Embarking on a journey to Germany or a German-speaking region? Whether you're exploring the enchanting streets of Berlin, savouring the beauty of the Bavarian Alps, or indulging in the culinary delights of Vienna, grasping basic German phrases can enhance your travel experience. In this blog post, we'll equip you with essential phrases for greetings, asking for directions, ordering food, and everyday interactions.
1. Greetings and Polite Expressions
First impressions matter, and in Germany, politeness is key. Knowing how to greet people properly can set a positive tone for your interactions. So mastering greetings is the first step to engaging with locals and immersing yourself in the culture. Here are some essential phrases:
Hello/Hi:
German: Hallo
Good morning:
German: Guten Morgen
Good afternoon:
German: Guten Tag
Good evening:
German: Guten Abend
Good night:
German: Gute Nacht
Please:
German: Bitte
Thank you:
German: Danke
You're welcome:
German: Bitte schön
Excuse me:
German: Entschuldigung
Do you speak English?
German: Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Goodbye
German: Auf Wiedersehen!
Bye
German: Tschüss (informal)
In German-speaking countries, it’s customary to greet people formally, especially in stores, restaurants, and when meeting someone for the first time. For example, using "Guten Tag" when you enter a shop shows respect. You'll find alternatives on how to say please and thank you in German and a post on how to check into a hotel in German on our blog.
2. Asking for Directions
Navigating a new city can be an adventure in itself. Here are phrases to help you ask for directions in German:
Excuse me, where is...?
German: Entschuldigung, wo ist...?
Can you help me find...?
German: Können Sie mir helfen, ... zu finden?
Is it far from here?
German: Ist es weit von hier?
How do I get to...?
German: Wie komme ich zu...?
Where is...?
German: Wo ist...?
How do I get to...?
German: Wie komme ich zu...?
Is it far from here?
German: Ist es weit von hier?
Left
German: Links
Right
German: Rechts
Straight ahead
German: Geradeaus
the street
German: die Straße
the square
German: der Platz
Train station
German: der Bahnhof
Bus stop
German: die Bushaltestelle
Airport
German: der Flughafen
Taxi
German: das Taxi
Here’s a practical example:
You: Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum Bahnhof?
**(Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?)
Local: Gehen Sie geradeaus, und dann rechts in die nächste Straße. Der Bahnhof ist auf der linken Seite.
**(Go straight ahead, and then turn right at the next street. The train station is on the left side.)
3. Ordering Food
Exploring local cuisine is a delightful part of travel. Be ready to order your favourite dish with these phrases for ordering food in German (and make sure to check out our designated post for additional words and phrases):
The menu, please:
German: Die Speisekarte, bitte.
I would like to order...
German: Ich möchte ... bestellen.
I would like…
German: Ich hätte gern…
What do you recommend?
German: Was empfehlen Sie?
Are there vegetarian/vegan dishes here?
German: Gibt es hier vegetarische/vegane Gerichte?
A beer, please.
German: Ein Bier, bitte.
A glass of water, please.
German: Ein Glas Wasser, bitte.
Water (still/sparkling):
German: Wasser (still/sprudelnd)
Can I have the bill, please?
German: Die Rechnung, bitte.
Coffee/Tea:
German: Kaffee/Tee
Here's how a typical restaurant exchange might go:
You: Ich hätte gern ein Schnitzel mit Kartoffeln, bitte.**(I would like a schnitzel with potatoes, please.)
Waiter: Möchten Sie etwas zu trinken?**(Would you like something to drink?)
You: Ein Glas Weißwein, bitte.**(A glass of white wine, please.)
Waiter: Kommt sofort. Möchten Sie noch etwas?**(Coming right up. Would you like anything else?)
You: Nein, das ist alles. Danke.**(No, that’s all. Thank you.)
Waiter: Gern geschehen.**(You’re welcome.)
4. Shopping: Asking for Prices and Making Purchases
Shopping in Germany, whether it’s for souvenirs, clothes, or groceries, is a great opportunity to practice your German.
How much does that cost?
German: Wie viel kostet das?
I would like to buy this.
German: Ich möchte das kaufen.
Could I try this on?
German: Könnte ich das anprobieren?
Do you have this in another size?
German: Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe?
Could I pay by card, please?
German: Könnte ich bitte mit Karte zahlen?
