20 Phrases You Should Learn Before You Visit Germany

Germany is a blast to explore. While its history has complexities, countless sites exist to discover and learn from. But what I adore most about Germany is its breathtaking views and delicious cuisine.

Many people may feel hesitant about visiting Germany due to language barriers and its historical background, but it’s a fantastic place to visit today.

During my college study abroad stint, I had the opportunity to visit Germany multiple times. I found that picking up a few German phrases made a huge difference in connecting with locals and truly enjoying my time there.

If you’re curious like me and want to brush up on some essential phrases before heading to Germany, here’s a helpful list to get you started.

1. Hallo – Hello

Pronunciation: hallo

“Hallo” is a straightforward phrase in German, as it closely resembles its English counterpart. It’s a versatile greeting that you can use when entering a store, passing someone on the street, or entering a restaurant. Just like in English, “Hello” (“Hallo” in German) can be used in various situations where you’d greet someone!

2. Auf Wiedersehen – Goodbye

Pronunciation: off vee-duh-zane

Okay, don’t freak out. This word might seem unfamiliar and a bit intimidating, especially compared to “Hello” or “Hallo” in German, as it’s pretty different from its English equivalent. “Auf Wiedersehen” is the German way of saying goodbye. It’s the ideal phrase to use when leaving a place, similar to how you would use “Goodbye” in English.

The pronunciation is “off vee-duh-zane,” despite its intimidating appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to say and quite enjoyable to use. It’s also a fantastic way to show locals you value their time but are heading out. I personally enjoy using this phrase with a smile as I leave a store, letting the staff know that I’m departing but grateful for their service and the store experience.

3. Guten Morgen – Good morning

Pronunciation: gue-ten morg-en

One of the ways I love to start the day in Germany is by saying “Guten Morgen,” which is quite similar to “Good Morning” in English. It’s a great greeting when entering a cafe, grocery store, shop, hotel, or any business in the morning.

4. Danke – Thank you

Pronunciation: dan-kuh

After experiencing a kind gesture such as someone holding the door for you, filling your water at a restaurant, giving directions, or in many other scenarios, try using the German word “Danke” instead of the English “Thank you.” This conveys your appreciation for their assistance and demonstrates your effort to communicate in their native language, which is always a thoughtful gesture.

5. Bitte – Please

Pronunciation: bit-uh

Before seeking help or assistance, begin by saying “Bitte,” which translates to “Please” in English. This approach is a polite and thoughtful way of requesting something from someone rather than demanding their attention or help.

6. Entschuldigung – Excuse Me

Pronunciation: en-shoy-due-go

When navigating busy streets in Frankfurt or Munich or trying to get through a crowded subway, use “Entschuldigung” in German instead of “Excuse Me” in English. This shows you’re politely asking to pass, and speaking their language lets them know you respect their culture and that you’re not just a rude tourist passing through.

7. Ja – Yes

Pronunciation: jah

Here’s how to say “Yes” in German. While many people in major cities in Germany will understand if you say “Yes” in English, using the German word “Ja” is a small but meaningful way to show locals that you’re embracing their culture and appreciating them.

8. Nein – No 

Pronunciation: nine

This is how to say “No” in German. It’s straightforward and a wonderful way to demonstrate to the locals that you’re trying to learn their language and show your appreciation.

9. Deutsch – German

Pronunciation: doy-ch

You might notice signs with “Deutsch” accompanied by the German flag, which can be puzzling. “Deutsch” means “German,” so they refer to the same thing. In English, “German” and “Germany” are the equivalents of “Deutsch” and “Deutschland.”

It may initially seem confusing, but it’s helpful to understand before your trip. While locals will understand if you interchange the terms, it’s good to know beforehand that “Deutsch” means “German.” 

10. Wie gehts? – How are you?

Pronunciation: wee gates

In German, you can ask, “How are you?” as a polite way to chat with locals. For example, in the morning, you might say, “Guten Morgen. Wie geht’s?” which means “Good Morning. How are you?”

11. Sprechen sie Englisch? – Do you speak English?

Pronunciation: spre-ken zee English

This phrase is quite useful. Whether you’re in a store, seeking directions on the street, or approaching a hostess at a restaurant, start with a smile and say, “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” which means “Do you speak English?” In major cities, they’ll likely switch to English for you. If not, they may shake their head no or find someone else who speaks English to assist them.

