Germany Travel Guide: Useful German Words and Phrases

There are many things that travel could teach a person, which is why it appeals to so many people regardless of age and background. Not only do you learn about the history and culture of a new country, you could also learn to pick up a few words of the country’s language. Indeed, learning a new language is one of the things a traveler could do to best prepare for an upcoming trip. It’s practical because it arms you with the ability to communicate with the people so that you could order what you want from a restaurant, ask for directions, bargain for the best prices and make friends.

If you want to learn a new language, there are several ways to go about it. For those who simply need to pick up a few words and phrases, a phrase book is quite sufficient. A traveler could simply carry a small phrase book and look up the words and phrases needed at a particular instance. However, there may be those who simply appreciate learning a new language, or might need to have a better grasp of the foreign language, such as for those who need to stay in a foreign country for an extended period of time because of work or study needs. In this instance, going to a language class is preferable.

Learning a new language in a more formal classroom environment is beneficial for many reasons. A student has the direct interaction with a knowledgeable teacher so you could ask questions and clarify things that confuse you. At the same time, there are classmates with whom you could practice your new language skills. Also, you learn firsthand the proper pronunciation, conjugation, stress, grammar and other nuances of the language. This allows you to learn the language more quickly and correctly.

For instances wherein you may need to have important documents or other technical matters translated, it’s best to use the services of a professional language translation service provider. Having your important documents to be professionally translated gives you the peace of mind that the results will be accurate and reliable. You could also get results quickly. At the same time, you could be assured of the confidentiality of the work if you go with a professional language translation service provider.

For those traveling to Germany and other German-speaking nations, we have prepared a travel guide that you will definitely find most informative and convenient to use. Our country travel guide and the Germany travel guide is written and divided into brief yet informative sections. It begins with a country overview, followed by ideas on places to see and things to do. At the same time, you get useful travel safety tips that you may not be aware of. You also learn a little something new that you may find nice to know about the country or city you are visiting. Finally, there is a section on basic German words and phrases that you are likely to encounter. All this information should allow you to have the information you need about the country you are visiting so you could prepare the best travel itinerary and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

World Interpreting, Inc. is a professional language translation service provider. Our goal is to deliver high quality translations in just about every language. We aim to give our clients excellent customer service and treat each language translation project with the proper care and professionalism it deserves. Regardless of the size of the translation project or the difficulty of the work, we assure our clients that we will deliver professional results each and every time. We are a corporate member of the American Translators Association (ATA).

If you need document translation needs, you can turn to us at World Interpreting, Inc. to ensure that your documents get translated correctly and efficiently. Use our online form to contact us, or email your documents at info@worldinterpreting.com to learn more.

Germany Useful Words and Phrases (Useful German Words and Phrases)

Here are some everyday Germany common words and phrases in German that you will find useful when you travel to Germany.

Basic Phrases

I want to change…
Will you change this into…
What’s the exchange rate?
How much commission do you charge?
Can I have some small notes?
Let’s go!
Yes / No
Mister / Misses / Miss
Do you speak German? (formal)
Do you speak English? (informal)
I (don’t) speak…
Do you understand? (formal / informal)
I (don’t) understand.
I (don’t) know.
Can you help me? (formal)
Can you help me? (informal)
Of course
May I help you? (formal)
May I help you? (informal)
What? Pardon me?
How do you say ___ in German?
Where is / Where are… ?
There is / are…
What’s the matter?
It doesn’t matter.
I don’t care.
Don’t worry!
I forgot.
I must go now.
I’m hungry / thirsty.
I’m sick / tired.
I’m bored.
Bless you!
Congratulations!
Be quiet!

Ichmöchte…
Ichmöchte das in…
Wiesteht der wechselkurs?
Wievielkommissionverlangensie?
Kannichkleinescheinehaben?
Gehenwir!
Ja / Nein
Herr / Frau / Fräulein
SprechenSiedeutsch?
Sprichst du englisch?
Ichspreche (kein)…
Verstehensie? / Verstehst du?
Ichverstehe (nicht).
Ichweiss (nicht).
Könnensiemirhelfen?
Kannst du mirhelfen?
Natürlich
KannichIhnenhelfen?
Kannichdirhelfen?
Wiebitte?
Wiesagt man ___ auf deutsch?
Woist / Wosind… ?
Esgibt…
Was ist los?
Das machtnichts.
Das istmiregal.
Keine Angst!
Ichhabeesvergessen.
Jetzt muss ichgehen.
Ichhabe hunger / durst.
Ich bin krank / müde.
IchhabeLangeweile.
Gesundheit!
HerzlichenGlückwunsch!
Seiruhig!

