Cologne (Köln in German) is one of Germany’s most vibrant and historic cities, famous for its stunning cathedral (Kölner Dom), the Rhine River, and its lively carnival celebrations. The city has a unique charm, a rich cultural scene, and a dialect—Kölsch—that makes it even more special. If you're visiting Cologne, knowing basic German phrases along with some Kölsch expressions will not only help you navigate the city but also connect with locals in a meaningful way. This guide covers essential words and phrases, useful travel tips, local slang, and recommendations on where to go, what to eat, and what to do in Cologne.
1. Basic German Phrases for Cologne Visitors in Standardised German (Hochdeutsch)
English | German |
Hello! | Hallo! |
Good morning! | Guten Morgen! |
Good evening! | Guten Abend! |
Goodbye! | Auf Wiedersehen! |
Bye! | Tschüss! |
Please | Bitte |
Thank you | Danke |
You're welcome | Gern geschehen / Bitte schön |
Yes | Ja |
No | Nein |
Excuse me | Entschuldigung |
I don’t speak German. | Ich spreche kein Deutsch. |
Do you speak English? | Sprechen Sie Englisch? |
Where is…? | Wo ist…? |
Example Sentences:
Entschuldigung, wo ist der Kölner Dom? (Excuse me, where is Cologne Cathedral?)
Können Sie mir helfen? (Can you help me?)
Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch. (I speak only a little German.)
1a. Basic German Phrases in Kölsch
Kölsch Dialect Phrases for Cologne Visitors
For visitors to Cologne, speaking a few phrases in the local Kölsch dialect can go a long way in making a great impression. Here are some essential phrases in Kölsch that you can use when exploring the city!
Basic Kölsch Phrases
English | Hochdeutsch | Kölsch |
Hello! | Hallo! | Jode Daach! |
Good morning! | Guten Morgen! | Jode Morje! |
Good evening! | Guten Abend! | Jode Ovvend! |
Goodbye! | Auf Wiedersehen! | Mach et joot! |
Bye! | Tschüss! | Tschö! |
Please | Bitte | Bitteschön! |
Thank you | Danke | Dankschön! |
You're welcome | Gern geschehen / Bitte schön | Däät nix! |
Yes | Ja | Jo! |
No | Nein | Nää! |
Excuse me | Entschuldigung | Verjiev mer! |
Do you speak English? | Sprechen Sie Englisch? | Kanns de Englesch? |
Where is…? | Wo ist…? | Wu es…? |
2. Kölsch Dialect: Speak Like a Local!
Cologne has its own regional dialect, called Kölsch, which is an integral part of local culture. Here are some common Kölsch phrases:
Kölsch | Standard German | English Translation |
Kölle Alaaf! | Köln lebt hoch! | Long live Cologne! (Used during Carnival) |
Wat es dat? | Was ist das? | What is that? |
Isch han keine Ahnung. | Ich habe keine Ahnung. | I have no idea. |
Joot | Gut | Good |
Hätzliche Willkommen! | Herzlich Willkommen! | A warm welcome! |
Prost! | Zum Wohl! | Cheers! |
Et kütt wie et kütt. | Es kommt, wie es kommt. | It is what it is. |
Et hätt noch immer joot jejange. | Es ist noch immer gut gegangen. | Everything will work out. |
Do bes e jode Fründ. | Du bist ein guter Freund. | You are a good friend. |
Example Sentences:
Kölle Alaaf! (A popular carnival cheer in Cologne.)
Dat Hätz vun Kölle! (The heart of Cologne!)
Mer muss och jönne könne. (You have to let others have their luck, too.)
3. Getting Around Cologne: Transportation Vocabulary
Cologne has an excellent public transport system, including the KVB (Kölner Verkehrsbetriebe) network of trams, buses, and trains.
English | German |
Train station | der Bahnhof |
Subway / Metro | die U-Bahn |
Commuter train | die S-Bahn |
Bus stop | die Bushaltestelle |
Ticket | das Ticket / die Fahrkarte |
One-way ticket | die Einzelfahrkarte |
Day pass | die Tageskarte |
Monthly pass | die Monatskarte |
Taxi | das Taxi |
Airport | der Flughafen |
Example Sentences:
Wo ist die nächste U-Bahn-Station? (Where is the nearest subway station?)
Wie komme ich zum Rhein? (How do I get to the Rhine?)
4. Must-See Attractions in Cologne
Cologne is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant traditions. Whether you're interested in stunning architecture, world-class museums, or lively street festivals, Cologne has something to offer for every traveller. Here are some of the must-see attractions you shouldn’t miss.
a) Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)
The Kölner Dom is the most iconic landmark of Cologne and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, boasting two towering spires that dominate the city skyline. Visitors can explore its magnificent interior, admire the intricate stained-glass windows, and see the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to hold relics of the Biblical Magi.
