bitten um

The German phrase "bitten um" is a verb phrase meaning "to ask for" or "to request".

• bitten = to ask, to plead
• um = (preposition) for

This phrase is used when requesting something politely, e.g., "Ich bitte um Hilfe" (= "I ask for help").

Similar verbs include:

• fragen nach (to ask about) — focuses more on information than a favor or object
• anflehen (to beg) — stronger plea than "bitten"

Difference:

• "bitten um" is a polite, standard way to request something.
• "fragen nach" is about asking questions rather than requesting things.
• "anflehen" implies urgency or desperation, unlike the neutral tone of "bitten um".