{"id":93083,"date":"2023-11-10T20:17:38","date_gmt":"2023-11-11T01:17:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/common-german-phrases\/"},"modified":"2025-06-17T02:45:50","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T06:45:50","slug":"common-german-phrases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/german\/common-german-phrases\/","title":{"rendered":"160 Common German Expressions"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are certain words and phrases that every language uses on the daily. If you can learn these cool German words<\/a> and phrases, you’ll find everyday conversation much easier to navigate.<\/p>\n

Discover 160 useful German phrases<\/strong> that are sure to boost your conversational skills and help you out in any situation.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc skip=3]<\/p>\n

Common German Slang<\/h2>\n

\"people<\/a><\/p>\n

These fun German slang phrases<\/a> will definitely give you extra street cred and impress your German friends.<\/p>\n

1. Moin, moin <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Morning\/Hi\/Hello\/Good day\/How are you?<\/p>\n

This multi-purpose phrase is mostly used in Northern Germany.<\/p>\n

2. Geil <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Awesome\/Cool\/Sexy<\/p>\n

This slang term can be used for all things good, but tread carefully\u2014it can refer to sexual arousal, too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

3. Dit jef\u00e4llt ma <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I like it<\/p>\n

This is Berlinian dialect for\u00a0Das gef\u00e4llt mir\u00a0<\/em>(I like it).<\/p>\n

4. Na? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Hey, what\u2019s up?\/How are you?\/Well?<\/p>\n

You can even answer this with Naaa?<\/em> to say “I\u2019m good, how about you?”<\/p>\n

5. Basta <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Period<\/p>\n

As in, “end of discussion.” This is useful when you’re not interested in hearing any backchat or excuses.\u00a0<\/p>\n

6. Quatsch <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Nonsense\/That’s ridiculous<\/p>\n

7. Ich habe die Nase voll <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’m fed up\/I’m sick of it
\nLiteral:\u00a0<\/strong>I have a full nose<\/p>\n

8. Das ist nicht mein Bier <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Not my problem
\nLiteral:\u00a0<\/strong>That’s not my beer<\/p>\n

You can also say das ist dein Bier<\/em> (this is your beer) to point out that the thing in question is someone else’s burden to bear.<\/p>\n

9<\/strong>. Abwarten und Tee trinken <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Just wait and see
\nLiteral:<\/strong> Wait and drink tea<\/p>\n

10. Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I don’t understand any of that\/It’s all Greek to me
\nLiteral:\u00a0<\/strong>I only understand train station<\/p>\n

11<\/strong>. Es ist mir Wurst <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I don’t care
\nLiteral:\u00a0<\/strong>It’s sausage to me<\/p>\n

12. Das Leben ist kein Ponyhof <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Life is no picnic
\nLiteral:\u00a0<\/strong>Life is not a pony farm<\/p>\n

13. Da haben wir den Salat <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Everything is a mess\/Now we’re in a pickle
\nLiteral:\u00a0<\/strong>Here we’ve got the salad<\/p>\n

14. Leben wie Gott in Frankreich <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Live like a king
\nLiteral:<\/strong> Live like God in France<\/p>\n

This phrase is a reflection of the past. At a time in history, royalty lived fancy and rich in the kingdom of France while the German city-states lived in relative poverty, struggling to feed themselves.<\/p>\n

15. Der Zug ist schon abgefahren <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> That ship has sailed\/The opportunity is gone
\nLiteral:\u00a0<\/strong>The train has already left<\/p>\n

16. Innerer Schweinehund <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Devil on your shoulder
\nLiteral:<\/strong> Inner pig-dog<\/p>\n

The German people’s “inner pig-dog” is the voice in one’s head that steers you wrong.<\/p>\n

17. Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>The early bird gets the worm
\nLiteral:\u00a0<\/strong>Morning hours have gold in the mouth<\/p>\n

18. Hunde, die bellen, bei\u00dfen nicht <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> His bark is worse than his bite
\nLiteral:<\/strong> Dogs that bark don’t bite<\/p>\n