For the best experience, climb the 533 steps to the top of the south tower for breathtaking panoramic views over Cologne and the Rhine River. The effort is well worth it!
b) Rhine River & Hohenzollern Bridge
The Rhine River is the lifeline of Cologne, offering stunning views and leisurely activities along its banks. The Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with thousands of love locks left by couples, is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Walking across the bridge provides a spectacular view of the Kölner Dom, making it a favourite among photographers.
Visitors can also enjoy boat cruises along the Rhine, offering a unique perspective of the city's skyline and landmarks. A sunset river cruise is particularly magical, providing a relaxing way to see Cologne from the water while enjoying local cuisine and drinks on board.
c) Museums & Culture
Cologne is home to some of Germany's best museums, catering to art lovers, history buffs, and even chocolate enthusiasts.
Museum Ludwig – A paradise for modern art lovers, this museum houses an impressive collection of Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein masterpieces, along with a rich selection of pop art and surrealism.
Römisch-Germanisches Museum – This museum provides a fascinating insight into Cologne's Roman history, showcasing Roman artifacts, mosaics, and everyday objects from ancient times.
Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) – A dream come true for chocolate lovers! This interactive museum takes visitors through the history of chocolate-making, with live demonstrations and even a flowing chocolate fountain to taste from.
Wallraf-Richartz Museum – One of the most renowned classical art museums in Germany, featuring medieval paintings, Baroque masterpieces, and works from the Impressionist era.
d) The Old Town (Altstadt)
The Altstadt (Old Town) is the heart of Cologne’s traditional charm. With its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to wander and soak up the city's rich heritage.
Visit the famous Alter Markt and Heumarkt, where lively bars and cafés invite you to sit and enjoy a Kölsch beer – Cologne’s famous local brew.
Admire the colourful Gabled Houses along the Rhine promenade, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Step into traditional breweries like Früh am Dom, Päffgen, or Gaffel am Dom to experience authentic Cologne hospitality and sample local dishes such as Himmel un Ääd (mashed potatoes with black pudding and applesauce).
Explore the Great St. Martin Church, one of Cologne's oldest churches with a stunning Romanesque design.
e) Carnival in Cologne (Kölner Karneval)
If you visit Cologne in February, you’ll experience one of the biggest street festivals in Germany – the Kölner Karneval. This annual event turns the city into a colourful spectacle of costumes, music, parades, and revelry.
Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival Day) marks the official start of the street carnival, where women take over the city hall and cut off men's ties as a playful tradition.
Rosenmontagszug (Rose Monday Parade) is the highlight of the celebrations, featuring floats, marching bands, and candy-throwing participants.
Expect to hear locals shouting the famous carnival greeting, "Kölle Alaaf!", which means "Cologne above all!"
The entire city participates in the festivities, with bars and streets packed with costumed revellers dancing and celebrating well into the night.
If you enjoy vibrant street parties, loud music, and an atmosphere of unrestrained joy, Cologne's Carnival is an unforgettable experience.
These are just a few of the incredible attractions that make Cologne such a dynamic and fascinating city. Whether you’re admiring the majestic Kölner Dom, strolling along the Rhine, discovering art and history in museums, or enjoying the lively spirit of Altstadt and Karneval, Cologne offers something for everyone. Make the most of your visit and embrace everything this amazing city has to offer!
5. Eating and Drinking in Cologne
Cologne is famous for its breweries and hearty food. Here are some local specialities:
Dish | Description |
Himmel un Ääd | Mashed potatoes with apples and blood sausage |
Halver Hahn | Rye bread with cheese and mustard |
Sauerbraten | Marinated roast beef |
Reibekuchen | Potato pancakes, often served with applesauce |
Fischbrötchen | Fresh fish sandwich |
Kölsch Bier | Light beer, served in small 0.2L glasses |
Phrases for Ordering Food & Drinks
Ich hätte gern ein Kölsch, bitte. (I would like a Kölsch beer, please.)
Gibt es vegetarische Gerichte? (Do you have vegetarian dishes?)
Kann ich bitte die Rechnung haben? (Can I have the bill, please?)
6. Shopping in Cologne: Key Phrases
Cologne is great for shopping, from Schildergasse (Germany’s busiest shopping street) to boutique stores.
English | German |
Store | das Geschäft |
Shopping mall | das Einkaufszentrum |
How much does it cost? | Wie viel kostet das? |
Can I try this on? | Kann ich das anprobieren? |
Do you accept credit cards? | Akzeptieren Sie Kreditkarten? |
7. Conclusion
Cologne is a city full of history, culture, great beer, and warm-hearted people. Learning some German and Kölsch phrases will help you navigate the city, connect with locals, and make your visit more enjoyable.
So grab a Kölsch, explore the Altstadt, and don’t forget to say “Kölle Alaaf!” during carnival! 🎭🍻
Viel Spaß in Köln! (Have fun in Cologne!)
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