Germany is one of Europe’s most visited countries. The castles, the Christmas markets, the beer halls, the trains that actually run on time. It earns every visitor it gets.
Here is what most German phrase guides get wrong: they try to make you conversational. That backfires.
If you deliver a perfectly formed German sentence, the local will assume you are fluent and reply at full speed.
You will then have to awkwardly admit you understood nothing.
German for travel is not about conversation.
It is about three things: signaling respect, smoothing transactions, and reading infrastructure. This guide gives you exactly that.
Before You Start: The One Rule That Matters Most
The German community is consistent on this. Almost everyone in German cities speaks excellent English. The gap is not linguistic. It is social.
Walking up to a German stranger and launching into English without warning is considered blunt. It skips the basic courtesy of acknowledging the person in front of you.
The formula that works every time:
Step 1. “Entschuldigung…” (Excuse me)
Step 2. “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” (Do you speak English?)
That two-step sequence is not about checking whether they can speak English.
In Berlin or Munich, they almost certainly can. It is a social buffer that shows you respect their space.
Once they confirm yes, the conversation continues in English and everyone is comfortable.
This one habit covers 90 percent of your interactions in Germany.
Section 1: German Pronunciation Basics
German looks harder than it sounds. Once you learn the core rules, you can read almost any word aloud.
Every letter is pronounced. There are almost no silent letters.
Key Sounds English Speakers Struggle With
| Letter / Sound | How it sounds | Example | Notes |
| ü | Like “ee” with rounded lips | Tschüss (bye) | No direct English equivalent; say “ee” while pursing lips |
| ö | Like “ur” in “hurt” | schön (beautiful) | Round your lips while saying “eh” |
| ä | Like “eh” in “bed” | Bäckerei (bakery) | Short and crisp |
| ch (after a, o, u) | Like “kh” in Scottish “loch” | auch (also) | Guttural, from the back of the throat |
| ch (after e, i) | Soft hissing sound | ich (I) | Like a gentle “sh” but breathier |
| ß (eszett) | Always “ss” | Straße (street) | Never pronounced differently; just double s |
| ei | “eye” sound | ein (a/one) | Like English “eye” |
| ie | “ee” sound | Bier (beer) | Like English “ee” |
| w | “v” sound | Wasser (water) | Never like English “w” |
| v | “f” sound | vier (four) | Never like English “v” |
| z | “ts” sound | zwei (two) | Like “ts” in “cats” |
| j | “y” sound | ja (yes) | Like “y” in “yes” |
Stress Rule
German stress almost always falls on the first syllable of the base word.
- Entschuldigung = ENT-shul-di-gung
- Hauptbahnhof = HAUPT-bahn-hof
- Bäckerei = BECK-er-eye (stress shifts to suffix here as an exception)
False Friends: German Words That Fool English Speakers
These German words look like English words but mean something completely different.
Knowing them prevents embarrassing moments.
| German word | What it looks like | What it actually means |
| Gift | Gift | Poison |
| bald | Bald | Soon |
| also | Also | So / Therefore |
| fast | Fast | Almost |
| Chef | Chef | Boss / Manager |
| Brief | Brief | Letter (as in mail) |
| See | See | Lake or sea |
| handy | Handy | Mobile phone |
Section 2: Formal vs Informal — The Sie vs Du Rule
German has two ways to say “you” and using the wrong one with the wrong person is the most common mistake tourists make.
Sie (zee) — formal “you.” Used with strangers, older people, service staff, and anyone in a professional context. Always capitalized in writing.
Du (doo) — informal “you.” Used with friends, family, children, and people who have invited you to use it.
The practical rule for travel: use Sie with everyone. Always. Hotel staff, waiters, shopkeepers, taxi drivers, locals you ask for directions.
If a German wants you to use Du, they will say “Du kannst mich duzen” (you can use Du with me). Until that invitation, Sie is always correct.
Using Du with a stranger does not cause offense but it does mark you as someone who has not learned the basic social code.