Basic Greetings in German<\/h2>\n

\"two<\/a><\/p>\n

Now, let’s go over how to say hello to native German speakers<\/a>\u00a0and exchange some basic pleasantries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

19. Hallo <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Hello<\/p>\n

20. Guten Morgen <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Good morning<\/p>\n

This is a common greeting used until noon.<\/p>\n

21. Guten Tag <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Good afternoon<\/a><\/p>\n

Use this between noon and 6 pm.<\/p>\n

22. Guten Abend <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Good evening<\/a><\/p>\n

This greeting is used from 6 pm to bedtime.<\/p>\n

23.<\/strong> Wie geht es Ihnen? <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>How are you? (formal)<\/p>\n

This form should be used with strangers and people who command respect, such as a boss, teacher or elder.<\/p>\n

24. Wie geht’s dir? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>How are you? (informal)<\/p>\n

You can use this version of the phrase in more casual interactions, like with friends and family.<\/p>\n

25. Mir geht es gut, danke <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I am fine, thank you<\/p>\n

26. Freut mich zu h\u00f6ren <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Glad to hear it<\/p>\n

27. Mir geht es nicht so gut <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’m not so good<\/p>\n

28. Es tut mir leid <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’m sorry<\/p>\n

You might also hear the shortened version:\u00a0tut mir leid<\/em>.<\/p>\n

29. Gesundheit <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Bless you (said after someone sneezes)\u00a0
\nLiteral:<\/strong> Health<\/p>\n

30. Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Happy birthday!<\/p>\n

31. Machs gut <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Take care<\/p>\n

32. Bis sp\u00e4ter <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>See you later<\/p>\n

If you know you’re seeing this person again within the next day, you can bid them farewell with this phrase.<\/p>\n

33. Bis bald <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>See you soon<\/p>\n

If you think you’ll see this person again in the near future but you’re not exactly sure when, you can opt for this expression.<\/p>\n

34. Auf Wiedersehen <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Goodbye<\/p>\n

35. Tsch\u00fcss <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Bye<\/p>\n

36. Gute Nacht <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Good night<\/p>\n

37. Einen sch\u00f6nen Tag noch <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Have a nice day<\/p>\n

38. Sch\u00f6nes Wochenende <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Have a nice weekend<\/p>\n

39. Ebenso<\/em> \/Gleichfalls<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Same to you<\/p>\n

Asking for Help in German<\/h2>\n

\"a<\/a><\/p>\n

As a stranger in a German-speaking country, you will likely need help from a local at some point or another; these phrases will make it a little easier.<\/p>\n

40. Entschuldigung <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Excuse me\/Sorry<\/p>\n

You’ll also likely hear the contracted version when out and about: ‘Schuldigung.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

41. Sprechen Sie Englisch? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do you speak English? (formal)<\/p>\n

42. Ja <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes\/Yeah<\/p>\n

43. Nein <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>No<\/p>\n

44. Bitte <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Please<\/p>\n

This word has several important functions in German<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

45. Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I only speak a little German<\/p>\n

46. Ich brauche eine Auskunft <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I need some information<\/p>\n

47. Ich brauche Hilfe <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I need help<\/p>\n

48. Bin ich hier richtig? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Am I in the right place?<\/p>\n

49. Wie sagt man … auf Deutsch? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>How do you say … in German?<\/p>\n

50. Danke sch\u00f6n <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Thank you<\/p>\n

There are many ways to say thank you in German<\/a>. Danke sch\u00f6n <\/em>is like the English “thank you,” whereas danke <\/em>on its own is like “thanks.”<\/p>\n

51. Vielen Dank f\u00fcr Ihre Hilfe <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Thanks so much for your help (formal)<\/p>\n

52. Gern geschehen <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>You’re welcome<\/p>\n

German has other ways to express “you’re welcome,”<\/a> too.<\/p>\n

German Conversational Phrases<\/h2>\n

\"three<\/a><\/p>\n

These phrases will help you hold a conversation in German\u2014you can even practice before you go<\/a>! Note that some phrases differ in formality<\/a>.<\/p>\n

