Fifty German phrases for your trip to Germany, as a five-day plan of ten a day: greetings and manners, café and restaurant, paying and shops, getting around and signs, hotel and help. Every card has a pronunciation respelling, a real example exchange and a tip on when to use it and what catches tourists out, plus a bonus group of numbers 1–10. About 10 minutes a day.
CEFR A1 — Beginner
At this level you can introduce yourself, order food, ask directions. Vocabulary: ~500 words (cumulative).
Phrases you'll learn
How do you say “Hello / Good day” in German?
“Hello / Good day” is “Hallo / Guten Tag” in German. For example: Guten Tag! Ein Brötchen, bitte. — Good day! A bread roll, please.
How do you say “Good evening” in German?
“Good evening” is “Guten Abend” in German. For example: Guten Abend, haben Sie einen Tisch für zwei? — Good evening, do you have a table for two?
How do you say “Please” in German?
“Please” is “Bitte” in German. For example: Ein Wasser, bitte. – Bitte schön. — A water, please. – Here you are.
How do you say “Thank you” in German?
“Thank you” is “Danke” in German. For example: Vielen Dank! – Bitte, gern geschehen. — Thanks a lot! – You're welcome.
German → English60 words~6 days at 10 words/day0 downloadsA1A2
No ratingsNo ratingsby admin@wordsonrepeat.comSep 6, 2026
Gruß beim Betreten eines Geschäfts oder Cafés; 'Guten Tag' ist förmlicher als 'Hallo'.
Synonyms:Guten Morgen, Grüß Gott
Hello / Good day
Guten Tag! Ein Brötchen, bitte.
Good day! A bread roll, please.
Say it as you walk into any shop, bakery or café, before anything else. 'Hallo' is fine everywhere now, even with strangers; 'Guten Tag' is the safer formal choice with older people and officials, and 'Guten Morgen' works until about 10 or 11. In Bavaria and Austria you will hear 'Grüß Gott' and 'Servus' instead.
Guten AbendA1
GOO-ten AH-bent
Gruß ab etwa 18 Uhr; 'Gute Nacht' sagt man nur vor dem Schlafengehen.
Good evening
Guten Abend, haben Sie einen Tisch für zwei?
Good evening, do you have a table for two?
From about six in the evening, and always when you arrive at a restaurant for dinner. 'Gute Nacht' is only for going to bed; on the way out of a restaurant say 'Auf Wiedersehen' or 'Schönen Abend noch' (enjoy the rest of your evening).
BitteA1
BIT-tuh
Höflichkeitswort am Ende einer Bitte; auch Antwort auf 'danke' und beim Überreichen.
Synonyms:bitte schön
Please
Ein Wasser, bitte. – Bitte schön.
A water, please. – Here you are.
Goes at the end of the request, after a comma. The trap: 'bitte' also means 'you're welcome', 'here you are' ('bitte schön', as something is handed over), 'go ahead' and 'pardon?' ('Wie bitte?'), so you will hear it constantly and it often does not mean please at all.
DankeA1
DAHN-kuh
Wort zum Bedanken; die übliche Antwort ist 'bitte' oder 'gern geschehen'.
Synonyms:danke schön, vielen Dank
Thank you
Vielen Dank! – Bitte, gern geschehen.
Thanks a lot! – You're welcome.
The reply is 'bitte' or 'bitte schön', with 'gern geschehen' as the warmer version. 'Vielen Dank' and 'danke schön' are thanks a lot. The trap: when someone offers you something, a bare 'danke' is taken as 'no, thank you'; say 'ja, bitte' to accept.
EntschuldigungA1
ent-SHOOL-di-goong
Wort, um jemanden anzusprechen oder sich für eine Kleinigkeit zu entschuldigen.
Synonyms:Entschuldigen Sie, Verzeihung
Excuse me / Sorry
Entschuldigung, können wir bestellen?
Excuse me, can we order?
One word covers getting a waiter's attention, stopping a stranger for directions and apologising for a small bump; 'Entschuldigen Sie' is the fuller formal version. For a real apology say 'Es tut mir leid' (I'm sorry). Waiters are not ignoring you: in Germany you are expected to catch their eye rather than wait.
Darf ich mal durch?A1
darf ihy mahl DOORHY
Frage, um an Leuten vorbeizukommen, zum Beispiel in der Bahn oder im Gedränge.
Synonyms:Entschuldigung
Excuse me, can I get past?
