71 phrases · 142 replies · audio for every line

German phrases for travelers, and what you’ll hear back

Most phrasebooks stop after your half of the sentence. This one gives you the reply too: what the barista, the waiter and the ticket clerk actually say back. Hear every line in a female or male voice, slowly or at full speed, and print the whole list for the trip.

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Basic German phrases and greetings

In Germany you say hello when you walk into a small shop, a bakery or a café, and guten Tag or a plain hallo both work. Bitte does a lot of work: it means please, you're welcome, and here you are.

  1. Guten Tag!

    Hello!

    Guten Morgen is for the morning, guten Tag for the rest of the day, and guten Abend from about six. In Bavaria and the south you will also hear Grüß Gott, and in the north Moin, at any time of day.

    You may hear

    • Guten Tag! Was darf's sein?

      Hello! What can I get you?

    • Hallo!

      Hi!

  2. Vielen Dank!

    Thank you very much!

    You may hear

    • Bitte schön.

      You're welcome.

    • Gern geschehen.

      My pleasure.

  3. Entschuldigung, darf ich mal durch?

    Excuse me, can I get past?

    You may hear

    • Ja, klar.

      Yes, sure.

    • Oh, Entschuldigung!

      Oh, sorry!

  4. Oh, Entschuldigung!

    Oh, sorry!

    You may hear

    • Kein Problem.

      No problem.

    • Macht nichts.

      Never mind, it's fine.

  5. Entschuldigung, das habe ich nicht verstanden.

    Sorry, I didn't understand.

    You may hear

    • Ich wiederhole es gern noch einmal.

      I'm happy to say it again.

    • Soll ich es auf Englisch sagen?

      Shall I say it in English?

  6. Sprechen Sie Englisch?

    Do you speak English?

    Many Germans, younger people especially, speak good English and may switch to it as soon as they hear your accent.

    You may hear

    • Ja, ein bisschen.

      Yes, a little.

    • Nein, leider nicht.

      No, I'm afraid not.

  7. Können Sie bitte etwas langsamer sprechen?

    Could you speak a bit more slowly, please?

    You may hear

    • Ja, natürlich. Entschuldigung.

      Yes, of course. Sorry.

  8. Entschuldigung, wo ist die Toilette?

    Excuse me, where is the toilet?

    Toilets are often marked WC, with D (Damen) for women and H (Herren) for men. Toilets at stations often charge a small fee.

    You may hear

    • Die Treppe runter und dann links.

      Down the stairs and then left.

    • Nur für Gäste, tut mir leid.

      Customers only, I'm sorry.

  9. Danke, tschüss!

    Thanks, bye!

    Tschüss is the everyday goodbye in shops and cafés; auf Wiedersehen is more formal.

    You may hear

    • Tschüss, schönen Tag noch!

      Bye, have a nice day!

    • Auf Wiedersehen!

      Goodbye!

Ordering at a German café and bakery

A German bakery (Bäckerei) sells coffee as well as bread, rolls and cake, and many have a few tables. In cafés with table service you pay the person who served you, at your table, when you are ready to leave.

  1. Einen Kaffee, bitte.

    A coffee, please.

    A plain Kaffee is a mug of filter or machine coffee; for a small strong one, ask for an Espresso.

    You may hear

    • Mit Milch und Zucker?

      With milk and sugar?

    • Für hier oder zum Mitnehmen?

      For here or to take away?

  2. Einen Cappuccino mit Hafermilch, bitte.

    A cappuccino with oat milk, please.

    In young, casual cafés, especially in big cities, staff may call you du. It's friendly, and you can keep using Sie.

    You may hear

    • Klar. Willst du noch was dazu?

      Sure. Do you want anything with it?

    • Groß oder klein?

      Large or small?

  3. Zwei Brötchen, bitte.

    Two bread rolls, please.

    Brötchen are the rolls at the heart of a German breakfast; in Bavaria they are called Semmeln, and in Berlin Schrippen.

    You may hear

    • Normale oder Körnerbrötchen?

      Plain ones or seeded?

    • Sonst noch etwas?

      Anything else?

  4. Ich hätte gern das hier.

    I'd like this one, please.

    You may hear

    • Die Brezel?

      The pretzel?

