Asking for Directions
Use these phrases when asking for directions on the street, following navigational instructions, or confirming your route in German-speaking cities.
Key Phrases
Entschuldigen Sie bitte, wo finde ich hier die Post?
politeExcuse me, please, where can I find the post office here?
Polite opening question to use with strangers on the street.
Du, sag mal, wo ist denn hier die nächste Apotheke?
casualHey, tell me, where is the nearest pharmacy around here?
Casual phrasing with peers; 'denn' softens the question.
Entschuldigen Sie, wie komme ich am besten zum Bahnhof?
politeExcuse me, what is the best way to get to the train station?
Polite and direct; standard phrasing to ask someone for the best route.
Sag mal, wie komme ich von hier schnell zum Markt?
casualTell me, how do I get to the market quickly from here?
Casual phrasing suitable for younger locals or peers.
Ist das weit von hier oder kann man zu Fuß gehen?
neutralIs that far from here or can you go on foot?
Useful question to decide between walking and taking public transit.
Gehen Sie hier einfach immer geradeaus bis zur großen Kreuzung.
neutralJust walk straight ahead here until the big intersection.
'Immer geradeaus' is the standard instruction for continuing straight.
Biegen Sie an der nächsten Ampel nach links ab.
neutralTurn left at the next traffic light.
Uses the separable verb 'abbiegen' with 'nach links'.
Das Gebäude liegt direkt an der Ecke gegenüber von der Kirche.
neutralThe building is located right on the corner across from the church.
'Gegenüber von' plus dative is commonly used with local landmarks.
Also gehe ich zuerst geradeaus und dann an der Ampel rechts?
neutralSo I first go straight ahead and then turn right at the traffic light?
Begin with 'Also...' to repeat and confirm the instructions.
Alles klar, also einfach an der Kirche vorbei und dann links?
casualAll right, so just past the church and then left?
Casual confirmation using conversational ellipsis with 'vorbei'.