Basic Greetings

Good morning.
Hello. / Good day.
Good evening.
Good night.
Hi
Hello
Bye
See you later
See you soon
See you tomorrow
Please
Thank you
You’re welcome
I’m sorry
Excuse me
How are you? (formal)
How are you? (informal)
(Very) Good / OK
Bad / Not good
I’m ok. (informal)
What’s your name? (formal)
What’s your name? (informal)
I am called…
Pleased to meet you.
Likewise.
Where are you from? (formal)
Where are you from? (informal)
I’m from…
Where do you live? (formal)
Where do you live? (informal)
I live in…
How old are you? (formal)
How old are you? (informal)
I am ____ years old.
Welcome!
Good luck!

Gutenmorgen.
Guten tag.
Gutenabend.
Gutenacht.
Tag
Hallo
Auf wiedersehen
Bis spatter
Bis bald
Bismorgen
Bitte
Danke (schön)
Bitteschön
Es tut mirleid.
Entschuldigensie
WiegehtesIhnen?
Wiegeht’s?
(Sehr) Gut / So lala
Schlecht / Nicht Gut
Esgeht.
Wieheissensie?
Wieheisst du?
Ichheisse…
Freutmich.
Gleichfalls.
Woherkommensie?
Woherkommst du?
Ichkommeaus…
WowohnenSie?
Wowohnst du?
Ichwohne in… ikhvoh-nuh in
Wie alt sindSie?
Wie alt bist du?
Ich bin ____ Jahre alt.
Willkommen!
VielGlück!

German Useful Words and Phrases – Asking for Directions

Where’s the exchange bureau?
Where can I find a taxi?
Can you take me to this address?
The city center, please.
The station, please.
The airport, please.
I’m in a hurry.
Straight ahead.
To the left here.
To the right here.
It’s here.
Could you wait for me?
I’ll be back in two minutes.
How much is it?
Can I have a receipt?
Where’s the underground station?
A ticket, please.
Which line goes to…?
Does this train go to…?
Where’s the bus stop?
Can you give me a timetable?
What time does this / that train arrive?
Where are we?

WoisteineWechselstube?
Wobekommeichein taxi?
Könnensiemichzudieseradressefahren?
Zumstadtzentrum, bitte.
Zumbahnhof, bitte.
Zumflugplatz, bitte.
Ichhabeeseilig.
Geradeaus.
Hier links abbiegen.
Hierrechtsabbiegen.
Hieristes.
Könnensie auf michwarten?
Ich bin in zweiminutenzurück.
Was macht das?
KannicheineQuittunghaben?
Woist die U-Bahn-Haltestelle?
Einefahrkarte, bitte.
WelcheLiniegehtnach…?
Fährtdieserzugnach…?
Woist die bushaltestelle?
Könnensiemireinenfahrplangeben?
Wannkommtdieser / der zug an?
Wosindwir?

German Useful Words and Phrases – When Shopping

I’m looking for …
a dress
a shirt
athletic shoes
a postcard
I’m just looking.
I’m just looking.
I’d like …
Can you fix / repair this?
Do you have it in a different color?
May I try it on?
It’s too big / small.
How much is it?
That’s too expensive.
Do you take credit cards?
I’ll take it.
Can I get this gift-wrapped?
I’ll take two of those.
How much is that?
May I have a receipt?
A packet of …., please.
A bottle of …
A can of …
How much do I owe you?
Sale!
Special Offer!
Reduced!
cashier / check-out counter
Antiques
Pharmacy
Baker
Florist
Books
Chemist
Delicatessen
Photographer
Hairdresser
Gift shop
Leather goods
Fashion shop
Stationer
Dry cleaner
Jeweller
Tailor
Shoe shop
Toys
Sports shop
Supermarket
Confectioner
Watchmaker
Magazines
Chocolates
Cigarettes
Envelopes
Guide book
Haircut
Map

Ichsuche … / Ichmöchte …
einkleid
einhemd
sportschuhe
einepostkarte
Ichsehemichnureinwenig um.
Ichschaunureinbisschenherum.
Ichmöchte …
Könnensie das reparieren?
Habensie das in eineranderenfarbe?
Darfiches / ihn / sieanprobieren?
Das istmirzu gross / klein.
Wievielkostetes?
Das istzuteuer.
Nehmensiekreditkarten?
Ichnehmees.
Kannich das alsgeschenkeingepackt
Ichnehmezweihiervon.
Was kostet das?
Kannicheine quitting haben?
Einpaket …, bitte.
Einflasche …
Eine dose …
Was macht das?
Ausverkauf!
Sonderangebot!
Reduziert!
die kasse
antiquitäten
apotheke
bäckerei
blumen
buchhandlung
drogerie
feinkost
fotogeschäft
friseur
gerschenkartikel
lederwaren
modegeschäft
papierwaren
reinigung
schmuckwaren
Schneider
Schuhe
spielwaren
sportartikel
supermarket
süsswaren
uhrengesschäft
zeitschriften
schokolade
zigaretten
umschläge
reiseführer
haarschnitt
karte