53. Wie ist Ihr Name? \/Wie hei\u00dft du? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>What is your name? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

54. Ich hei\u00dfe… \/Mein Name ist… <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>My name is…<\/p>\n

55. Woher kommen Sie? \/Woher kommst du? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Where are you from? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

56. Ich komme aus… <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’m from…<\/p>\n

57. Ich wohne in\u2026 <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I live in\u2026<\/p>\n

58. Wie lange bleiben Sie in Deutschland \/\u00d6sterreich \/der Schweiz? <\/em><\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>How long are you staying in Germany\/Austria\/Switzerland?<\/p>\n

59. Ich bleibe eine Woche hier <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I am staying here for one week<\/p>\n

Of course, you can replace eine Woche\u00a0<\/em>with something like zwei Wochen<\/em> (two weeks), sechs Tage<\/em> (six days), etc.<\/p>\n

60. Wie alt sind Sie? \/Wie alt bist du? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>How old are you? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

61. Ich bin 20 Jahre alt <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I am 20 years old<\/p>\n

Brush up on your German numbers<\/a> so you can replace 20 with your own age.<\/p>\n

62.<\/strong> Was machen Sie \/Was machst du beruflich? <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>What do you do for work? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

63.<\/strong> Ich bin… <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’m a\/an…<\/p>\n

You don’t need an article in German<\/a> (words like “a” or “the”) before the job title here, so you’re literally just saying “I am teacher” or whatever your job is.<\/p>\n

64. Ich bin verheiratet <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I’m married<\/p>\n

65. Ich bin ledig <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I’m single<\/p>\n

66. Meine Handynummer ist\u2026 <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> My cell phone number is\u2026<\/p>\n

This is in case your German-speaking crush is single as well. Impress them with some other romantic phrases<\/a>, too. Or it can be useful for new friends.<\/p>\n

67. Ich studiere\u2026 <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I am studying…<\/p>\n

Note that this sentence can only be used to state what your major or subject area is, and not what you\u2019re looking at to prepare for the upcoming test.<\/p>\n

A few examples of how to fill in the blank:\u00a0Geschichte<\/em>\u00a0(history),\u00a0Jura<\/em>\u00a0(law), Zahnmedizin<\/em>\u00a0(dentistry), Volkswirtschaftslehre\u00a0<\/em>(economics).<\/p>\n

68. Wie viele Geschwister hast du? <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> How many siblings do you have?<\/p>\n

69. Ich habe zwei Geschwister <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I have two siblings<\/p>\n

70. Mein Lieblingsfilm ist\u2026 <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> My favorite…is\u2026<\/p>\n

Note how \u201cfavorite film\u201d becomes a one-word noun.<\/p>\n

Knowing this, you can talk about your favorite food (Lieblingsessen)<\/em>, favorite sport (Lieblingssport)<\/em> or favorite author (Lieblingsautor)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

71. Ich lerne Deutsch <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I\u2019m learning German<\/p>\n

72. Was machst du sonst so? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>What else do you do? (informal)<\/p>\n

Learn some German words about hobbies<\/a> so you can bust out this phrase and then understand the response.<\/p>\n

73. Ich… gerne <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I like to…<\/p>\n

74. Ich mag\u2026 <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I like\u2026<\/p>\n

75. Ich hasse\u2026 <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I hate…<\/p>\n

76. Meine Hobbys sind\u2026 <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> My hobbies are\u2026<\/p>\n

77. Ich stimme dir zu <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I agree with you<\/p>\n

78. K\u00f6nnen Sie \/Kannst du langsamer sprechen? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can you speak slower? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

79. K\u00f6nnen Sie \/Kannst du das bitte wiederholen? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can you repeat that please? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

80. Verstehen Sie? \/Verstehst du? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do you understand? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

81. Ich verstehe nicht <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I don’t understand<\/p>\n

82. Hat mich gefreut Sie \/dich kennenzulernen <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>It was nice meeting you (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

83. Das ist mir legal <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I don’t care (Literal: That\u2019s the same to me)<\/p>\n

