Verb + preposition: 'bitten um' (to ask for, + accusative)

The verb bitten um ("to ask for / request") takes um + accusative for the thing requested. The person you ask is a direct (accusative) object as well.

Structure:

• bitten + person (accusative) + um + accusative object

Examples:

• Ich bitte dich um Hilfe. - I ask you for help.
• Darf ich Sie um einen Moment Geduld bitten? - May I ask you for a moment's patience?
• Worum hat er dich gebeten? - What did he ask you for?

Common mistakes. The requested thing comes with um + accusative, not für or nach. Note that bitten is irregular: bitten - bat - gebeten. Don't confuse it with fragen (to ask a question) or fragen nach (to ask after/about). For a thing, ask with worum and refer back with darum.

'bitten um' (to ask for) takes 'um' + accusative.

Fixed preposition 'um' with the accusative; the person is also accusative.

'bitten um' steht mit 'um' + Akkusativ.