Darf ich mal durch? Ich muss hier raus.
Can I get past? I need to get off here.
German has no separate word for squeezing past; 'Entschuldigung' alone works, but this is what makes people actually move on a packed U-Bahn or in a queue. 'Ich muss hier raus' (I need to get off here) is the bus version. If you do bump someone, 'Es tut mir leid' is sorry.
Ja / NeinA1
yah / nine
Die zwei Grundantworten; 'nein, danke' lehnt höflich ab, 'ja, bitte' nimmt an.
Yes / No
Möchten Sie noch etwas? – Nein, danke.
Would you like anything else? – No, thanks.
'Nein, danke' is the polite full stop for street sellers and charity collectors; 'ja, bitte' accepts. A bare 'danke' in answer to an offer usually means no. You will also hear 'doch': yes in reply to a negative question ('You don't want it?' – 'Doch!').
Sprechen Sie Englisch?A1formal
SHPREHY-en zee ENG-lish
Frage, ob jemand Englisch spricht; höfliche Sie-Form.
Do you speak English?
Entschuldigung, sprechen Sie Englisch? – Ein bisschen.
Excuse me, do you speak English? – A little.
Asking in German first is the courtesy; in cities most people under fifty speak good English and will switch at once. 'Sie' is the formal you, right for every stranger; 'Sprichst du Englisch?' is for friends only. 'Ein bisschen' means a little.
Ich verstehe nichtA1
ihy fer-SHTAY-uh nihyt
Satz, um zu sagen, dass man das Gesagte nicht verstanden hat.
Synonyms:Wie bitte?
I don't understand
Ich verstehe nicht. Langsamer, bitte.
I don't understand. Slower, please.
Pair it with 'langsamer, bitte' (slower, please) or 'noch einmal, bitte' (once more, please). 'Ich spreche kein Deutsch' is I don't speak German. For 'pardon?' say 'Wie bitte?', never a bare 'Was?', which sounds rude.
Auf WiedersehenA1
owf VEE-der-zay-en
Höflicher Abschiedsgruß; 'Tschüss' ist lockerer, aber auch im Laden üblich.
Synonyms:Tschüss, Schönen Tag noch
Goodbye
Danke, auf Wiedersehen! – Schönen Tag noch!
Thanks, goodbye! – Have a nice day!
The safe farewell for shops, hotels and strangers. 'Tschüss' (bye) is informal but so common that shop staff say it too, so you can echo whatever they say to you. Say goodbye on the way out even if you bought nothing; 'Schönen Tag noch' is the friendly extra you will hear back.
Einen Tisch für zwei, bitteA1
EYE-nen tish fewr tsvye, BIT-tuh
Satz, um im Restaurant einen Tisch für eine bestimmte Personenzahl zu bekommen.
A table for two, please
Guten Abend, einen Tisch für zwei, bitte. – Haben Sie reserviert?
Good evening, a table for two, please. – Do you have a reservation?
Pause at the door: in most casual and mid-range restaurants staff will wave you to any free table or say 'Suchen Sie sich einen Platz aus' (sit wherever you like), and only smarter places seat you. In beer gardens, beer halls and busy casual places you seat yourself and may share a long table with strangers: ask 'Ist hier noch frei?' (is this free?). A 'Reserviert' card on the table means it is taken. Swap 'zwei' for the number you need.
Ich hätte gern…A1
ihy HET-tuh gairn
Höfliche Form, um etwas zu bestellen oder zu wünschen.
Synonyms:Ich möchte…, Ich nehme…
I'd like…
Ich hätte gern das Schnitzel. Ich hätte gern ein großes Bier.
I'd like the schnitzel. I'd like a large beer.
'Ich hätte gern' plus the item, 'bitte' at the end, is the polite order everywhere; 'Ich nehme…' (I'll have…) is what locals say once they know the menu. Avoid 'ich will' (I want), which sounds demanding. Beer comes in sizes: 'ein kleines' is 0.3 l, 'ein großes' 0.5 l.
Die Speisekarte, bitteA1
dee SHPYE-zuh-kar-tuh, BIT-tuh
Bitte um die Liste der Gerichte; 'Menü' bedeutet dagegen ein festes Mehrgänge-Essen.
Synonyms:die Karte
The menu, please
Die Speisekarte, bitte. Haben Sie eine Karte auf Englisch?
The menu, please. Do you have a menu in English?
