Essential German Words and Phrases for Hamburg Visitors

Hamburg, Germany’s “Gateway to the World” (Tor zur Welt), is a vibrant city famous for its historic harbour, iconic landmarks, maritime culture, and lively nightlife. Whether you’re wandering through the Speicherstadt (Warehouse District), enjoying the stunning Elbphilharmonie, or partying on the Reeperbahn, knowing essential German words and phrases will help you navigate Hamburg like a local. This guide provides key Hamburg-specific vocabulary and phrases, covering transport, dining, shopping, sightseeing, and local slang to make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

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1. Basic German Phrases for Hamburg Visitors

Start with some essential German expressions to interact politely with Hamburgers (Hamburgerinnen*).

English	German
Hello!	Moin! / Moin Moin! (Used all day)
Good morning!	Guten Morgen!
Good evening!	Guten Abend!
Goodbye!	Tschüss! / Auf Wiedersehen!
Please	Bitte
Thank you	Danke
You're welcome	Gern geschehen / Bitte schön
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:

• Moin! Wie geht’s? (Hello! How are you?)

• Entschuldigung, wo ist die nächste U-Bahn-Station? (Excuse me, where is the nearest subway station?)

Hamburg Slang and Local Phrases

Hamburg has its own unique dialect and local slang, often referred to as Hamburger Platt or Hamburgisch. While the local dialect is not as widely spoken today, many slang phrases remain part of everyday conversations. Knowing a few key expressions can help visitors feel more at home and connect with the locals. Here are some essential Hamburg phrases you might hear during your visit!

Common Hamburg Slang and Expressions

Hamburger Slang	Hochdeutsch	English Translation
Moin!	Guten Tag! / Hallo!	Hello! (Used all day, not just in the morning)
Moin Moin!	Guten Morgen!	A more friendly or enthusiastic way to say hello
Hummel, Hummel!	Keine direkte Bedeutung	A traditional Hamburg greeting (often responded with "Mors, Mors!")
Schnack	Gespräch	Chat / Talk
Dösig	Müde / Verwirrt	Tired / Confused
Tüddelig	Vergesslich / Durcheinander	Forgetful / A bit scatterbrained
Fofftein!	Fünfzehn Minuten Pause	A short break (often a 15-minute break)
Sutsche	Ruhig / Entspannt	Take it easy / Relax
Dat geiht!	Das geht!	It’s fine! / It’ll work!
Lütt und Lütt	Ein Bier und ein Korn	A small beer with a shot of Korn (local schnapps)
Digger	Kumpel / Freund	Mate / Buddy (used casually, like "dude")
Hummel, Hummel! Mors, Mors!	Kein Hochdeutsch	Traditional call-and-response phrase, originating from a water carrier named Hans Hummel
Kiek mol!	Schau mal!	Look here!
Schietwetter	Schlechtes Wetter	Typical Hamburg rainy weather
Plörre	Schlechter Kaffee / Bier	Bad coffee / beer
Lütt	Klein	Small (commonly used in Northern Germany)
Snacken	Reden / Sprechen	To chat / talk
Tüdelband	Band oder Schnur	Ribbon / String
Wat mutt, dat mutt!	Was sein muss, muss sein!	What must be, must be! (Hamburg’s way of saying "get on with it!")

Example Sentences:

• Moin! Schön, dich zu sehen! (Hello! Nice to see you!)

• Schietwetter heute, oder? (Terrible weather today, right?)

How to Use Hamburg Slang

Using local phrases can help you feel more connected to the city. If you want to sound like a local, start your conversations with „Moin!“ (no matter the time of day) and when leaving, you can casually say „Mach’s jut!“ (Take care!).

Hamburgers are known for their dry humor and direct but friendly way of speaking, so don’t be surprised if someone jokingly refers to the bad weather as „Schietwetter“ – after all, it’s part of Hamburg’s charm!