Section 3: Greetings and Essentials
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Hello (casual) | Hallo | HAH-lo |
| Good day (formal) | Guten Tag | GOO-ten tahk |
| Good morning | Guten Morgen | GOO-ten MOR-gen |
| Good evening | Guten Abend | GOO-ten AH-bent |
| Good night | Gute Nacht | GOO-teh nakht |
| Goodbye (formal) | Auf Wiedersehen | owf VEE-der-zay-en |
| Bye (casual) | Tschüss | chüss |
| Please / You’re welcome | Bitte | BIT-teh |
| Thank you | Danke | DAHN-keh |
| Thank you very much | Danke schön | DAHN-keh shern |
| You’re welcome | Bitte schön | BIT-teh shern |
| Excuse me | Entschuldigung | ent-SHUL-di-gung |
| I’m sorry | Es tut mir leid | es toot meer lyte |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nein | yah / nyne |
| That’s fine / No problem | Kein Problem | kyne pro-BLAYM |
| Cheers! | Prost! | prohst |
Regional Greetings: Where and When to Use Them
Germany is not culturally uniform. The greeting you hear in Hamburg sounds nothing like the one in Munich. Using the local variant earns an immediate smile.
| Greeting | Region | Meaning | When to use it |
| Moin | Northern Germany (Hamburg, Bremen, coast) | Hello (any time of day) | Morning, afternoon, or evening in the north |
| Grüß Gott | Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Austria | “God greet you” | Traditional greeting in southern Germany and rural Bavaria |
| Servus | Bavaria, Austria | Hello / Goodbye (informal) | With locals in Bavaria; works as both greeting and farewell |
| Guten Tag | Everywhere | Good day | Safe and formal everywhere, any time of day |
Section 4: Asking for Help
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Excuse me | Entschuldigung | ent-SHUL-di-gung |
| Do you speak English? | Sprechen Sie Englisch? | SHPREH-khen zee ENG-lish? |
| I don’t speak German | Ich spreche kein Deutsch | ikh SHPREH-kheh kyne doytch |
| I don’t understand | Ich verstehe das nicht | ikh fer-SHTAY-eh das nikht |
| Can you speak more slowly? | Können Sie langsamer sprechen? | KER-nen zee LANG-zah-mer SHPREH-khen? |
| Can you repeat that? | Können Sie das wiederholen? | KER-nen zee das VEE-der-hoh-len? |
| Can you write it down? | Können Sie das aufschreiben? | KER-nen zee das OWF-shry-ben? |
| Can you help me? | Können Sie mir helfen? | KER-nen zee meer HEL-fen? |
| I need help | Ich brauche Hilfe | ikh BROW-kheh HIL-feh |
The Duolingo Trap: Why Less Is More in German
German is one of the most grammatically complex languages for English speakers.
To form even a basic correct sentence, you need to calculate the case, gender, and verb conjugation simultaneously.
The community warning is clear: if you practice a complex German phrase and deliver it perfectly, the local assumes you are fluent and responds at full speed.
You then have to awkwardly confess you understood nothing.
The solution: keep it minimal. Two words do more work than two sentences.
“Bitte” (please) and “Danke” (thank you) signal respect without triggering a language trap.
“Entschuldigung, Sprechen Sie Englisch?” opens every other door.
That is genuinely all you need for most tourist interactions in German cities.
Section 5: Directions
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Where is…? | Wo ist…? | voh ist…? |
| How do I get to…? | Wie komme ich zu…? | vee KOM-meh ikh tsoo…? |
| Left | Links | links |
| Right | Rechts | rekhts |
| Straight ahead | Geradeaus | geh-RAH-deh-ows |
| Turn | Abbiegen | AB-bee-gen |
| Near / Far | Nah / Weit | nah / vyte |
| Here / There | Hier / Dort | heer / dort |
| At the corner | An der Ecke | an der EK-keh |
| Traffic light | Ampel | AM-pel |
| Street | Straße | SHTRAH-seh |
| Square | Platz | plats |
| Bridge | Brücke | BRÜK-keh |
| Is it far? | Ist es weit? | ist es vyte? |
Section 6: Transport and Deutsche Bahn
Germany’s rail network (Deutsche Bahn, DB) is extensive and fast.
The ICE (Intercity Express) connects major cities.
Regional trains (Regionalbahn, RB) serve smaller destinations. The S-Bahn (suburban rail) and U-Bahn (underground) cover cities.
The Three Things Every DB Traveler Must Know
1. Hbf = Hauptbahnhof. This abbreviation appears on every sign, ticket, and app. It means Central Station or Main Train Station. When your ticket says “München Hbf,” it means Munich Central Station.
2. Listen for Zugverspätung. If you hear this word on the platform speaker or see it on the departure board, your train is delayed. Zurverspätung von X Minuten means a delay of X minutes.
3. Zug fällt aus. This means the train is cancelled. If you see or hear this, go to the information desk (Information) or DB Service Point immediately.