'Die Karte' alone is understood; 'die Getränkekarte' is the drinks list. The trap: 'Menü' on a board means a set meal of several courses (or a fast-food combo), not the menu. 'Tagesgericht' or 'Mittagstisch' is the lunch special, usually the best value.
Einen Kaffee, bitteA1
EYE-nen KAH-fay, BIT-tuh
Ein Kaffee ist Filterkaffee; wer Espresso will, muss ihn ausdrücklich bestellen.
A coffee (= a filter coffee), please
Einen Kaffee, bitte. – Mit Milch und Zucker?
A coffee, please. – With milk and sugar?
'Ein Kaffee' gets you a cup of filter coffee or a large machine-made black coffee, not an espresso; order 'einen Espresso' if that is what you want. A milky coffee is 'Milchkaffee' (a big bowl-like cup) or 'Latte macchiato'; 'Cappuccino' is universal. 'Kaffee und Kuchen' mid-afternoon is a real ritual, so cafés are full at four.
Still oder mit Kohlensäure?A1
shtil OH-der mit KOH-len-zoy-ruh
Frage beim Wasserbestellen: ohne Gas (still) oder mit Gas (Kohlensäure).
Synonyms:Sprudel, stilles Wasser
Still or sparkling?
Stilles Wasser oder mit Kohlensäure? – Stilles, bitte.
Still water or sparkling? – Still, please.
Asked whenever you order water, because Germans drink it sparkling by default. Tap water ('Leitungswasser') is rarely offered and some places refuse or charge for it, so expect to pay for a bottle, often as much as a beer. You will also hear 'Mit oder ohne Kohlensäure?'; 'stilles Wasser' is still, while 'Sprudel' and plain 'Mineralwasser' usually mean sparkling. 'Mit Gas' is understood but is not what Germans say.
Die Rechnung, bitteA1
dee REHY-noong, BIT-tuh
Satz, um im Restaurant zu bezahlen; die Rechnung kommt erst auf Nachfrage.
Synonyms:Zahlen, bitte
The bill, please
Die Rechnung, bitte. – Zusammen oder getrennt? – Zusammen.
The bill, please. – Together or separately? – Together.
The bill will not come until you ask: catch the waiter's eye and say this or 'Zahlen, bitte'. You pay the waiter at the table, and they will ask 'Zusammen oder getrennt?' because paying separately per person is completely normal. Say the total you want to pay, tip included, as you hand over the money (see the Trinkgeld card).
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?A2
kahn ihy mit KAR-tuh TSAH-len
Frage, ob man mit Karte bezahlen kann; viele kleine Läden nehmen nur Bargeld.
Can I pay by card?
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? – Leider nur Bargeld.
Can I pay by card? – Cash only, I'm afraid.
Germany is still more cash-based than its neighbours: many small restaurants, bakeries, kiosks and market stalls take cash only ('Nur Bargeld') or a German debit card ('EC-Karte', 'Girocard') but no foreign credit cards, although acceptance has improved a lot. Check the sticker on the door or ask before you order, and carry 50 € in cash.
Prost!A1
prohst
Trinkspruch beim Anstoßen; dabei sieht man sich in die Augen.
Synonyms:Zum Wohl
Cheers!
Prost! – Zum Wohl!
Cheers! – To your health!
Clink glasses with everyone at the table and look each person in the eye as you do it; skipping the eye contact is the thing Germans will tease you about. 'Zum Wohl' is the slightly more formal version, used with wine. Do not drink before the toast.
Guten Appetit!A1
GOO-ten ah-peh-TEET
Wunsch vor dem Essen; die Antwort ist 'danke, gleichfalls'.
Synonyms:Mahlzeit
Enjoy your meal!
Guten Appetit! – Danke, gleichfalls.
Enjoy your meal! – Thanks, same to you.
Said by the waiter as the plates land and by everyone at your table before the first bite; the reply is 'danke, gleichfalls' (thanks, likewise). Wait for it before you start. 'Mahlzeit!' is the workplace version, used as a greeting around lunchtime.
TrinkgeldA2
TRINK-gelt
Trinkgeld gibt man beim Bezahlen, indem man den Betrag aufrundet; einen Gedeckpreis gibt es nicht.
Tip (there is no cover charge)
Das macht 27,40. – Machen Sie 30, bitte.
That's 27.40. – Make it 30, please.
