Useful German Phrases

What are common German phrases that I have learned

Welcome to my guide on essential German phrases for travelers and expats. Whether you’re planning a trip to Germany or relocating for work, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with common German greetings, useful pleasantries, practical travel vocabulary, and more. By mastering these linguistic essentials, you’ll not only navigate Germany with confidence but also enrich your experiences with locals and create enduring memories of your time in the country. Now let’s look at the linguistic intricacies that will enhance your travel or expat journey in Germany.

Common Greetings

Greetings are an essential part of communication in any language. They are the first words we say when we meet someone, and they can set the tone for the entire conversation. In English, there are formal and informal greetings, and it’s important to know when to use each one. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about formal and informal greetings in English.

1. Hallo – Hello
2. Entschuldigung – Excuse me, sorry, pardon
3. Tschüss – Bye, see ya
4. Auf Wiedersehen – Goodbye, Until next time
5. Guten Tag – Good day, Hello
6. Guten Morgen – Good morning, Hello
7. Guten Abend – Good evening, evening
8. Gute Nacht – Good night,
9. Ich heiße… – My name is…
10. Mein Name ist… – My name is…
11. Ich komme aus… – I’m from…, I am from
12. Es freut mich – Nice to meet you, Nice to meet you,
13. Wie heißt du? – What is your name? What’s your name?
14. Wie geht es Ihnen? – How are you? How are you doing today. What is going on in your life?
15. Gut, danke. Wie geht es Ihnen? – Fine, thanks. And you?
16. Bitte – Please, thank you, no problem, my pleasure
17. Danke – Thanks
18. Tut mir leid – I’m sorry, I appoligize, I am sorry
19. Ja, bitte– Yes, please
20. Nein, danke– No, thank you
21. kennenzulernen – I’m pleased to meet you, nice to meet you

Helpful Everyday Phrases

These additional common German phrases will come in handy in various everyday situations, allowing you to engage in polite conversations and make connections with German speakers.

1. Wie spät ist es? – What time is it? What’s the time? Do you have the time?
2. Ich möchte bitte… – I would like to… please
3. Können Sie mir helfen?- Can you help me? (Formal)
4. Kannst du mir helfen? – Can you help me? (Informal)
5. Einen Moment, bitte – One moment, please, hold on please, just a sec, please
6. Das ist alles, danke – That’s all, thank you, That is everything, thanks
7. Wie viel kostet das? – How much does this cost? How much is this, What doese this cost? What is the price?
8. Ich verstehe nicht – I don’t understand, I don’t get it
9. Wiederholen Sie bitte – Please repeat that, repeat please

Transportation

These essential phrases will help you navigate transportation options and find your way while exploring Germany.

1. Wie komme ich zu… – How do I get to…
2. Wo finde ich den Bahnhof? – Where do I find the train station? Where is the train station? How do I get to the train station?
3. Wo finde ich einen Geldautomaten? – Where do I find a cash machine? Where is the ATM? Where can I find the ATM?
4. Wo finde ich die Touristeninformation? – Where do I find the tourist information?
5. Wo finde ich ein Taxi? – Where do I find a taxi?
6. Wo finde ich eine Toilette? – Where do I find a toilet?
7. Darf ich bitte vorbei? – Could you let me pass, please?
8. Wann fährt der nächste Bus? – When is the next bus?
9. Ich fahre weiter nach… I’m traveling on to…
10. Ich habe mich verlaufen – I’m lost

Eating Out

With these phrases, you’ll be able to confidently place an order in any German-speaking restaurant and communicate your preferences while enjoying the diverse cuisine of Germany.

1. Ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen… – I have a reservation under the name…
2. Ich hätte gern… – I would like…
3. …ein Glas Wein – … A glass of wine
4. …ein Bier – … A beer
5. …ein Wasser – A water
6. Die Speisekarte – The menu
7. Ich bin allergisch gegen… – I am allergic to…
8. Erdnüsse – Peanuts
9. Alle Nüsse – All nuts
10. Schalentiere – Shellfish
11. Eier – Eggs
12. Zum Wohl! / Prost! – Cheers!
13. Guten Appetit – Enjoy your meal
14. Die Rechnung, bitte – The bill, please
15. Zahlen – To pay

Before you head to Germany, it’s a great idea to learn more about German cuisine so you can make the most of your time there and sample the traditional delicacies, such as bratwurst (grilled sausage), sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), and pretzels (baked bread in a twisted knot shape).

Handy Phrases for Chatty Tourists

These 5 useful German phrases will come in handy for everyday interactions and help you navigate daily situations in Germany with ease.

1. Ich bin zum ersten Mal hier – This is my first time here
2. Bist du von hier? – Are you from here?
3. Was empfehlen Sie? – What do you recommend?
4. Nein, hungrig bin ich nicht – No, I am not hungry
5. Bis zum nächsten Mal – See you next time

Useful German Phrases for Emergencies

Finally, although we hope you are not in an emergency situation, it is always best to be prepared. Below are some common German phrases that will come in handy if you are in an emergency situation.

1. Hilfe! – Help
2. Notruf! – Emergency call
3. Wo ist das Krankenhaus? – Where is the hospital?
4. Ich brauche einen Arzt – I need a doctor
5. Rufen Sie die Polizei! – Call the police!
6. Es gibt einen Unfall – There’s an accident
7. Ich habe mich verletzt – I’m injured
8. Wo ist der nächste Feuerlöscher? – Where is the nearest fire extinguisher?
9. Mein Geldbeutel wurde gestohlen – My wallet was stolen
10. Ich habe mein Gepäck verloren – I’ve lost my luggage