German Useful Words and Phrases – When Dining Out

I’d like…
A menu, please!
What do you recommend?
What would you like to drink?
with / without
Is this table /seat free?
I didn’t order that.
That tastes very good!
Please pass…
the salt | the bread | the sugar
No thanks, I’m full.
Cheers!
Check, please.
All together, please.
Separate checks, please.
At the Chinese restaurant
At the Greek restaurant
At the Italian restaurant
Eel
Dinner, supper
Non-alcoholic
Pineapple
Apple
Apple cake
Apple cider (hard)
Apple sauce
Apple cider
Apple spritzer
Orange
Apple strudel
Apple pie
Apple wine
Apricot
Eggplant
Casserole, soufflé
Oysters
Side dish(es)
Fork
Spoon
Knife
Pear(s)
Blueberries
Cauliflower
Beans
Brat
Fried chicken
Hash browns
Fried sausage
Blackberries
Rolls
Bread
Meatballs
Champagne
Salisbury steak
Egg / eggs
Egg with ham
Egg with bacon
Hard-boiled egg
Soft-boiled egg
Scrambled eggs
Fried eggs
Stew
Ice cream
Duck
Pea soup
Potato
Strawberries
Peanut
Peanut butter
Vinegar
Fruit
Fruit juice
Breakfast
Restaurant
Shrimp
Shrimp cocktail
Vegetable(s)
Pickles, gherkins
Meatloaf
Hamburger steak
Chicken breast
Chicken soup
Entrées
Hot chocolate
Honey
Lobster
Yogurt
Coffee
Coffee with cream
Coffee with sugar
Decaffeinated coffee
Cheese
Waiter
Waitress
Bar, pub
Dumplings
Cake shop, pastry shop
Jam
Crab
Doughnut
Cake
Milk
Lunch
Dessert
Cookies
Bill, check
Salt
Pork
Grapes
Grape juice
Water
Toothpick
Lemon
Fried onion rings
Onion soup

Ichmöchte…
EineSpeisekarte, bitte!
Was empfehlenSie?
Was möchtenSietrinken?
mit / ohne
IstdieserTisch/Platznochfrei?
Das habeichnichtbestellt.
Das schmecktsehr! / Das istlecker!
BittereichenSiemir…
das salz | das brot | den zucker
Nein, danke, ich bin satt.
Prost! / ZumWohl!
Zahlen, bitte. / Die Rechnung, bitte.
Bittealleszusammen.
Getrennt, bitte. / GetrennteRechnungen, bitte.
beimChinesen
beimGriechen
beimItaliener
aal
abendbrot or abendessen
alkoholfrei
ananas
apfel
apfelkuchen
apfelmost
apfelmus
apfelsaft
apfelsaftschorle
apfelsine
apfelstrudel
apfeltasche
apfelwein
aprikose
aubergine
auflauf
austern
beilage(n)
die gabel
der löffel
das messer
birne(n)
birne(n)
birne(n)
bohnen
fried, roasted
brathänchen
bratkartoffeln
bratwurst
brombeeren
brötchen
brot
buletten
champagner
deutsches beefsteak
ei / eier
eimitschinken
eimit speck
einhartgekochtesei
einweichgekochtesei
rühreier
spiegeleier
eintopf
eis
ente
erbsensuppe
erdapfel
erdbeeren
erdnuss
erdnussbutter
essig
frucht
fruchtsaft
frühstück
gaststätte
garnelen
garnelencocktain
gemüse(n)
sauregurken
hackbraten
hackepeter
hühnerbrust
hühnersuppe
hauptspeisen
heisseschokolade
honig
hummer
joghurt
kaffee
kaffeemitsahne
kaffeemitzucker
koffeinfreierkaffee
käse
kellner
kellnerin
kneipe
knödel
konditorei
konfitür
krabben
krapfen
kuchen
milch
mittagessen
nachspeise
plätzchen
rechnung
salz
schweinefleisch
trauben
traubensaft
wasser
zahnstocher
zitrone
frittierteZwiebelringe
zwiebelsuppe

Further reading and information reference/sources

“Important Notice – You may use or download information available on our travel guide pages for your own personal, non-commercial use, provided that you give proper attribution, with a link back to our website. Similar to the sources used for the travel guides, World Interpreting provides links to information references even for contents we believe constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use’, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. More information here.”