A German bill has no cover charge or service line; instead you tip 5–10% by rounding up as you pay. Say the total you want to pay ('Machen Sie 30') or 'Stimmt so' (keep the change) as you hand over the cash. Paying by card, either say the total before the waiter types the amount in, or use the 'Trinkgeld?' prompt that more and more terminals now show before you tap; pressing 'Kein Trinkgeld' or skipping it is acceptable. Leaving coins on the table afterwards is not the custom. 'Bedienung inklusive' on a menu just means service is already in the prices.
Was kostet…?A1
vahs KOS-tet
Frage nach dem Preis von etwas.
Synonyms:Wie viel kostet…?
How much is…?
Was kostet das? Was kostet eine Fahrkarte?
How much is this? How much is a ticket?
Frame: 'was kostet' plus the item, or just 'Was kostet das?' while pointing. For several items, 'Was kosten die?'. At the till, 'Was macht das?' asks for the total, answered with 'Das macht zwölf vierzig' for 12.40; the comma is the decimal point in German prices.
Das ist zu teuerA1
dahs ist tsoo TOY-er
Satz, um zu sagen, dass der Preis zu hoch ist.
That's too expensive
Das ist zu teuer. Trotzdem danke.
That's too expensive. Thanks anyway.
Prices are fixed almost everywhere in Germany and haggling in a shop or at a food market is rude; a little bargaining is fine only at flea markets ('Flohmarkt') and for second-hand goods. 'Trotzdem danke' lets you walk away politely.
Bar oder mit Karte?A1
bahr OH-der mit KAR-tuh
Frage an der Kasse: bar bezahlen oder mit Karte.
Cash or card?
Bar oder mit Karte? – Mit Karte, bitte.
Cash or card? – Card, please.
The question at every till. 'Bar' is cash, 'mit Karte' card. If they ask 'EC oder Kreditkarte?', say 'Kreditkarte' for a foreign Visa or Mastercard, which some machines treat differently. Some places take cards only above 5 or 10 €; 'Nur Bargeld' means cash only.
Den Kassenbon, bitteA2
dayn KAHS-sen-bong, BIT-tuh
Der Beleg nach dem Bezahlen; an der Kasse wird gefragt, ob man ihn braucht.
Synonyms:der Bon, die Quittung
The receipt, please
Brauchen Sie den Bon? – Ja, den Kassenbon, bitte.
Do you need the receipt? – Yes, the receipt, please.
Shops must print a receipt ('Bonpflicht' since 2020) but you are not obliged to take it, so cashiers ask 'Brauchen Sie den Bon?' and most people say no. Take it for anything you might return. The bottle-return machine prints a separate 'Pfand' slip that you cash in at the till. 'Die Quittung' is a receipt for a service such as a taxi.
Ich schaue mich nur um, dankeA1
ihy SHOW-uh mihy noor oom, DAHN-kuh (ow as in cow)
Höfliche Antwort an das Verkaufspersonal, wenn man nichts kaufen möchte.
Synonyms:Ich schaue nur
I'm just looking, thanks
Kann ich Ihnen helfen? – Ich schaue mich nur um, danke.
Can I help you? – I'm just looking, thanks.
The answer to 'Kann ich Ihnen helfen?'; staff will then leave you alone, which is the German way. The shorter 'Ich schaue nur' works too. Say 'Hallo' on the way in and 'Tschüss' on the way out even if you buy nothing.
Das ist alles, dankeA1
dahs ist AH-les, DAHN-kuh
Satz, um zu sagen, dass man nichts mehr möchte.
Synonyms:Das wär's
That's all, thanks
Sonst noch etwas? – Das ist alles, danke.
Anything else? – That's all, thanks.
Ends the order at a bakery, butcher or market stall. 'Das wär's' is what locals actually say, and 'Sonst noch etwas?' or 'Noch einen Wunsch?' is the question that prompts it. At a deli counter you order by weight, '200 Gramm', or by slices, 'zwei Scheiben'.
Einmal das hier, bitteA1
EYEN-mahl dahs heer, BIT-tuh
Satz zum Bestellen, wenn man auf etwas zeigt; 'einmal' heißt ein Stück davon.
Synonyms:Eins davon, bitte
One of these, please
Einmal das hier, bitte. – Zum Mitnehmen?
One of these, please. – To take away?