    • Noch etwas?

      Anything else?

  5. Ein Stück Apfelkuchen mit Sahne, bitte.

    A slice of apple cake with cream, please.

    Kaffee und Kuchen, coffee and cake in the afternoon, is a German habit. Sahne here means whipped cream.

    You may hear

    • Zum Hieressen oder zum Mitnehmen?

      To eat here or to take away?

    • Setzen Sie sich ruhig, ich bringe es Ihnen.

      Do take a seat, I'll bring it over.

  6. Eine Apfelschorle, bitte.

    An apple juice with sparkling water, please.

    You may hear

    • Null drei oder null fünf?

      A third of a litre or a half?

  7. Ein großes Bier, bitte.

    A large beer, please.

    What you get depends on the region: often a Pils in the north, a Helles in Bavaria, a Kölsch in Cologne.

    You may hear

    • Pils oder Weizen?

      Pilsner or wheat beer?

    • Kommt sofort.

      Coming right up.

  8. Kann ich bitte zahlen?

    Can I pay, please?

    You may hear

    • Das macht sieben Euro achtzig.

      That's seven euros eighty.

    • Mit Karte oder bar?

      Card or cash?

German phrases for the restaurant

In casual restaurants you usually pick a free table yourself; in smarter ones, wait to be seated. The bill only comes when you ask for it, and splitting it so that each person pays their own share is completely normal.

  1. Guten Abend, haben Sie einen Tisch für zwei Personen?

    Good evening, do you have a table for two?

    You may hear

    • Haben Sie reserviert?

      Have you booked?

    • Drinnen oder draußen?

      Inside or outside?

  2. Ist hier noch frei?

    Is this seat free?

    Ask before you sit down at a table where people are already sitting; in beer halls and busy places, sharing a table is normal.

    You may hear

    • Ja, bitte.

      Yes, go ahead.

    • Nein, hier sitzt schon jemand.

      No, someone's sitting here.

  3. Was können Sie uns empfehlen?

    What can you recommend?

    You may hear

    • Das Schnitzel ist unser Klassiker.

      The schnitzel is our classic.

    • Die Tagesgerichte stehen an der Tafel.

      Today's dishes are on the board.

  4. Ich nehme das Schnitzel mit Pommes.

    I'll have the schnitzel with chips.

    You may hear

    • Und was möchten Sie trinken?

      And what would you like to drink?

    • Möchten Sie einen Salat dazu?

      Would you like a salad with it?

  5. Ich esse kein Fleisch.

    I don't eat meat.

    Vegetarian dishes are marked on most menus, but ask about soups and sauces, which are often made with meat stock or bacon.

    You may hear

    • Wir haben auch vegetarische Gerichte.

      We have vegetarian dishes too.

    • Da ist Speck drin, aber den können wir weglassen.

      That has bacon in it, but we can leave it out.

  6. Haben Sie etwas Glutenfreies?

    Do you have anything gluten-free?

    You may hear

    • Die Allergene stehen hinten in der Karte.

      The allergens are listed at the back of the menu.

    • Ich frage in der Küche nach.

      I'll ask in the kitchen.

  7. Könnte ich bitte ein Glas Leitungswasser haben?

    Could I have a glass of tap water, please?

    Ask for just Wasser and you will usually get bottled water and pay for it. Tap water is safe to drink, but not every restaurant will serve it, and some charge for it.

    You may hear

    • Ja, natürlich, kommt sofort.

      Yes, of course, coming right up.

    • Wir haben leider nur Mineralwasser. Still oder mit Kohlensäure?

      I'm afraid we only have bottled water. Still or sparkling?

  8. Entschuldigung!

    Excuse me!

    To call the waiter over, catch their eye and raise a hand rather than waiting for them to come by.

    You may hear

    • Ja, bitte?

      Yes?

    • Ich komme sofort!

      I'll be right with you!

  9. Wir möchten bitte zahlen.

    We'd like to pay, please.

    You may hear

    • Zusammen oder getrennt?

      Together or separately?

    • Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?

      Did you enjoy your meal?

  10. Machen Sie zweiunddreißig.

    Make it thirty-two.

    To tip, say the total you want to pay as you hand over cash or your card; rounding up or adding five to ten percent is usual. Stimmt so means keep the change.