Example conversation in a store:
You: Entschuldigung, wie viel kostet dieser Hut?**(Excuse me, how much does this hat cost?)
Shop Assistant: Das kostet 20 Euro.**(That costs 20 euros.)
You: Ich nehme ihn. Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?**(I’ll take it. Can I pay by card?)
Shop Assistant: Natürlich. Bitte hier entlang.**(Of course. Please follow me.)
5. Checking into Your Hotel
Arriving at your hotel and checking in is one of the first steps to getting settled in your new destination. Here are some essential phrases, but make sure you check out our post on checking into a hotel in German for other phrases:
I have a reservation.
German: Ich habe eine Reservierung.
Under what name?
German: Auf welchen Namen?
What time is breakfast?
German: Wie spät ist das Frühstück?
Where is the elevator?
German: Wo ist der Aufzug?
Is there Wi-Fi?
German: Gibt es WLAN?
Could you please give me the key?
German: Könnten Sie mir bitte den Schlüssel geben?
For example:
You: Guten Tag, ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen Schmidt.**(Good day, I have a reservation under the name Schmidt.)
Receptionist: Ja, Herr Schmidt. Ihr Zimmer ist im dritten Stock. Hier ist Ihr Schlüssel.**(Yes, Mr. Schmidt. Your room is on the third floor. Here is your key.)
You: Vielen Dank. Wie spät ist das Frühstück?**(Thank you. What time is breakfast?)
Receptionist: Frühstück ist von 7 bis 10 Uhr im Restaurant.**(Breakfast is from 7 to 10 AM in the restaurant.)
You: Danke schön.**(Thank you very much.)
6. Emergencies: Asking for Help
While we hope it never happens, it’s important to know how to ask for help in case of an emergency.
Help!
German: Hilfe!
emergency
German: der Notfall
Please call a doctor!
German: Rufen Sie bitte einen Arzt!
I’ve hurt myself.
German: Ich habe mich verletzt.
Where is the nearest hospital?
German: Wo ist das nächste Krankenhaus?
I’ve lost my wallet.
German: Ich habe meine Brieftasche verloren.
Can you please help me?
German: Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
Here’s a situation you might hope never to encounter but should be prepared for:
You: Entschuldigung, können Sie mir helfen? Ich habe meine Brieftasche verloren.**(Excuse me, can you help me? I’ve lost my wallet.)
Local: Das tut mir leid. Sie sollten zur nächsten Polizeistation gehen.**(I’m sorry to hear that. You should go to the nearest police station.)
You: Wo ist die nächste Polizeistation?**(Where is the nearest police station?)
Local: Gehen Sie geradeaus, dann links. Es ist gleich um die Ecke.**(Go straight ahead, then turn left. It’s just around the corner.)
You: Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.**(Thank you for your help.)
7. Expanding Your Vocabulary
As you become more comfortable with basic phrases, try expanding your vocabulary with these useful words:
breakfast
German: das Frühstück
ID
German: der Ausweis
receipt
German: die Quittung
exit
German: der Ausgang
map/ticket/card
German: die Karte
timetable (for trains/buses)
German: der Fahrplan
shop/business
German: das Geschäft
8. Everyday Phrases for Tourists: Interact with locals and fellow travellers using these common phrases:
Where is the bathroom?
German: Wo ist die Toilette?
I need help:
German: Ich brauche Hilfe.
How much does this cost?
German: Wie viel kostet das?
I don't understand:
German: Ich verstehe nicht.
Excuse me, can you take a photo of us?
German: Entschuldigung, können Sie ein Foto von uns machen?
9. Additional Tips for Using German While Traveling
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if you make mistakes; the important thing is to try. Most Germans will appreciate your effort to speak their language, and many will help you along the way.
Use Simple Phrases: Start with simple sentences. If you’re stuck, remember that combining basic words often gets the point across.
Cultural Note: In Germany, it’s common to greet people with a handshake when meeting for the first time, even in informal settings. Use “Guten Tag” and “Auf Wiedersehen” in these situations to make a good impression.
You'll find other essential German words and phrases for travellers in a German-speaking country in our related post.
Arming yourself with these #basicGermanphrases will not only make your travel experience more enjoyable but also earn you the appreciation of locals. Don't be afraid to practice and embrace the language—it's a fantastic way to connect with the culture and people! If you're interested to learn more basic phrases in German and fascinating statistics about the German language, then check out our German language blog.
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