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Where is the central station? | Wo ist der Hauptbahnhof? | voh ist der HOWPT-bahn-hof? |
| Where is the platform? | Wo ist das Gleis? | voh ist das glyce? |
| One ticket to… please | Eine Fahrkarte nach…, bitte | EYE-neh FAR-kar-teh nakh… BIT-teh |
| Return ticket | Hin und zurück | hin oont tsoo-RÜK |
| One way | Einfache Fahrt | EYE-nfakh-eh fart |
| Which platform? | Welches Gleis? | VEL-khes glyce? |
| Is this the train to…? | Fährt dieser Zug nach…? | fairt DEE-zer tsook nakh…? |
| Train delay | Zugverspätung | TSOOK-fer-shpay-tung |
| Train cancelled | Zug fällt aus | tsook felt ows |
| Central station | Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) | HOWPT-bahn-hof |
| Platform | Gleis | glyce |
| Departure | Abfahrt | AB-fart |
| Arrival | Ankunft | AN-koonft |
| Ticket machine | Fahrkartenautomat | FAR-kar-ten-ow-toh-maht |
| I missed my train | Ich habe meinen Zug verpasst | ikh HAH-beh MY-nen tsook fer-PASST |
Taxi
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Please take me to… | Bitte fahren Sie mich zu… | BIT-teh FAH-ren zee mikh tsoo… |
| How much to…? | Was kostet die Fahrt nach…? | vas KOS-tet dee fart nakh…? |
| Please stop here | Halten Sie hier bitte an | HAL-ten zee heer BIT-teh an |
| Can I get a receipt? | Kann ich eine Quittung haben? | kan ikh EYE-neh KVIT-toong HAH-ben? |
Section 7: Airport and Arrival
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Where is baggage claim? | Wo ist die Gepäckausgabe? | voh ist dee geh-PECK-ows-gah-beh? |
| My luggage is lost | Mein Gepäck ist verloren | myne geh-PECK ist fer-LOH-ren |
| Where is the exit? | Wo ist der Ausgang? | voh ist der OWS-gang? |
| Where is the S-Bahn? | Wo ist die S-Bahn? | voh ist dee ES-bahn? |
| Where is tourist information? | Wo ist die Touristeninformation? | voh ist dee too-RIS-ten-in-for-mah-tsyohn? |
| Is my flight delayed? | Hat mein Flug Verspätung? | hat myne flook fer-SHPAY-toong? |
| Where are the toilets? | Wo sind die Toiletten? | voh zint dee toy-LET-ten? |
Section 8: Beer Hall and Biergarten Phrases
The Biergarten and traditional Bierhaus are among Germany’s most iconic cultural experiences. Understanding how they work makes the difference between a frustrating evening and a great one.
In a traditional Biergarten, you often collect your own drinks from the counter and choose your own bench.
Long communal tables (Biertische) are shared with strangers. Sitting down at a table does not reserve it. Reservierte signs on tables mean they are booked.
In a Bierhaus or traditional pub with table service, a server (Bedienung) will come to you.
Call them with a polite “Entschuldigung” and eye contact.
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| One beer please | Ein Bier, bitte | yne beer BIT-teh |
| One large beer (1 litre) | Eine Maß, bitte | EYE-neh maas BIT-teh |
| One half-litre beer | Eine Halbe, bitte | EYE-neh HAL-beh BIT-teh |
| A wheat beer | Ein Weißbier / Weizen | yne VYSS-beer / VYE-tsen |
| A dark beer | Ein Dunkles | yne DUNK-les |
| Non-alcoholic beer | Ein Alkoholfreies | yne al-koh-HOL-fry-es |
| Cheers! | Prost! | prohst |
| Cheers! (Bavaria, more formal) | Zum Wohl! | tsum vohl |
| Is this seat taken? | Ist hier noch frei? | ist heer nokh fry? |
| Waiter / Waitress | Herr Ober / Frau | her OH-ber / frow |
| The bill please | Zahlen, bitte | TSAH-len BIT-teh |
| Keep the change | Stimmt so | shtimmt zo |
| It was delicious | Es war sehr lecker | es var zayr LEK-er |
Two Biergarten customs to know:
Beer gardens often operate on a Pfand (deposit) system for their large ceramic or glass steins.
You pay a deposit when you get your drink and retrieve it when you return the vessel. This is not a tip; it is a refundable deposit.
At Oktoberfest and large festivals, tip early and generously. See the tipping section for why this matters strategically.