    You may hear

    • Danke schön!

      Thank you!

    • Vielen Dank, einen schönen Abend noch!

      Thanks very much, have a nice evening!

Train tickets and platforms

Deutsche Bahn runs the fast ICE and IC trains and most regional trains (RE and RB). There are no ticket barriers at German stations, so buy your ticket before you get on: inspectors check on the train.

  1. Eine Fahrkarte nach München, bitte.

    A ticket to Munich, please.

    Boards and tickets use the German city names: München, Köln, Nürnberg.

    You may hear

    • Einfach oder hin und zurück?

      One way or return?

    • Mit Sitzplatzreservierung?

      With a seat reservation?

    • Wann möchten Sie fahren?

      When would you like to travel?

  2. Wo kann ich eine Fahrkarte kaufen?

    Where can I buy a ticket?

    You may hear

    • Am Automaten da drüben.

      At the machine over there.

    • Im Reisezentrum, gleich links.

      At the travel centre, just on the left.

  3. Entschuldigung, von welchem Gleis fährt der ICE nach Berlin?

    Excuse me, which platform does the ICE to Berlin leave from?

    You may hear

    • Von Gleis sieben.

      From platform seven.

    • Schauen Sie auf die Anzeigetafel.

      Have a look at the departure board.

  4. Wo hält Wagen zwölf?

    Where does coach twelve stop?

    Platforms are divided into lettered sections, and a chart or display on the platform shows where each coach will stop.

    You may hear

    • Im Abschnitt C.

      In section C.

    • Heute fährt der Zug in umgekehrter Wagenreihung.

      Today the coaches are in reverse order.

  5. Hält dieser Zug in Göttingen?

    Does this train stop in Göttingen?

    You may hear

    • Ja, das ist der nächste Halt.

      Yes, it's the next stop.

    • Nein, da müssen Sie in Hannover umsteigen.

      No, you'll have to change in Hanover.

  6. Hat der Zug Verspätung?

    Is the train running late?

    You may hear

    • Ja, etwa zwanzig Minuten.

      Yes, about twenty minutes.

    • Der Zug fällt heute leider aus.

      I'm afraid the train is cancelled today.

  7. Erreiche ich meinen Anschluss in Frankfurt noch?

    Will I still make my connection in Frankfurt?

    You may hear

    • Das wird knapp.

      It'll be tight.

    • Nein, aber Sie können einfach den nächsten Zug nehmen.

      No, but you can just take the next train.

  8. Entschuldigung, ich glaube, das ist mein Platz.

    Excuse me, I think this is my seat.

    You may hear

    • Sicher? Das hier ist Wagen zwölf.

      Are you sure? This is coach twelve.

    • Oh, Entschuldigung, ich setze mich woanders hin.

      Oh, sorry, I'll sit somewhere else.

U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, taxis and directions

Many big cities have a U-Bahn (underground), an S-Bahn (suburban rail) or both, and one ticket usually covers buses, trams and trains in the same zones. There are no barriers, so buy your ticket before you travel, and stamp it in the small machine if it is not already dated.

  1. Welche Fahrkarte brauche ich zum Flughafen?

    Which ticket do I need for the airport?

    You may hear

    • Nehmen Sie am besten eine Tageskarte.

      Your best bet is a day ticket.

    • Dafür brauchen Sie eine Karte für alle Zonen.

      For that you need a ticket for all zones.

  2. Kann ich die Fahrkarte im Bus kaufen?

    Can I buy a ticket on the bus?

    You may hear

    • Ja, beim Fahrer.

      Yes, from the driver.

    • Nein, nur am Automaten oder in der App.

      No, only at the machine or in the app.

  3. Welche Linie fährt zum Hauptbahnhof?

    Which line goes to the main station?

    You may hear

    • Die S3, gleich da vorne.

      The S3, just up ahead.

    • Mit der U-Bahn, einmal umsteigen.

      The U-Bahn, with one change.

  4. Können Sie mir sagen, wo ich aussteigen muss?

    Could you tell me where I need to get off?

    On buses, trams and many trains the doors often open only when you press the button beside them.

    You may hear

    • Ja, ich sage Ihnen Bescheid.