'Einmal' (one of) plus pointing orders any pastry, sausage or ticket; 'zweimal' is two of them. 'Zum Mitnehmen' is to take away, 'zum Hieressen' to eat in. Bakeries and snack bars ask at every till because the answer decides the bag or the plate, and in some places the price still differs by a few cents, so answer before they ring it up.
Haben Sie…?A1formal
HAH-ben zee
Frage, ob ein Geschäft oder Lokal etwas hat; höfliche Sie-Form.
Synonyms:Gibt es…?
Do you have…?
Haben Sie das eine Nummer größer? Haben Sie WLAN?
Do you have this one size bigger? Do you have Wi-Fi?
Frame: 'Haben Sie' plus the thing; 'Gibt es…?' (is there…?) does the same job. The trap: Wi-Fi is 'WLAN' in Germany, said 'VAY-lahn', and that is the word on the sign. Clothing sizes follow the German scale (a UK 10 or US 6 is a German 36; only shoe sizes match across Europe), so check the chart; 'eine Nummer größer / kleiner' is one size up or down.
Geöffnet / GeschlossenA1
guh-ERF-net / guh-SHLOS-sen
Die zwei Ladenschilder; sonntags sind fast alle Geschäfte geschlossen.
Synonyms:offen / zu
Open / Closed
Sonntag geschlossen. Montag Ruhetag.
Closed on Sundays. Monday is our day off.
The two shop-door signs; hand-written ones say 'offen' and 'zu'. The trap: nearly all shops, supermarkets included, are closed on Sundays by law, so stock up on Saturday; bakeries open Sunday morning and station shops and petrol stations sell basics. 'Ruhetag' on a restaurant door is its weekly closing day, often Monday.
Reduziert / KasseA1
reh-doo-TSEERT / KAS-suh
'Reduziert' heißt herabgesetzt; 'Kasse' ist der Ort, an dem man bezahlt.
Synonyms:Sale, Angebot
Sale / Checkout
Alles reduziert: bis zu 50 %. Bitte an der Kasse zahlen.
Everything reduced: up to 50% off. Please pay at the checkout.
'Reduziert' means marked down and is what you see on rails and price tags, often next to a bare '%' or '-50 %'; the English word 'Sale' is printed on most clothing-shop windows, and 'Angebot' is a supermarket special offer. 'Kasse' is the till, and also the ticket desk at museums. Over the supermarket loudspeaker, 'Kasse zwei, bitte' means a second till is opening, so move over.
Wo ist…?A1
voh ist
Frage, wo sich ein Ort befindet.
Where is…?
Wo ist der Bahnhof? Wo ist die Toilette?
Where is the station? Where is the bathroom?
Frame: 'Wo ist' plus the place with its article (der, die or das); start with 'Entschuldigung'. For plural places use 'Wo sind…?'. 'Wo ist hier…?' (where is there a … around here) is what locals say. The answer will use the three direction words: links, rechts, geradeaus.
Wo ist die Toilette?A1
voh ist dee toy-LET-tuh
Frage nach der Toilette; an Bahnhöfen kostet sie meist Geld.
Synonyms:das WC
Where is the bathroom?
Entschuldigung, wo ist die Toilette? – Hinten links.
Excuse me, where is the toilet? – At the back on the left.
'Toilette' is the word; 'Badezimmer' is a bathroom with a bath. On doors: 'Damen' / 'Herren' or just 'D' / 'H', and 'WC'. The trap: toilets at stations and motorway services charge about 1 € (often with a voucher back); in cafés they are for customers, and a saucer with coins by the door means a small tip is expected.
Wo ist der Bahnhof?A1
voh ist dehr BAHN-hohf
Frage nach dem Weg zum Bahnhof; 'Hbf' steht für Hauptbahnhof.
Where is the station?
Wo ist der Bahnhof? – Geradeaus, fünf Minuten.
Where is the station? – Straight ahead, five minutes.
'Bahnhof' is the train station; 'Hauptbahnhof' (Hbf on every sign) is the main station. 'U-Bahn' is the underground, 'S-Bahn' the suburban rail, and 'ZOB' or 'Busbahnhof' the coach station. 'Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof' is the German for 'it's all Greek to me'.
Eine Fahrkarte nach München, bitteA1
EYE-nuh FAHR-kar-tuh nahkh MEWN-hyen, BIT-tuh
Satz zum Kauf einer Fahrkarte zu einem Zielort.
Synonyms:ein Ticket
A ticket to Munich, please
Eine Fahrkarte nach München, bitte. – Einfach oder hin und zurück?
