A1German

Using Buses & the Metro

Use these phrases to buy tickets, ask about routes, and ride buses and the subway with ease.

Key Phrases

Voice
Buying a ticket · 2 ways to say it

Guten Tag, ein Ticket, bitte.

polite

Hello, one ticket, please.

Use this polite opening when buying from a driver or counter clerk.

Ein Ticket, bitte.

neutral

A ticket, please.

A clear, standard request at any ticket counter or bus entrance.

Asking the price · 2 ways to say it

Was kostet ein Ticket?

neutral

How much does a ticket cost?

Standard question to check the fare before you buy.

Was kostet das?

casual

How much is that?

Short, informal way to ask about the price.

Asking about ticket validation

Brauche ich hier einen Stempel?

neutral

Do I need a stamp here?

Ask staff or a fellow rider if your ticket requires validation.

Asking about the route · 2 ways to say it

Entschuldigung, fährt dieser Bus ins Zentrum?

polite

Excuse me, does this bus go to the center?

Polite formula to confirm the bus route before stepping inside.

Fährt diese U-Bahn ins Zentrum?

neutral

Does this subway go to the center?

Direct question on the platform to check the train's direction.

Asking about transfers

Fährt die Bahn direkt?

neutral

Does the train go direct?

Ask whether you can stay on the train or must transfer.

Asking for location

Wo ist die Haltestelle?

neutral

Where is the stop?

Use this to ask a passerby for the nearest bus or tram stop.

Asking about a seat

Ist der Platz frei?

casual

Is this seat free?

Informal check before taking an empty seat beside another passenger.

Practice Dialogue

Traveler
Entschuldigung, fährt diese U-Bahn ins Zentrum?
Staff
Ja, Linie zwei.
Traveler
Fährt die Bahn direkt?
Staff
Direkt. Vier Stationen.
Traveler
Gut. Ein Ticket, bitte.
Staff
Zwei Euro achtzig.
Traveler
Hier. Brauche ich hier einen Stempel?
Staff
Nein, das Ticket ist schon gültig.
Traveler
Alles klar, vielen Dank!
Staff
Gute Fahrt!

More Travel & Transport (A1)

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