Section 9: Restaurant and Dining
Ordering and Table Phrases
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| A table for two please | Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte | EYE-nen tish für tsvy BIT-teh |
| I have a reservation | Ich habe eine Reservierung | ikh HAH-beh EYE-neh reh-zer-VEE-roong |
| The menu please | Die Speisekarte, bitte | dee SHPY-zeh-kar-teh BIT-teh |
| What do you recommend? | Was empfehlen Sie? | vas em-PFAY-len zee? |
| I’d like… | Ich hätte gerne… | ikh HET-teh GER-neh… |
| I’ll have this | Das nehme ich | das NAY-meh ikh |
| That was it / That’s all | Das war es / Das ist alles | das var es / das ist AL-les |
| Enjoy your meal! | Guten Appetit! | GOO-ten ap-eh-TEET |
| It’s delicious | Es ist sehr lecker | es ist zayr LEK-er |
| The bill please | Die Rechnung, bitte | dee REKH-noong BIT-teh |
| Can I pay by card? | Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? | kan ikh mit KAR-teh TSAH-len? |
| Can I pay in cash? | Kann ich bar bezahlen? | kan ikh bar beh-TSAH-len? |
| Keep the change | Stimmt so | shtimmt zo |
The Retail Confusion Fix: What to Say When You Are Done
When you finish ordering at a counter (bakery, café, food stall), the staff will often ask one of these closing questions:
“War es das?” (Was that everything?)
“Kommt noch was dazu?” (Anything else?)
Do not say “Ich bin gut.” In German, this means “I am good” as in talented or skilled. It does not mean “I’m done.” Staff will look confused.
Say instead:
“Das war es, danke” (That was it, thanks)
“Das ist alles, danke” (That’s all, thanks)
Dietary Needs and Food Preferences
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| I am allergic to… | Ich bin allergisch gegen… | ikh bin al-ER-gish GAY-gen… |
| Nuts | Nüsse | NÜS-seh |
| Gluten | Gluten | GLOO-ten |
| Dairy | Milchprodukte | MILKH-proh-dook-teh |
| Milk | Milch | milkh |
| Butter | Butter | BOO-ter |
| Eggs | Eier | EYE-er |
| Shellfish | Schalentiere | SHAH-len-tee-reh |
| Is this vegetarian? | Ist das vegetarisch? | ist das veh-geh-TAH-rish? |
| I am vegetarian | Ich bin Vegetarier/Vegetarierin | ikh bin veh-geh-TAH-ree-er / veh-geh-TAH-ree-eh-rin |
| Is this vegan? | Ist das vegan? | ist das veh-GAHN? |
| I am pescatarian | Ich esse Fisch, aber kein Fleisch | ikh ES-seh fish AH-ber kyne flysh |
| Without meat | Ohne Fleisch | OH-neh flysh |
| Without gluten | Ohne Gluten | OH-neh GLOO-ten |
| Does this contain…? | Enthält das…? | ent-HELT das…? |
| I eat lactose-free | Ich esse laktosefrei | ikh ES-seh lahk-TOH-zeh-fry |
| I eat gluten-free | Ich esse glutenfrei | ikh ES-seh GLOO-ten-fry |
| I don’t drink alcohol | Ich trinke keinen Alkohol | ikh TRIN-keh KY-nen AHL-koh-hohl |
Questions to Ask at the Restaurant
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Do you have vegetarian options? | Haben Sie vegetarische Gerichte? | HAH-ben zee veh-geh-TAH-ri-sheh geh-RIKH-teh? |
| Do you have gluten-free options? | Haben Sie glutenfreie Gerichte? | HAH-ben zee GLOO-ten-fry-eh geh-RIKH-teh? |
| Do you have lactose-free options? | Haben Sie laktosefreie Gerichte? | HAH-ben zee lahk-TOH-zeh-fry-eh geh-RIKH-teh? |
| Do you have non-alcoholic drinks? | Haben Sie alkoholfreie Getränke? | HAH-ben zee ahl-koh-HOHL-fry-eh geh-TREN-keh? |
| Does this dish contain milk? | Enthält dieses Gericht Milch? | ent-HELT DEE-zes geh-RIKH milkh? |
| Does this dish contain eggs? | Enthält dieses Gericht Eier? | ent-HELT DEE-zes geh-RIKH EYE-er? |
| Does this dish contain butter? | Enthält dieses Gericht Butter? | ent-HELT DEE-zes geh-RIKH BOO-ter? |
Section 10: Bakery (Bäckerei) Phrases
The Bäckerei is one of Germany’s greatest daily institutions. Fresh bread, Brötchen (bread rolls), Laugenbrezel (lye pretzels), Kuchen (cake), and coffee.
Germans are serious about their bread. Germany has over 3,000 registered bread varieties.
Bakery counter service is fast and has its own rhythm.
Staff expect you to know what you want quickly.
