On the Plane
Use these simple German phrases to find your seat, stow your luggage, and speak with the flight crew on an airplane.
Key Phrases
Wo ist mein Platz, bitte?
neutralWhere is my seat, please?
A standard, friendly way to ask where to sit.
Entschuldigung, wo ist mein Platz?
politeExcuse me, where is my seat?
More polite — use with flight attendants or strangers.
Ist hier frei?
casualIs this seat free?
Use with passengers sitting nearby before sitting down.
Das Fach ist schon voll.
neutralThe overhead compartment is already full.
Use when there is no room left for your carry-on bag.
Mein Gurt funktioniert nicht.
neutralMy seatbelt is not working.
Report this to the crew right away before takeoff.
Ein Wasser, bitte.
casualA water, please.
Short and natural when flight attendants push the drinks trolley.
Ich brauche ein Wasser, bitte.
neutralI need a water, please.
A complete sentence to ask the crew outside drink service.
Haben Sie eine Decke?
neutralDo you have a blanket?
Ask a flight attendant if you feel cold during the flight.
Entschuldigung, tauschen wir die Plätze?
politeExcuse me, shall we swap seats?
Polite request to ask another passenger to switch places.
Ich bin krank und brauche Hilfe.
neutralI am sick and need help.
Use immediately if you feel unwell during the flight.