Bitte?" when they don't hear or understand what you are saying. It probably began years ago as, "Please repeat that, I don't understand" but over the years has been shortened to "Bitte?" They're obviously not saying "What?" but the meaning, in context, is clear.
Germans are very impressed by any foreigner speaking their language, or attempting to, so don't let the nuances derail you!
Germans are very impressed by any foreigner speaking their language, or attempting to, so don't let the nuances derail you!