12. Ich spreche kein Deutsch – I don’t speak German

Pronunciation: ish spre-keh kine doy-ch

If someone starts speaking rapidly in what sounds like a stream of unfamiliar words, they’re probably speaking German to you. Politely let them finish, smile, and say, “Ich spreche kein Deutsch,” which means “I don’t speak German.” Usually, they’ll switch to English if they know it, or they might smile, nod, and continue with their day.

13. Wo ist… – Where is…

Pronunciation: wuh ist

Learning this phrase is crucial before your trip to Germany, as it’s incredibly versatile. “Wo ist…” translates to “Where is…” and can be used in various situations. One of the most common uses is “Wo ist die Toilette?” for “Where is the bathroom?” Another popular phrase is “Wo ist der Bahnhof?” for “Where is the train station?” It’s a valuable expression for asking for directions or locating something throughout the country.

14. Ich verstehe nicht – I don’t understand

Pronunciation: ich vey-stey-ee niche

It’s common for locals to speak German quickly when you enter a business. Let them finish, then say “Ich verstehe nicht” or “I don’t understand” in English. This indicates that you didn’t comprehend what they said. They’ll likely ask “English?” to confirm if you speak English. Once you nod and say “Ja” or “Yes,” they’ll switch to English to continue the conversation.

15. Kann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben? – Can I please have the menu?

Pronunciation: kann iche bit-uh die spize-kart-uh hab-en

One of the highlights of traveling to different countries is indulging in their cuisine. Restaurants abroad have a different pace than those in the United States; they cherish the moment and take their time.

Knowing how to ask for the menu can be incredibly useful, especially if you’re hungry and eager to eat. To request the menu, you can say, “Kann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben?” They should respond with a smile, nod, and promptly bring the menu over to you.

16. Ich hätte – I would like…

Pronunciation: eh het-uh

Here’s how you say “I would like” in German. I often use this phrase when ordering at a restaurant, cafe, or bar! Some of my favorite ways to use it include saying “Ich hätte gerne ein Bier” for “I would like a beer.” Another favorite is at a cafe, saying “Ich hätte gerne einen Espresso” for “I would like an espresso.”

17. Eins, Zwei, Drei, Vier, Fünf, Sechs, Sieben, Acht, Neun, Zehn – One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten

Pronunciation: eyens, z-vy, dry, fear, fuh-nf, zex, ze-ben, ah-ct, nine, seen

Having a grasp of basic numbers before traveling abroad can be quite helpful. It is handy when navigating menu items, searching for street numbers, or ordering multiple pastries at a cafe. I also like to accompany the number with hand gestures to ensure clear communication.

18. Prost! – Cheers!

Pronunciation: pr-ah-st

One of my top picks for words to use in Germany is “Prost,” which means “Cheers” in English. It’s the ideal expression for raising a toast when you’re served a refreshing beer. Raise your glass to friends, locals, or anyone around and say, “Prost!” It’s a fun way to celebrate the little things in life before enjoying your cold drink.

19. Bier – Beer

Pronunciation: beer

A useful word to know before traveling to Germany is “Bier,” meaning “Beer” in English. While it’s similar to its English counterpart, you could probably get by without knowing it, it’s still one of my favorites. Germany is renowned for its outstanding beer, particularly during Oktoberfest, which offers incredible brews and a lively atmosphere.

While cold beer is often seen in bottles, another popular way to enjoy it in Germany is in a stein. A stein is like a pint glass but much bigger. It holds 1 liter, which is about 34 ounces. This is how draft beer is commonly served in Germany, so it’s good to know before you visit.

20. Pretzel – Brezel

Pronunciation: bretz-uh

You can’t go to Germany and not devour a few of their world-famous pretzels. However, don’t expect to see “Pretzel” on every menu, only to be disappointed when you can’t find any. Many places do serve them, but they’re often labeled in German as “Brezel.”

I made this mistake during my first trip to Germany as a teenager studying abroad. I spent ages scouring menus looking for pretzels, only to realize they were listed under “Brezel” on several menus I checked. I have definitely learned my lesson sense!