2. Getting Around Hamburg: Transport Vocabulary

Hamburg has an excellent public transport system operated by the HVV (Hamburger Verkehrsverbund), including the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, ferries, and regional 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
Ferry	die Fähre
Taxi	das Taxi
Airport	der Flughafen (Hamburg Airport = Flughafen Hamburg)
Port	der Hafen

Example Sentences:

• Wo ist die nächste U-Bahn-Station? (Where is the nearest subway station?)

• Gibt es eine Fähre zu den Landungsbrücken? (Is there a ferry to the Landungsbrücken?)

• Wie komme ich zur Reeperbahn mit der S-Bahn? (How do I get to the Reeperbahn by S-Bahn?)

Read our related post on Essential German words and phrases for travellers.

3. Dining & Ordering Food in Hamburg

Hamburg is known for its seafood and local delicacies. Here are key words and phrases for ordering in restaurants and cafes.

English	German
Restaurant	das Restaurant
Café	das Café
Menu	die Speisekarte
Breakfast	das Frühstück
Lunch	das Mittagessen
Dinner	das Abendessen
Bill / Check	die Rechnung
A table for two, please.	Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte.
I would like…	Ich hätte gern…
The menu, please.	Die Speisekarte, bitte.
I am vegetarian.	Ich bin Vegetarier/in.
No meat, please.	Kein Fleisch, bitte.
A beer, please.	Ein Bier, bitte.

Hamburg Specialties:

• Fischbrötchen – A fish sandwich, a must-try at the harbour.

• Labskaus – A sailor’s dish made with corned beef, potatoes, and beets.

• Franzbrötchen – A sweet cinnamon pastry unique to Hamburg.

Example Sentences:

• Ich hätte gern ein Fischbrötchen mit Matjes. (I’d like a fish sandwich with pickled herring.)

• Gibt es Franzbrötchen zum Frühstück? (Do you have Franzbrötchen for breakfast?)

• Kann ich bitte die Rechnung haben? (Can I have the bill, please?)

4. Sightseeing in Hamburg: Useful Vocabulary

Hamburg is full of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and stunning waterfront views.

English	German
Sightseeing	die Sehenswürdigkeiten
Tourist information	die Touristeninformation
Museum	das Museum
Church	die Kirche
Bridge	die Brücke
Concert hall	die Konzerthalle
Port / Harbor	der Hafen
Warehouse district	die Speicherstadt
Fish market	der Fischmarkt
Ticket counter	die Kasse
Guided tour	die Führung
Harbor tour	die Hafenrundfahrt

Famous Hamburg Landmarks

Hamburg is a city full of fascinating landmarks, stunning architecture, and rich maritime history. Whether you’re drawn to modern concert halls, historic districts, or vibrant nightlife, Hamburg has something for everyone. Here’s a deeper look at some of its most famous landmarks.

Die Elbphilharmonie – Hamburg’s Iconic Concert Hall

The Elbphilharmonie, or “Elphi”, is one of Hamburg’s most recognizable landmarks and an architectural marvel. Opened in 2017, this world-class concert hall sits atop an old warehouse in the HafenCity district, offering breathtaking views over the Elbe River. The building’s modern glass structure is designed to resemble waves, a tribute to Hamburg’s maritime heritage.

• Why Visit? Even if you’re not attending a concert, you can take the escalator to the Plaza viewing platform for a panoramic view of the city.

• Tip: Concert tickets often sell out quickly, so book in advance if you want to experience the world-renowned acoustics of this venue.

Speicherstadt – The World’s Largest Warehouse District

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Speicherstadt is a stunning red-brick warehouse district that dates back to the late 19th century. Built on timber-pile foundations, this unique area was once used to store spices, coffee, and other valuable goods arriving in Hamburg’s port.

• What to Do? Walk along the picturesque canals, visit the International Maritime Museum, and explore the Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway exhibition, located right in the Speicherstadt.