A ticket to Munich, please. – One way or return?
'Einfach' is one way, 'hin und zurück' return; 'Ticket' is understood everywhere. The red DB machines have an English menu and the DB Navigator app sells the same tickets without the counter queue. The trap: the cheap 'Sparpreis' is tied to one specific train; only the 'Flexpreis' lets you take any train that day.
Welches Gleis?A1
VEL-hyes glyce (rhymes with ice)
Frage, von welchem Gleis der Zug abfährt.
Which platform?
Welches Gleis nach Hamburg? – Gleis sieben.
Which platform for Hamburg? – Platform seven.
'Gleis' is the track number on the departures board ('Abfahrt') and the platform signs. The trap: platform changes ('Gleiswechsel') are announced late, and long trains stop in sections A to F marked on the platform, so check where your coach ('Wagen') number will stop on the display. 'Verspätung' means delay.
Links / rechts / geradeausA1
links / rehyts / guh-rah-duh-OWS
Die drei Richtungswörter: links, rechts, geradeaus.
Left / right / straight on
Geradeaus, dann die zweite Straße rechts.
Straight on, then the second street on the right.
The three words every answer to 'Wo ist' contains. 'Immer geradeaus' is keep straight, 'um die Ecke' round the corner, 'gegenüber' opposite, 'weit' far, 'in der Nähe' near. Germans give directions precisely: 'die zweite links' is the second left, and they will count the streets for you.
Eingang / AusgangA1
EYEN-gahng / OWS-gahng
Die Schilder für Eingang und Ausgang; 'Notausgang' ist der Fluchtweg.
Synonyms:Ausfahrt
Entrance / Exit
Notausgang. Kein Eingang.
Emergency exit. No entry.
'Ausgang' is the way out at stations, airports and museums; 'Notausgang' is the emergency exit, and on the motorway the exit is 'Ausfahrt' (many tourists think it is a town). At U-Bahn stations each 'Ausgang' sign lists the street it leads to. 'Eintritt frei' means free admission.
Drücken / ZiehenA1
DREW-ken / TSEE-en
Die Wörter an Türen: drücken heißt schieben, ziehen heißt zu sich ziehen.
Push / Pull
Drücken. – Ziehen.
Push. – Pull.
The door words, as bare verbs. 'Drücken' also appears on buttons: the trap is that bus, tram and many train doors do not open by themselves; you press the lit button, and on buses you press 'Halt' or 'Stop' or it may not stop. 'Auf' / 'Zu' marks gates and lifts.
Fahrkarte entwertenA2
FAHR-kar-tuh ent-VEHR-ten
Papierfahrkarte ohne aufgedruckte Uhrzeit vor der Fahrt im Entwerter abstempeln; sonst drohen 60 Euro Strafe.
Synonyms:Hier entwerten
Validate your ticket
Bitte Fahrkarte vor Fahrtantritt entwerten.
Please validate your ticket before starting your journey.
The fine that catches tourists: on buses, trams, U-Bahn and S-Bahn some paper tickets are only valid once stamped in the small box ('Entwerter') on the platform or on board; riding unstamped counts as fare-dodging ('Schwarzfahren') and costs 60 € ('erhöhtes Beförderungsentgelt') on the spot. Rules differ by city: in Berlin machine tickets must be stamped, while in Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich (except the Streifenkarte) they come out already validated. Rule of thumb: if the ticket has no date and time printed on it, stamp it. App tickets, the Deutschlandticket and DB long-distance tickets never need a stamp. Inspectors are plain-clothes and show no mercy.
HaltestelleA1
HAHL-tuh-shtel-luh
Der Ort, wo Bus und Bahn halten; das Schild ist ein grünes H im gelben Kreis.
Synonyms:Halt
Stop (bus / tram)
Nächste Haltestelle: Marienplatz. Ausstieg links.
Next stop: Marienplatz. Exit on the left.
The sign at bus and tram stops is a green H in a yellow circle. On board you hear 'Nächste Haltestelle' on buses and 'Nächster Halt' on trains, followed by 'Ausstieg links / rechts' telling you which side the doors open. Press the stop button in time; buses do not halt at every stop.
Ich habe eine ReservierungA1
ihy HAH-buh EYE-nuh reh-zer-VEE-roong
Satz an der Rezeption, wenn man schon gebucht hat.
I have a reservation
Guten Abend, ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen Smith.