84. Spinnst du?! <\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Are you crazy?!\u00a0<\/p>\n

85. \u2026oder?<\/em>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> \u2026right?<\/p>\n

Food and Drink in German<\/h2>\n

\"various<\/a><\/p>\n

Now that you’ve got a conversation going, you might end up with a meal invite! These German expressions will help you order food<\/a> and drinks like a native.<\/p>\n

86. Haben Sie \/Hast du Hunger? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Are you hungry? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

87. Haben Sie \/Hast du Durst? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Are you thirsty? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

88. Wollen wir zusammen was essen gehen? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Shall we get something to eat together?<\/p>\n

Or: Wollen wir zusammen was trinken gehen?<\/em> (Shall we get something to drink together?)<\/p>\n

89. Fr\u00fchst\u00fcck <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Breakfast<\/p>\n

90. Mittagessen <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Lunch<\/p>\n

91. Abendessen <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Dinner<\/p>\n

92. Einen Tisch f\u00fcr vier bitte <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>A table for four, please<\/p>\n

At most German restaurants<\/a>, you’ll just seat yourself at an open table, but if you’re greeted at the door, you can replace vier<\/em> with the correct number of people in your party.<\/p>\n

93. Ich m\u00f6chte einen Tisch reservieren <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’d like to reserve a table<\/p>\n

When Germans eat out, they tend to take their time. If you don’t reserve a table (especially at popular restaurants or in bigger cities), you run the risk of having to wait a very long time for a table to open up or maybe not getting a table at all.<\/p>\n

To complete the phrase with all the relevant information, you can say:\u00a0Ich m\u00f6chte einen Tisch f\u00fcr … Personen um … reservieren<\/em> (I’d like to reserve a table for … people at … o’clock).<\/p>\n

And don’t forget that Germans tend to use the 24 hour clock! When asking for a table at 7 pm, you’ll need to say “nineteen o’clock” in German<\/a>.<\/p>\n

94. Ich habe eine Reservierung <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I have a reservation<\/p>\n

95. Einen Augenblick bitte <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Wait a minute, please<\/p>\n

96. K\u00f6nnen wir die Speisekarte haben bitte? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can we see the menu, please?<\/p>\n

You can also replace Speisekarte<\/em> with Getr\u00e4nkekarte<\/em> (drinks menu) or Weinkarte<\/em> (wine list).<\/p>\n

97. Was ist das? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>What is this?<\/p>\n

98. K\u00f6nnen Sie etwas empfehlen? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can you recommend something?<\/p>\n

99. Haben Sie etwas vegetarisches \/veganisches? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do you have something vegetarian\/vegan?<\/p>\n

100. Ich esse kein… <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I don’t eat…<\/p>\n

101. Ich bin allergisch gegen… <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I am allergic to…<\/p>\n

102. Ich h\u00e4tte gerne… <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’d like to have…<\/p>\n

103. Ein Bier bitte <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>A beer, please<\/p>\n

104. Einen Kaffee bitte <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>One coffee, please<\/p>\n

You might want to specify<\/a> whether you want a Milchkaffee\u00a0<\/em>(milky coffee) or a\u00a0Kaffee ohne Milch\u00a0<\/em>(coffee without milk).\u00a0<\/p>\n

105. Prost! <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Cheers!<\/p>\n

106. Guten Appetit <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Bon appetit<\/p>\n

You might also hear: Lass es schmecken!\u00a0<\/em>(Enjoy your meal!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

107. Nichts f\u00fcr mich, danke <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Nothing for me, thanks<\/p>\n

108. Das war\u2019s<\/em> \u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> That\u2019s everything<\/p>\n

109. Ich bin satt <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I am full<\/p>\n

110. Entschuldigen Sie bitte, wo ist die Toilette? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Excuse me, where is the bathroom?<\/p>\n

111. Die Rechnung bitte <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>The check, please<\/p>\n

112. Ich besorge den Kaffee<\/em> <\/h3>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>I\u2019ll get the coffee\/The coffee is on me<\/p>\n

