Survival Phrases

Use these phrases to greet people, introduce yourself and others, and make polite first-meeting conversation in everyday German.

Use these phrases to say goodbye naturally to friends, colleagues, or staff in everyday situations.

Use these essential phrases to thank people, apologize for small mishaps, and excuse yourself in everyday German situations.

Use these phrases to talk about your family, relationship status, and home when getting to know someone in German.

Use these phrases to read the menu, order your meal and drinks, and ask for the bill at a German restaurant.

Use these phrases to order drinks, choose your cup size and milk, and pay at a German café counter.

Use these phrases to ask for the check, choose how to pay, and handle tips when eating out in German-speaking countries.

Use these phrases when ordering food to take away or getting a meal delivered to your home.

Use these phrases to order food, customize your meal, and pay quickly at a German fast-food counter.

Use these essential phrases to order bread, cheese, and pastries at a German bakery or deli counter.

Use these phrases to order food, check ingredients, and pay at a German street food stand.

Use these phrases when buying train tickets at a station counter or asking staff about departures in Germany.

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

Use these phrases to give directions, check fares, and pay smoothly when taking a taxi or rideshare.

Use these essential phrases to ask for directions, understand simple navigation instructions, and find your way around town.

Use these simple German phrases to find your seat, stow your luggage, and speak with the flight crew on an airplane.

Use these phrases when checking into a hotel to state your reservation, get your keys, and ask about basic amenities.

Use these phrases when checking in, navigating facilities, and chatting with roommates at a German hostel.

Use these phrases when shopping for clothes in German-speaking stores to ask about sizes, colors, fitting rooms, and fit.

Use these essential phrases when shopping for fresh produce, asking for prices and quantities, and checking out at German markets and grocery stores.

Use these essential phrases to ask for bags, choose your payment method, and handle receipts or self-checkout issues at a German supermarket.

Use these phrases when shopping for souvenirs, local gifts, and presents for friends or family in Germany.

Use these phrases to ask store staff if an item or size is in stock when shopping.

Use these phrases to ask for sizes, try on footwear, and discuss the fit when shopping for shoes.

Use these essential phrases to describe common symptoms, ask for medication, and understand dosage instructions at a German pharmacy.

Use these phrases to find a cash machine, withdraw money, and handle card problems while travelling.

Use these essential phrases when you are lost, need directions, or struggle to understand local German speakers.