Good evening, I have a reservation under the name Smith.
The check-in opener at hotels and restaurants; 'auf den Namen' plus your surname gives the name. Hotels will ask for your passport ('Reisepass'; they will say 'Ihren Ausweis, bitte') and a signed registration form ('Meldeschein'), which the law still requires for foreign guests. Many cities add a tourist tax ('Kurtaxe' or 'City Tax') per night, settled at check-in or check-out and sometimes in cash only.
Den Schlüssel, bitteA1
dayn SHLEWS-sel, BIT-tuh
Bitte um den Zimmerschlüssel an der Rezeption.
The key, please
Den Schlüssel, bitte. Zimmer zwölf.
The key, please. Room twelve.
Smaller hotels and guesthouses ('Pension', 'Gasthof') keep keys at the desk: leave it when you go out and ask for it with 'Zimmer' plus the number when you return. 'Die Schlüsselkarte' is a key card. Note the 'sch' before 'l': 'shl', not 'skl'.
Wie ist das WLAN-Passwort?A1
vee ist dahs VAY-lahn-PAHS-vort
Frage nach dem Passwort für das WLAN im Hotel oder Café.
What's the Wi-Fi password?
Wie ist das WLAN-Passwort? – Es steht auf der Karte.
What's the Wi-Fi password? – It's written on the card.
The trap: the German word is 'WLAN', said 'VAY-lahn'; 'Wi-Fi' said the English way can get a blank look. Free Wi-Fi in cafés is less universal than elsewhere in Europe, so ask 'Haben Sie WLAN?' first. 'Kostenlos' or 'gratis' means free.
Wann gibt es Frühstück?A1
vahn gipt es FREW-shtewk
Frage nach der Frühstückszeit im Hotel.
What time is breakfast?
Wann gibt es Frühstück? – Von sieben bis zehn.
What time is breakfast? – From seven to ten.
'Wann gibt es' is when is there; the answer 'von… bis…' gives the range. German hotel breakfast is a buffet of bread rolls, cold cuts, cheese and boiled eggs, usually included ('Frühstück inklusive'). Written times use the 24-hour clock: 'bis 10 Uhr'. The other question you need: 'Wann ist Check-out?'.
Hilfe!A1
HIL-fuh
Ruf um Hilfe im Notfall; Notruf 112, Polizei 110.
Help!
Hilfe! Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen!
Help! Call an ambulance!
Shout it; everyone understands. 112 is the emergency number for ambulance and fire everywhere in Germany, with English-speaking operators; 110 is the police. 'Haltet den Dieb!' (stop, thief!) if someone grabs a bag; 'Feuer!' is fire.
Ich brauche einen ArztA2
ihy BROW-khuh EYE-nen ahrtst (ow as in cow)
Satz, um zu sagen, dass man einen Arzt braucht; Notruf 112.
I need a doctor
Ich brauche einen Arzt. Mir geht es nicht gut.
I need a doctor. I don't feel well.
'Ich brauche' is I need. 'Notaufnahme' is the emergency department and 112 the ambulance; for a non-urgent out-of-hours doctor call 116 117. EU visitors use the EHIC card; everyone else pays and claims on insurance, so carry the details. For minor problems try the pharmacy first.
Wo ist die Apotheke?A1
voh ist dee ah-poh-TAY-kuh
Frage nach der Apotheke; das Zeichen ist ein großes rotes A.
Where is the pharmacy?
Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Look for the big red 'A' sign. Pharmacists advise and sell many remedies without a prescription, but the trap is that even painkillers like ibuprofen are pharmacy-only: a 'Drogerie' (dm, Rossmann) sells toiletries, not medicine. 'Notdienst' is the pharmacy on duty at night and on Sunday; every pharmacy door lists the nearest one.
Rufen Sie bitte die PolizeiA2formal
ROO-fen zee BIT-tuh dee poh-li-TSYE
Bitte, die Polizei zu rufen; Notruf 110.
Call the police, please
Rufen Sie bitte die Polizei. Mein Portemonnaie wurde gestohlen.
Call the police, please. My wallet has been stolen.
Formal Sie request. The police number is 110 (112 is ambulance and fire). For a stolen item you need an 'Anzeige' (police report) for insurance, made at any 'Polizeiwache' or online in most states; bring your passport. 'Geldbeutel' and 'Geldbörse' also mean wallet.