• Best Time to Visit? Visit at dusk when the entire district is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

St. Pauli & Reeperbahn – Hamburg’s Famous Nightlife Area

Known as the "most sinful mile" in Germany, the Reeperbahn in St. Pauli is Hamburg’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment district. While once infamous as a red-light district, it’s now a major cultural hub filled with bars, nightclubs, live music venues, and theatres.

• Music & Culture: The Beatles played here before they became famous, and you can still visit clubs like the Indra and Star-Club memorial.

• Theater & Comedy: St. Pauli Theater and Schmidt’s Tivoli offer live performances ranging from cabaret to musicals.

• Safety Tip: While the Reeperbahn is safe for tourists, be mindful of pickpockets and avoid certain alleys late at night.

Alter Elbtunnel – A Historic Passage Under the Elbe River

The Alter Elbtunnel, opened in 1911, is an engineering masterpiece that connects St. Pauli Landungsbrücken to the southern banks of the Elbe River. Originally built for dockworkers, the tunnel is still in use today for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Why Visit? Walk or cycle through this historic underground passage, which features impressive ceramic tiles and vintage charm.

• Fun Fact: The tunnel has been featured in several movies and music videos due to its unique aesthetic.

• Tip: The best way to experience the tunnel is by walking from Landungsbrücken to Steinwerder, where you’ll find an excellent viewing point of Hamburg’s skyline.

Fischmarkt – A Must-Visit Sunday Market for Seafood Lovers

Every Sunday morning, the Hamburger Fischmarkt attracts thousands of locals and tourists looking for fresh seafood, produce, and live entertainment. This market has been a Hamburg tradition since 1703 and is one of the city’s liveliest attractions.

• What to Expect? You’ll find fresh fish, exotic fruits, flowers, and even live music performances at the historic Fischauktionshalle.

• Best Time to Go? Arrive early (around 5:00 AM) to experience the true energy of the market and watch the sunrise over the harbour.

• Tip: Try a famous Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich) for a classic Hamburg breakfast.

Landungsbrücken – The Heart of Hamburg’s Harbor

The Landungsbrücken (St. Pauli Piers) are one of Hamburg’s most iconic waterfront locations. Here, you can take a harbour boat tour, watch ships arrive from all over the world, and enjoy fresh seafood restaurants along the docks.

Planten un Blomen – A Green Oasis in the City

Hamburg’s most beautiful park, Planten un Blomen, features botanical gardens, a Japanese garden, and musical water-light shows in the summer. It’s a perfect spot to relax in nature without leaving the city.

Hamburg Rathaus – The Majestic Town Hall

The Hamburg Rathaus (Town Hall) is an architectural gem with a richly decorated facade and an impressive 647 rooms. Guided tours are available to learn more about Hamburg’s political history and its role as a city-state.

Treppenviertel Blankenese – A Hidden Gem by the Elbe

For a more relaxed side of Hamburg, visit Blankenese, a charming district with winding staircases leading down to the Elbe River. This former fishing village offers breathtaking views, cosy cafés, and a beachy atmosphere.

Take your time exploring the city's landmarks, markets, and cultural hubs, and don’t forget to soak in the maritime spirit of this amazing harbour city! ⚓

Example Sentences:

• Gibt es eine Stadtführung auf Englisch? (Is there a city tour in English?)

• Wie komme ich zur Elbphilharmonie? (How do I get to the Elbphilharmonie?)

• Wann öffnet der Fischmarkt? (When does the fish market open?)

5. Conclusion

Hamburg is a city full of history, maritime charm, and diverse attractions. Whether you’re visiting the harbour, enjoying local food, or exploring the nightlife, knowing these German words and phrases will enhance your experience and help you connect with locals.

So grab a Fischbrötchen, enjoy a Hafenrundfahrt, and don’t forget to say “Moin!” to the friendly people of Hamburg. 🚢🇩🇪

Viel Spaß in Hamburg! (Have fun in Hamburg!)

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