pronoun
something, a bit
A2
etwas is an indefinite pronoun and adverb meaning something or a bit. It can be a pronoun (Ich habe etwas) or a quantifier before nouns or adjectives (etwas Zeit, etwas besser) to mean 'a little'. No plural; widely used in colloquial and formal registers.
Examples
Der Lehrer gab den Schülern etwas Zeit, damit sie die Aufgaben in Ruhe bearbeiten konnten.
The teacher gave the students some time so that they could work on the tasks calmly.
Ich möchte etwas essen.
I'd like something to eat.
Das kostet etwas.
That costs a bit.
Details
Mnemonics
Visualize a small blob on a plate labeled 'etwas' meaning some unspecified thing.
Sounds like 'eat-wuss' → think of 'something to eat' to remember 'etwas'.
Notes
Common indefinite pronoun used for unspecified amounts or things. Can be used in positive statements and in questions.