      Yes, I'll let you know.

    • An der nächsten Haltestelle.

      At the next stop.

  5. Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum Marienplatz?

    Excuse me, how do I get to Marienplatz?

    You may hear

    • Immer geradeaus und dann die zweite Straße links.

      Straight on, then the second street on the left.

    • Das ist gleich da vorne, an der Ampel rechts.

      It's just up ahead, right at the traffic lights.

  6. Ist das weit zu Fuß?

    Is it far to walk?

    You may hear

    • Nein, etwa zehn Minuten.

      No, about ten minutes.

    • Ja, nehmen Sie lieber die U-Bahn.

      Yes, you'd better take the U-Bahn.

  7. Zum Hauptbahnhof, bitte. Was kostet das ungefähr?

    To the main station, please. Roughly how much will it be?

    You may hear

    • So etwa zwanzig Euro.

      About twenty euros.

    • Das hängt vom Verkehr ab.

      It depends on the traffic.

German phrases for the hotel

Expect to show a passport or ID card at check-in. Many cities add a small overnight tax to the bill, sometimes paid at the desk.

  1. Guten Abend, ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen Smith.

    Good evening, I have a booking under the name Smith.

    You may hear

    • Darf ich bitte Ihren Ausweis sehen?

      May I see your ID, please?

    • Füllen Sie bitte noch dieses Formular aus.

      Please just fill in this form.

  2. Wann gibt es Frühstück?

    When is breakfast?

    Halb elf means half past ten: German counts the half hour towards the next hour, so halb acht is 7:30.

    You may hear

    • Von sieben bis halb elf.

      From seven until half past ten.

    • Das Frühstück ist nicht im Preis enthalten.

      Breakfast isn't included in the price.

  3. Wie ist das WLAN-Passwort?

    What's the wifi password?

    Wifi is WLAN in German, said vay-lahn.

    You may hear

    • Das steht auf Ihrer Schlüsselkarte.

      It's on your key card.

    • Ich schreibe es Ihnen auf.

      I'll write it down for you.

  4. Können wir unser Gepäck bis fünf Uhr hierlassen?

    Can we leave our luggage here until five?

    You may hear

    • Ja, natürlich. Stellen Sie es einfach da drüben hin.

      Yes, of course. Just put it over there.

    • Hier ist Ihr Gepäckschein.

      Here's your luggage ticket.

  5. Könnten Sie uns bitte frische Handtücher bringen?

    Could you bring us some fresh towels, please?

    You may hear

    • Welche Zimmernummer haben Sie?

      What's your room number?

    • Ich schicke gleich jemanden hoch.

      I'll send someone up right away.

  6. Das Zimmer ist sehr warm. Gibt es eine Klimaanlage?

    The room is very warm. Is there air conditioning?

    Many German hotels, older ones especially, have no air conditioning; rooms are cooled by opening the windows.

    You may hear

    • Leider nicht, aber ich bringe Ihnen einen Ventilator.

      I'm afraid not, but I'll bring you a fan.

    • Sie können das Fenster kippen.

      You can tilt the window open.

  7. Bis wann müssen wir auschecken?

    What time do we have to check out?

    You may hear

    • Bis elf Uhr.

      By eleven.

    • Wenn Sie möchten, können Sie bis zwölf bleiben.

      If you like, you can stay until twelve.

Shopping and paying

Most shops, supermarkets included, close on Sundays and public holidays; shops in stations, airports and petrol stations are the main exceptions, and many bakeries open on Sunday mornings. Bring your own bag, because most shops charge for one.

  1. Ich schaue mich nur um, danke.

    I'm just looking, thanks.

    You may hear

    • Gerne. Sagen Sie Bescheid, wenn Sie etwas brauchen.

      Sure. Let me know if you need anything.

    • Alles klar.

      All right.

  2. Kann ich das anprobieren?

    Can I try this on?

    You may hear

    • Ja, die Umkleide ist da hinten.

      Yes, the fitting room is at the back.

    • Welche Größe brauchen Sie?

      What size do you need?

  3. Haben Sie das eine Nummer größer?

    Do you have this a size bigger?

    You may hear

    • Ich schaue mal im Lager nach.

      I'll have a look in the stockroom.