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| One bread roll please | Ein Brötchen, bitte | yne BRET-khen BIT-teh |
| Two of these please | Zwei davon, bitte | tsvy DAH-fon BIT-teh |
| One pretzel please | Eine Brezel, bitte | EYE-neh BRAYT-sel BIT-teh |
| One piece of cake please | Ein Stück Kuchen, bitte | yne shtük KOO-khen BIT-teh |
| One coffee please | Einen Kaffee, bitte | EYE-nen ka-FAY BIT-teh |
| To go | Zum Mitnehmen | tsum MIT-nay-men |
| For here | Hier essen | heer ES-sen |
| A bag please | Eine Tüte, bitte | EYE-neh TÜ-teh BIT-teh |
| That was it, thanks | Das war es, danke | das var es DAHN-keh |
Section 11: Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) Phrases
Germany’s Christmas markets are among the most visited attractions in Europe. Nuremberg, Cologne, Dresden, and Stuttgart draw millions of visitors every December.
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| One mulled wine please | Einen Glühwein, bitte | EYE-nen GLÜH-vyne BIT-teh |
| One hot chocolate please | Einen heißen Kakao, bitte | EYE-nen HY-ssen ka-KAO BIT-teh |
| One gingerbread please | Einen Lebkuchen, bitte | EYE-nen LAYP-koo-khen BIT-teh |
| One grilled sausage please | Eine Bratwurst, bitte | EYE-neh BRAHT-voorst BIT-teh |
| Merry Christmas! | Frohe Weihnachten! | FROH-eh VYE-nakh-ten |
| How much is this? | Was kostet das? | vas KOS-tet das? |
| Can I keep the mug? | Kann ich den Becher behalten? | kan ikh den BEK-her beh-HAL-ten? |
| Where is the deposit return? | Wo ist die Pfandrückgabe? | voh ist dee PFANT-rük-gah-beh? |
The Pfand system at Christmas markets: Your Glühwein comes in a collectible ceramic mug. You pay a deposit (usually €2 to €3) on top of the drink price.
Return the mug at any stall displaying the Pfand sign to get your deposit back. Keep it as a souvenir by not returning it.
Section 12: Café Culture
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| A coffee please | Einen Kaffee, bitte | EYE-nen ka-FAY BIT-teh |
| A black coffee | Einen schwarzen Kaffee | EYE-nen SHVAR-tsen ka-FAY |
| A coffee with milk | Einen Kaffee mit Milch | EYE-nen ka-FAY mit milkh |
| A cappuccino | Einen Cappuccino | EYE-nen ka-poo-CHEE-no |
| A flat white | Einen Flat White | EYE-nen flat white |
| A tea please | Einen Tee, bitte | EYE-nen tay BIT-teh |
| Hot / Cold | Heiß / Kalt | hyss / kalt |
| For here / To go | Hier trinken / Zum Mitnehmen | heer TRIN-ken / tsum MIT-nay-men |
| What is the WiFi password? | Was ist das WLAN-Passwort? | vas ist das VAY-lan-PAS-vort? |
| Can I sit here? | Kann ich mich hier setzen? | kan ikh mikh heer ZET-tsen? |
Section 13: Tipping Phrases
Every tourist in Germany needs these phrases. Tipping in Germany is verbal, not written.
You state the total you want to pay out loud to the server before handing over money.
See the full tipping guide for the complete system.
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Keep the change | Stimmt so | shtimmt zo |
| Make it [amount], please | Mach [amount], bitte | makh… BIT-teh |
| The bill please | Zahlen, bitte | TSAH-len BIT-teh |
| Can I pay by card? | Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? | kan ikh mit KAR-teh TSAH-len? |
| Can I pay in cash? | Kann ich bar bezahlen? | kan ikh bar beh-TSAH-len? |
| It was very good | Es war sehr gut | es var zayr goot |
| Thank you very much | Danke schön | DAHN-keh shern |
Section 14: Shopping
The Cash-Is-King Reality
Card acceptance in Germany has improved significantly but cash-only establishments remain common, especially at smaller shops, traditional bakeries, Biergartens, market stalls, and in smaller towns outside major cities.
Look for signs near the register: “Nur Barzahlung” (cash only) or “Keine Karte” (no card). Always carry a backup of euros.
Before you order at a new establishment, ask: “Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?” (Can I pay by card?)