Ich habe mich verlaufenA1
ihy HAH-buh mihy fer-LOW-fen (ow as in cow)
Satz, um zu sagen, dass man den Weg nicht mehr findet.
I'm lost
Ich habe mich verlaufen. Wo ist der Marienplatz?
I'm lost. Where is Marienplatz?
No gendered forms in German. 'Verlaufen' is lost on foot; lost while driving is 'verfahren'. Follow it with 'Wo ist…' and the place, or show the address on your phone; 'Ist es weit?' (is it far?) gets a useful answer. Germans will often simply walk you there.
Können Sie bitte ein Taxi rufen?A2formal
KER-nen zee BIT-tuh eyen TAHK-see ROO-fen
Höfliche Bitte, ein Taxi zu rufen.
Can you call a taxi, please?
Können Sie bitte ein Taxi rufen? – Gerne, wohin?
Can you call a taxi, please? – Of course, where to?
Formal 'Können Sie' (can you). A taxi with its yellow roof sign lit can be hailed in the street, but it is easier to use a rank ('Taxistand') at stations and big hotels, the FreeNow app, or to ask the hotel or restaurant. Uber exists in the big cities but uses licensed drivers at similar prices. Fares are metered; round up to tip and ask for 'eine Quittung' if you need a receipt.
einsA1
eyens (rhymes with mines)
Die Zahl 1.
one
Einmal nach Berlin, bitte.
One to Berlin, please.
'Eins' when counting or on its own. Before a noun it becomes 'ein', 'eine' or 'einen' depending on the noun (ein Bier, eine Fahrkarte, einen Kaffee); 'einmal' (one time) is the easy way to order one of anything.
zweiA1
tsvye
Die Zahl 2.
Synonyms:zwo
two
Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte.
A table for two, please.
'Z' is 'ts' and 'w' is 'v'. On the phone or at a noisy counter Germans say 'zwo' so it is not confused with 'drei'. 'Wir sind zu zweit' means there are two of us.
dreiA1
drye
Die Zahl 3.
three
Gleis drei.
Platform three.
Sounds like 'dry'. Platform, room and bus numbers are read as plain numbers. 'Wir sind zu dritt' is there are three of us.
vierA1
feer
Die Zahl 4.
four
Wir sind zu viert.
There are four of us.
'V' is 'f' here, and 'ie' is a long 'ee'. 'Wir sind zu viert' is how you tell a restaurant how many you are. Do not confuse it with 'für' (for), as in 'für vier' (for four).
fünfA1
fewnf
Die Zahl 5.
five
Das macht fünf Euro.
That's five euros.
Say 'ee' with rounded lips for the 'ü'. 'Das macht' plus a price is how the total is announced; 'Euro' never takes a plural s, and cents follow directly: 'fünf Euro zwanzig' is 5.20.
sechsA1
zeks
Die Zahl 6.
six
Wir treffen uns um sechs.
We'll meet at six.
'Um' plus the hour is at a time. 'Sechs' sounds like 'sex'; in 'sechzehn' (sixteen) and 'sechzig' (sixty) the 's' sound drops. Timetables use the 24-hour clock, so '18 Uhr' is six in the evening.
siebenA1
ZEE-ben
Die Zahl 7.
seven
Frühstück gibt es ab sieben.
Breakfast is from seven.
'Ab' plus the hour is 'from'. The trap for English ears: 'halb acht' (half eight) means 7:30, not 8:30, because Germans count half-way to the next hour.
achtA1
ahkht
Die Zahl 8.
eight
Der Zug fährt um acht.
The train leaves at eight.
'Fährt um' plus the hour is leaves at. Germans eat dinner early, between six and eight, so a restaurant booking at eight is on the late side. 'Achtung' (attention) on signs and announcements is a different word.
neunA1
noyn
Die Zahl 9.
nine
Zimmer neun.
Room nine.
Rhymes with 'coin'. The classic mix-up: 'nein' sounds like English 'nine' but means no, while nine is 'neun'. Room numbers are given as plain numbers.
zehnA1
tsayn
Die Zahl 10.
ten
Zehn Minuten zu Fuß.
Ten minutes on foot.
'Zu Fuß' is on foot; 'zehn Minuten' is the answer you want to 'Ist es weit?'. 'Zwanzig' is twenty, 'hundert' a hundred. Numbers 21 to 99 are said backwards: 'vierundzwanzig' is four-and-twenty, so a price of 24.50 is 'vierundzwanzig fünfzig'.