    • Nein, das ist leider das letzte.

      No, I'm afraid that's the last one.

  4. Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?

    Can I pay by card?

    Cards are widely taken, but some small shops, bakeries and cafés still prefer cash, so carry some euros.

    You may hear

    • Ja, halten Sie die Karte einfach ans Gerät.

      Yes, just hold your card to the reader.

    • Nur mit EC-Karte.

      Only with a German debit card.

    • Leider nur bar.

      Cash only, I'm afraid.

  5. Kann ich bitte eine Tüte haben?

    Can I have a bag, please?

    You may hear

    • Möchten Sie eine Papiertüte?

      Would you like a paper bag?

    • Die kosten extra.

      They cost extra.

  6. Wo kann ich die Flaschen zurückgeben?

    Where can I return the bottles?

    Most bottles and cans carry a deposit (Pfand). Return them to the machine found in most supermarkets, and it prints a voucher for the till.

    You may hear

    • Der Automat ist gleich am Eingang.

      The machine is right by the entrance.

    • Den Bon lösen Sie an der Kasse ein.

      You cash the voucher in at the till.

  7. Hundert Gramm Salami, bitte.

    A hundred grams of salami, please.

    You may hear

    • Am Stück oder geschnitten?

      In one piece or sliced?

    • Darf's ein bisschen mehr sein?

      Is a little more all right?

Museums and sightseeing

Many museums close one day a week, most often Monday, so check before you go. Big museums usually ask you to leave large bags and coats in a locker or cloakroom.

  1. Zwei Eintrittskarten, bitte.

    Two tickets, please.

    You may hear

    • Zweimal Erwachsene?

      Two adults?

    • Haben Sie online gebucht?

      Did you book online?

  2. Gibt es eine Ermäßigung für Studenten?

    Is there a student discount?

    You may hear

    • Ja, mit Studentenausweis.

      Yes, with a student card.

    • Zeigen Sie mir bitte Ihren Ausweis.

      Please show me your ID.

  3. Wann schließt das Museum?

    When does the museum close?

    Opening times use the 24-hour clock: 18 Uhr is 6 pm.

    You may hear

    • Um achtzehn Uhr, letzter Einlass ist um halb sechs.

      At six, last entry is at half past five.

    • Montags haben wir geschlossen.

      We're closed on Mondays.

  4. Wo kann ich meinen Rucksack lassen?

    Where can I leave my backpack?

    You may hear

    • In den Schließfächern im Untergeschoss.

      In the lockers downstairs.

    • Dafür brauchen Sie eine Euromünze, die bekommen Sie zurück.

      You need a euro coin for it, and you get it back.

  5. Entschuldigung, wo ist der Eingang?

    Excuse me, where's the entrance?

    You may hear

    • Um die Ecke, auf der anderen Seite.

      Round the corner, on the other side.

    • Hier ist nur der Ausgang.

      This is just the exit.

  6. Darf man hier fotografieren?

    Are you allowed to take photos here?

    You may hear

    • Ja, aber ohne Blitz.

      Yes, but no flash.

    • Nein, das ist hier leider verboten.

      No, I'm afraid it isn't allowed here.

  7. Gibt es eine Führung auf Englisch?

    Is there a guided tour in English?

    You may hear

    • Ja, um vierzehn Uhr.

      Yes, at two o'clock.

    • Nein, aber es gibt einen Audioguide auf Englisch.

      No, but there's an audio guide in English.

Pharmacy, doctor and emergencies

Pharmacies (Apotheke) have a red A sign, and even painkillers such as ibuprofen are sold there, not in supermarkets. For an emergency, call 112 from any phone; for the police, call 110.

  1. Entschuldigung, gibt es hier in der Nähe eine Apotheke?

    Excuse me, is there a pharmacy near here?

    At night and on Sundays a duty pharmacy (Notdienst) stays open, and every pharmacy door lists the nearest ones.

    You may hear

    • Ja, gleich um die Ecke.

      Yes, just round the corner.

    • Um diese Zeit hat nur die Notdienst-Apotheke auf.

      At this time only the duty pharmacy is open.

  2. Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. Können Sie mir etwas geben?

    I have a headache. Can you give me something?

    You may hear

    • Sind Sie gegen etwas allergisch?