113. Kann ich eine Quitting haben bitte? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can I have a receipt, please?<\/p>\n

114. Stimmt so <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Keep the change<\/p>\n

German Travel Phrases<\/h2>\n

\"two<\/a><\/p>\n

I’m sure you want to do plenty of sightseeing while in Germany. Study the useful travel phrases<\/a> below so you don\u2019t get lost in the process.<\/p>\n

115. Darf ich mal durch? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can you let me through?<\/p>\n

You might also hear Darf ich mal vorbei?<\/em> In this phrase, vorbei\u00a0<\/em>implies that you’re trying to walk around a person, rather than through a group of them.<\/p>\n

116. Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum…? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Excuse me, how do I get to the…?<\/p>\n

You’ll want to know the gender of the place you’re going to. You use zum\u00a0<\/em>for masculine and neuter nouns like der Bahnhof <\/em>(the train station) or das Rathaus<\/em> (the town hall) and zur\u00a0<\/em>for feminine nouns like\u00a0die Kirche <\/em>(the church).<\/p>\n

117. Ich suche das Museum <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I am looking for the museum<\/p>\n

You might replace das Museum<\/em> with den Park<\/em> (the park), das Hotel<\/em> (the hotel) or something similar.<\/p>\n

118. Ist das in der N\u00e4he? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Is that close by?<\/p>\n

119. Ist das weit von hier? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Is that far from here?<\/p>\n

120. In welcher Richtung ist das? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Which direction is that?<\/p>\n

121. Nach links \/rechts <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>To the left\/right<\/p>\n

122.<\/strong> Geradeaus <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Straight on<\/p>\n

123. Wo ist die n\u00e4chste U-bahn \/Bushaltestelle? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Where is the nearest subway\/bus station?<\/p>\n

124. F\u00e4hrt dieser Zug nach<\/em><\/strong>…? <\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Does this train go to…?<\/p>\n

You might replace Zug<\/em> with Bus<\/em> to ask “Does this bus go to…?”<\/p>\n

The final preposition depends on the type of place you’re traveling to. Generally, you’ll use nach\u00a0<\/em>when referring to specific stations or geographic locations, such as: F\u00e4hrt dieser Zug nach Wittenau? <\/em>(Does this train go to Wittenau?)\u00a0<\/p>\n

You’ll typically use zum <\/em>(masculine and neuter nouns) or\u00a0zur<\/em> (feminine nouns) for places or sites, such as a bank, museum or the park, as in:\u00a0F\u00e4hrt dieser Bus zur Nationalgalerie? <\/em>(Does this bus go to the National Gallery?)\u00a0<\/p>\n

And you’ll sometimes use in\u00a0<\/em>for “traveling into” generic city areas, like Stadtmitte\u00a0<\/em>(city center). For example:\u00a0F\u00e4hrt dieser Bus in die Stadtmitte? <\/em>(Does this bus go to the city center?)\u00a0<\/p>\n

125. Wie viel kostet eine Fahrkarte nach…? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>How much is a ticket to…?<\/p>\n

126. Muss ich umsteigen? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do I have to change?<\/p>\n

127. Wo finde ich ein Taxi? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Where do I find a taxi?<\/p>\n

128. Zum Bahnhof bitte <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>To the train station, please<\/p>\n

Use this construction to direct your taxi driver. You might replace zum Bahnhof<\/em> with zum Flughafen<\/em> (to the airport) or\u00a0zur <\/em>Bushaltestelle <\/em>(to the bus station), for instance.<\/p>\n

129. Bitte halten Sie hier an <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Please stop here<\/p>\n

130. Haben Sie einen Stadtplan? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do you have a city map?<\/p>\n

131. K\u00f6nnen Sie mir das auf der Karte zeigen? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can you show me that on the map?<\/p>\n