The cashier script you will encounter:
“Bar oder Karte?” (Cash or card?) — reply with “Mit Karte, bitte” (by card) or “Bar, bitte” (cash)
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| How much is this? | Was kostet das? | vas KOS-tet das? |
| Can I pay by card? | Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? | kan ikh mit KAR-teh TSAH-len? |
| Cash or card? | Bar oder Karte? | bar OH-der KAR-teh? |
| By card please | Mit Karte, bitte | mit KAR-teh BIT-teh |
| Cash please | Bar, bitte | bar BIT-teh |
| It’s too expensive | Das ist zu teuer | das ist tsoo TOY-er |
| Can I try this on? | Kann ich das anprobieren? | kan ikh das AN-proh-bee-ren? |
| Do you have this in another size? | Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe? | HAH-ben zee das in EYE-ner AN-deren GRER-seh? |
| I’ll take it | Ich nehme es | ikh NAY-meh es |
| I’m just looking | Ich schaue mich nur um | ikh SHOW-eh mikh noor oom |
| Can I get a receipt? | Kann ich eine Quittung haben? | kan ikh EYE-neh KVIT-toong HAH-ben? |
| That’s all, thanks | Das ist alles, danke | das ist AL-les DAHN-keh |
Section 15: Accommodation
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| I have a reservation | Ich habe eine Reservierung | ikh HAH-beh EYE-neh reh-zer-VEE-roong |
| My name is… | Mein Name ist… | myne NAH-meh ist… |
| Is breakfast included? | Ist Frühstück inklusive? | ist FRÜH-shtük in-kloo-ZEE-veh? |
| What time is checkout? | Wann ist der Check-out? | van ist der check-out? |
| Can I have a late checkout? | Kann ich später auschecken? | kan ikh SHPAY-ter OWS-chek-en? |
| The room is too hot / cold | Das Zimmer ist zu warm / kalt | das TSIM-er ist tsoo varm / kalt |
| The WiFi is not working | Das WLAN funktioniert nicht | das VAY-lan funk-tsyoh-NEERT nikht |
| Can I have more towels? | Kann ich mehr Handtücher haben? | kan ikh mayr HANT-tü-kher HAH-ben? |
| Where is the elevator? | Wo ist der Fahrstuhl? | voh ist der FAR-shtool? |
| What is the WiFi password? | Was ist das WLAN-Passwort? | vas ist das VAY-lan-PAS-vort? |
Section 16: Apotheke vs Drogerie
Apotheke (pharmacy) — for prescription medicines, specific medications, medical advice, and regulated health products.
Staff are trained pharmacists. Identified by a large red A sign outside.
Drogerie (drugstore; chains include dm, Rossmann, Müller) — for everyday health and beauty products, vitamins, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, baby supplies, and over-the-counter basics.
Much larger selection of everyday items than an Apotheke but staff are not pharmacists.
If you need medicine for an illness, headache, or prescription product, go to the Apotheke. If you need shampoo, sunscreen, or sanitary products, the Drogerie is cheaper and better stocked.
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Wo ist die Apotheke? | voh ist dee ah-poh-TAY-keh? |
| Where is the drugstore? | Wo ist die Drogerie? | voh ist dee droh-geh-REE? |
| I need something for a headache | Ich brauche etwas gegen Kopfschmerzen | ikh BROW-kheh ET-vas GAY-gen KOPF-shmer-tsen |
| I need something for a cold | Ich brauche etwas gegen Erkältung | ikh BROW-kheh ET-vas GAY-gen er-KEL-toong |
| Do I need a prescription? | Brauche ich ein Rezept? | BROW-kheh ikh yne reh-TSEPT? |
| I have a fever | Ich habe Fieber | ikh HAH-beh FEE-ber |
| Pain relief | Schmerzmittel | SHMERTS-mi-tel |
| Bandage | Verband | fer-BANT |
Section 17: For Women Travelers
Pharmacy and Feminine Health
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| I need sanitary pads | Ich brauche Damenbinden | ikh BROW-kheh DAH-men-bin-den |
| I need tampons | Ich brauche Tampons | ikh BROW-kheh tam-PONZ |
| I need a panty liner | Ich brauche Slipeinlagen | ikh BROW-kheh SLIP-eyn-lah-gen |
| I have menstrual cramps | Ich habe Regelschmerzen | ikh HAH-beh RAY-gel-shmer-tsen |
| I need pain relief | Ich brauche Schmerzmittel | ikh BROW-kheh SHMERTS-mi-tel |
| I need a pregnancy test | Ich brauche einen Schwangerschaftstest | ikh BROW-kheh EYE-nen SHVAN-ger-shafts-test |
| I need to see a female doctor | Ich möchte eine Ärztin sehen | ikh MERKH-teh EYE-neh ERTS-tin ZAY-en |
| Do I need a prescription? | Brauche ich ein Rezept? | BROW-kheh ikh yne reh-TSEPT? |
Practical note: Feminine hygiene products are best found at a Drogerie (dm, Rossmann) rather than an Apotheke. They are cheaper and better stocked at the Drogerie.