132. Ich habe mich verlaufen <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’ve gotten lost<\/p>\n

133. Haben Sie noch Zimmer frei? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do you have rooms available?<\/p>\n

134. Ich bleibe eine Nacht <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I am staying for one night<\/p>\n

Change the number as needed to fit your schedule: zwei N\u00e4chte<\/em> (two nights), drei N\u00e4chte<\/em> (three nights), etc. Notice how the vowel changes<\/a> from a\u00a0<\/em>to\u00a0\u00e4\u00a0<\/em>in the plural.<\/p>\n

135. Ich h\u00e4tte gerne ein Zimmer \/ein Doppelzimmer <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’d like to have a room\/a double room<\/p>\n

136. Ist das inklusive Fr\u00fchst\u00fcck<\/span>? <\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Is breakfast included?<\/p>\n

137. Bis wann muss ich auschecken? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>When is check-out?<\/p>\n

138. Darf ich ins Internet gehen?<\/em> <\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> May I use the Internet?<\/p>\n

German Shopping Phrases<\/h2>\n

\"a<\/a><\/p>\n

Whether you need everyday things during your stay or want something to take home to your loved ones, these sentences will help you get what you want.<\/p>\n

139. Was m\u00f6chten Sie? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>What would you like?<\/p>\n

140. Suchen Sie etwas Bestimmtes? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Are you looking for something specific?<\/p>\n

141. Ich schaue mich nur um <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I’m just looking around.<\/p>\n

142<\/strong>. Ich suche… <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I am looking for…<\/p>\n

143. Verkaufen Sie…? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do you sell…?<\/p>\n

144. Was kostet das? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>How much is this?<\/p>\n

145. Haben Sie das auch in einer anderen Gr\u00f6\u00dfe \/Farbe? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Do you have this in another size\/color?<\/p>\n

146. Das ist zu teuer <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>That’s too expensive<\/p>\n

147. K\u00f6nnen Sie mir einen Rabatt geben? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can you give me a discount?<\/p>\n

148. Kann ich bar bezahlen? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can I pay in cash?<\/p>\n

Particularly after the pandemic, some places in Europe started to request card payments to reduce cash-handling.<\/p>\n

Although the adage nur bar ist wahr <\/em>(“only cash is true”) is still widely the case in Germany, it might still be worth asking in more modern establishments.\u00a0<\/p>\n

149. Kann ich mit Kreditkarte bezahlen? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Can I pay with a credit card?<\/p>\n

Many restaurants and smaller shops in Germany still do not take card payments, so it’s definitely worth knowing how to ask.<\/p>\n

150. Um wieviel Uhr \u00f6ffnet das Gesch\u00e4ft? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>What time does the shop open?<\/p>\n

And the opposite question is: Um wieviel Uhr schlie\u00dft das Gesch\u00e4ft?\u00a0<\/em>(What time does the shop close?)<\/p>\n

German Expressions in Cases of Emergency<\/h2>\n

\"ambulance<\/a><\/p>\n

Fingers crossed that you never have an emergency in a German-speaking country (or in your home country, for that matter). However, it\u2019s always good to be prepared!<\/p>\n

151.\u00a0Hilfe! <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Help!<\/p>\n

152. Feuer! <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Fire!<\/p>\n

153. Rufen Sie die Polizei! <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Call the police!<\/p>\n

You might need to replace die Polizei<\/em> with dei Feuerwehr<\/em> (the fire department) or einen Krankenwagen<\/em> (an ambulance).<\/p>\n

Note that you can also simply call 112 in all German-speaking countries in Europe to access emergency services.\u00a0<\/p>\n

154. Ich brauche dringend Hilfe<\/em> <\/h3>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> I need urgent help<\/p>\n

155. Wo ist das Krankenhaus? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Where is the hospital?<\/p>\n

156. Wo ist die Apotheke? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Where is the pharmacy?<\/p>\n

157. Mir ist schlecht <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>I feel ill<\/p>\n

158. Wie komme ich zur amerikanischen Botschaft? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>How do I get to the American embassy?<\/p>\n

159. Lassen Sie mich in Ruhe! <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Leave me alone!<\/p>\n

160. Es ist ein Notfall <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>It’s an emergency<\/p>\n

Why You Should Learn German Phrases<\/h2>\n