Safety Phrases
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Leave me alone | Lassen Sie mich in Ruhe | LAS-sen zee mikh in ROO-eh |
| Go away | Gehen Sie weg | GAY-en zee vek |
| Help! | Hilfe! | HIL-feh! |
| Call the police | Rufen Sie die Polizei | ROO-fen zee dee poh-lee-TSY |
| I need help | Ich brauche Hilfe | ikh BROW-kheh HIL-feh |
Section 18: Emergency and Medical Phrases
Emergency numbers in Germany:
- 110 — Police (Polizei)
- 112 — Fire brigade and ambulance (also the pan-European emergency number)
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Help! | Hilfe! | HIL-feh! |
| Call an ambulance! | Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen! | ROO-fen zee EYE-nen KRAN-ken-vah-gen! |
| Call the police! | Rufen Sie die Polizei! | ROO-fen zee dee poh-lee-TSY! |
| I need a doctor | Ich brauche einen Arzt | ikh BROW-kheh EYE-nen artst |
| Where is the hospital? | Wo ist das Krankenhaus? | voh ist das KRAN-ken-hows? |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Wo ist die Apotheke? | voh ist dee ah-poh-TAY-keh? |
| I don’t feel well | Mir geht es nicht gut | meer gayt es nikht goot |
| I have a fever | Ich habe Fieber | ikh HAH-beh FEE-ber |
| It hurts here | Hier tut es weh | heer toot es vay |
| I am allergic to… | Ich bin allergisch gegen… | ikh bin al-ER-gish GAY-gen… |
| I’ve been robbed | Ich wurde bestohlen | ikh VOOR-deh beh-SHTOH-len |
| I lost my passport | Ich habe meinen Pass verloren | ikh HAH-beh MY-nen pas fer-LOH-ren |
Section 19: Numbers, Time and Days
Numbers
| Number | German | Pronunciation |
| 1 | eins | eyns |
| 2 | zwei | tsvy |
| 3 | drei | dry |
| 4 | vier | feer |
| 5 | fünf | fünf |
| 6 | sechs | zeks |
| 7 | sieben | ZEE-ben |
| 8 | acht | akht |
| 9 | neun | noyn |
| 10 | zehn | tsayn |
| 20 | zwanzig | TSVAN-tsikh |
| 50 | fünfzig | FÜNF-tsikh |
| 100 | hundert | HOON-dert |
| 1,000 | tausend | TOW-zent |
Time
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| What time is it? | Wie viel Uhr ist es? | vee feel oor ist es? |
| It is… o’clock | Es ist… Uhr | es ist… oor |
| Morning / Afternoon / Evening | Morgen / Nachmittag / Abend | MOR-gen / NAKH-mi-tahk / AH-bent |
| Today / Tomorrow / Yesterday | Heute / Morgen / Gestern | HOY-teh / MOR-gen / GES-tern |
| Now / Later | Jetzt / Später | yetst / SHPAY-ter |
Days of the Week
| English | German |
| Monday | Montag |
| Tuesday | Dienstag |
| Wednesday | Mittwoch |
| Thursday | Donnerstag |
| Friday | Freitag |
| Saturday | Samstag |
| Sunday | Sonntag |
Section 20: German Holiday Phrases to Know for Travelers
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| Merry Christmas | Frohe Weihnachten | FROH-eh VYE-nakh-ten |
| Happy New Year | Frohes Neues Jahr | FROH-es NOY-es yar |
| Happy Easter | Frohe Ostern | FROH-eh OS-tern |
| Happy Birthday | Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag | HERTS-likh-en GLÜK-voonsh tsum geh-BOORTS-tahk |
| Congratulations | Herzlichen Glückwunsch | HERTS-likh-en GLÜK-voonsh |
| Cheers / To your health | Zum Wohl / Prost | tsum vohl / prohst |
| Best wishes | Alles Gute | AL-les GOO-teh |
| Have a good holiday | Schöne Feiertage | SHER-neh FYE-er-tah-geh |
Travel tip: Germany’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) run from late November through December 24th.
The most famous are in Nuremberg, Cologne, Dresden, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Book accommodation months in advance if your trip falls in December.
Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet
Survival Essentials
| Situation | German |
| Excuse me | Entschuldigung |
| Do you speak English? | Sprechen Sie Englisch? |
| Please | Bitte |
| Thank you | Danke |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nein |
| I don’t understand | Ich verstehe das nicht |
| Help! | Hilfe! |
The Icebreaker Formula
| Step | German |
| Get attention | Entschuldigung… |
| Request pivot | Sprechen Sie Englisch? |
Food and Drink
| Situation | German |
| One beer please | Ein Bier, bitte |
| Cheers! | Prost! |
| The menu please | Die Speisekarte, bitte |
| I’ll have this | Das nehme ich |
| That’s all, thanks | Das war es, danke |
| The bill please | Zahlen, bitte |
| Keep the change | Stimmt so |
| I am allergic to… | Ich bin allergisch gegen… |
Getting Around
| Situation | German |
| Where is…? | Wo ist…? |
| Central station | Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) |
| Platform | Gleis |
| Train delayed | Zugverspätung |
| Train cancelled | Zug fällt aus |
| Left / Right / Straight | Links / Rechts / Geradeaus |
Shopping and Paying
| Situation | German |
| Can I pay by card? | Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? |
| Cash or card? | Bar oder Karte? |
| By card please | Mit Karte, bitte |
| Cash please | Bar, bitte |
| How much? | Was kostet das? |
| That’s all | Das ist alles |
Women Travelers
| Situation | German |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Wo ist die Apotheke? |
| Where is the drugstore? | Wo ist die Drogerie? |
| I need sanitary pads | Ich brauche Damenbinden |
| I need tampons | Ich brauche Tampons |
| Leave me alone | Lassen Sie mich in Ruhe |
| Call the police | Rufen Sie die Polizei |
Emergencies
| Situation | German |
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Fire | 112 |
| Call an ambulance | Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen |
| I need a doctor | Ich brauche einen Arzt |
| Where is the hospital? | Wo ist das Krankenhaus? |
A Final Word: Two Words Do More Than Two Sentences
German is not an easy language to learn quickly. The grammar is genuinely complex.
Attempting a full sentence and getting it wrong risks triggering a flood of fluent German you cannot follow.
But two words, said with a slight nod and genuine intent, do more work than two sentences.
“Entschuldigung” when you approach someone. “Danke schön” when they help you. Those two moments are what locals remember. Not whether your grammar was correct.
Germany is more welcoming to the respectful visitor than its reputation suggests.
The efficiency, the directness, the lack of performative warmth, none of that means unfriendly.
It means they take you seriously. Match that energy with politeness and you will find a country that is consistently, quietly generous to travelers who bother to try.
Gute Reise! — Have a good journey! ❤️❤️❤️
FAQ: German Phrases for Travel
1. Do I need German to travel in Germany?
No. In Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and most tourist areas, English is widely spoken. But knowing a handful of phrases changes how locals respond to you.
The formula “Entschuldigung, Sprechen Sie Englisch?” takes two seconds and immediately signals that you are a respectful visitor rather than someone who assumes everyone speaks your language.
2. What is the most important German phrase for tourists?
Entschuldigung (Excuse me). It gets attention politely, opens every interaction correctly, and works as an apology when you bump into someone.
Combined with “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” it handles 90 percent of your daily interactions.
3. What are the most useful German phrases for travel?
The highest-utility phrases for day-to-day travel are: Entschuldigung (excuse me), Bitte (please), Danke (thank you), Wo ist…? (where is…?), Was kostet das? (how much?), Zahlen bitte (bill please), Stimmt so (keep the change), and Das war es danke (that was all, thank you).
These eight phrases cover most interactions tourists actually have.
4. How do you say excuse me in German?
Entschuldigung (ent-SHUL-di-gung) is the standard phrase for getting someone’s attention or apologizing for minor inconveniences.
For physically passing by someone in a tight space, you can also use “Darf ich kurz vorbei?” (May I get past?).
5. What do you say when you finish ordering in German?
Say “Das war es, danke” (that was it, thank you) or “Das ist alles, danke” (that’s all, thank you). Do not say “Ich bin gut” — in German this means “I am good/skilled” not “I’m done.”
It will confuse the person serving you.
6. Is Germany cash-only?
Not entirely, but more cash-dependent than most Western European countries. Major hotels, chain restaurants, and department stores accept cards. But many bakeries, Biergartens, smaller restaurants, market stalls, and shops in smaller towns still only accept cash.
Always carry euros as backup and look for “Nur Barzahlung” (cash only) signs near the register.
7. What is the difference between Apotheke and Drogerie in Germany?
An Apotheke is a licensed pharmacy where trained pharmacists dispense medicines, advise on treatments, and fill prescriptions. Look for the red A sign.
A Drogerie (dm, Rossmann, Müller) is a drugstore selling everyday health and beauty products, cosmetics, vitamins, and feminine hygiene items. For medicine or medical questions, go to the Apotheke.
For sanitary products, shampoo, or vitamins, the Drogerie is cheaper and better stocked.
8. What are regional greetings in Germany?
Germany has distinct regional greetings. In northern Germany (Hamburg area), “Moin” is used any time of day.
In Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, “Grüß Gott” is the traditional formal greeting. In Bavaria and Austria, “Servus” works as both hello and goodbye among friends. “Guten Tag” is safe and correct everywhere.
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