      Are you allergic to anything?

    • Nehmen Sie alle acht Stunden eine.

      Take one every eight hours.

  3. Mein Kind hat Fieber.

    My child has a temperature.

    You may hear

    • Wie hoch ist das Fieber?

      How high is the temperature?

    • Wie alt ist Ihr Kind?

      How old is your child?

  4. Ich bin allergisch gegen Penicillin.

    I'm allergic to penicillin.

    You may hear

    • Nehmen Sie noch andere Medikamente?

      Are you taking any other medicines?

    • Dann gebe ich Ihnen etwas anderes.

      Then I'll give you something else.

  5. Ich brauche einen Arzt.

    I need a doctor.

    For something urgent but not an emergency when surgeries are closed, the out-of-hours doctor service is on 116117.

    You may hear

    • Ist es ein Notfall?

      Is it an emergency?

    • Rufen Sie die eins-eins-sechs-eins-eins-sieben an, das ist der ärztliche Bereitschaftsdienst.

      Call 116117, that's the out-of-hours doctor service.

  6. Rufen Sie bitte einen Krankenwagen!

    Please call an ambulance!

    You may hear

    • Was ist passiert?

      What happened?

    • Der Krankenwagen ist unterwegs.

      The ambulance is on its way.

  7. Ich habe meinen Pass verloren.

    I've lost my passport.

    Report it at a police station first; your embassy or consulate will usually ask for the police report before issuing an emergency travel document.

    You may hear

    • Waren Sie schon beim Fundbüro?

      Have you been to the lost property office yet?

    • Dafür brauchen Sie eine Verlustanzeige von der Polizei.

      For that you need a loss report from the police.

  8. Mein Portemonnaie wurde gestohlen.

    My wallet has been stolen.

    You may hear

    • Wo ist das passiert?

      Where did it happen?

    • Lassen Sie am besten sofort Ihre Karten sperren.

      Best to have your cards blocked straight away.

Questions travellers ask

01

How do you say hello and thank you in German?

Guten Tag (hello) or, more casually, Hallo; guten Morgen in the morning and guten Abend in the evening. In Bavaria you will also hear Grüß Gott. Danke is thank you, danke schön thank you very much.

02

What are the most useful German phrases for travel?

Five get you through most of a trip: guten Tag (hello), bitte (please), danke (thank you), Entschuldigung (excuse me) and wir möchten bitte zahlen (we'd like to pay, please). This page takes you further: the café and bakery, the restaurant, the station, the hotel and the pharmacy, with the replies you will get.

03

Do I need to speak German to travel in Germany?

No. Many Germans speak good English, especially younger people and staff in hotels and tourist areas. But a few words of German change how you are treated, and outside the big cities, or with older people, the answer often comes back in German. That is why every phrase here comes with its likely replies.

04

Should I use Sie or du?

Use Sie, the polite form, with any adult you do not know: waiters, shop staff, ticket clerks, hotel reception. Du is for friends, family, children and people who offer it to you first. Some young, casual cafés and shops use du with every customer; that is friendly, and you can keep using Sie. Every phrase you say on this page uses Sie.

05

How do I get the pronunciation right?

Once you know a few rules, German is read much as it is written, so listening is the quickest teacher. Play a line slowly, then at normal speed, and say it aloud with the voice. W sounds like an English v (Wagen), v usually like an f (vielen), and z like ts (zahlen). Ch is soft after e and i (ich) and throatier after a, o and u (Kuchen). The umlauts change the vowel: ü is an ee said with rounded lips, ö an e said with rounded lips. Most words are stressed on the first syllable, though words beginning with be-, ge- or ver- stress the next one.

06

Can I download these phrases?

Yes. The printable PDF has every phrase and reply on a few pages, with a code beside each section that opens its audio here. It is free and asks for nothing, not even an email address.

Before you go

Replies are where a phrasebook runs out. The words that come back most often are the most common words in the language, and the 1,000 most common German words are free to download. The vocabulary quiz estimates how far beyond them your vocabulary already reaches.

Staying longer than the trip? The phrases here are the same for everyone. Apera chooses words from the German you read there — a book page, subtitles or lyrics — using what you already know.

The phrases were drafted with AI, and the voices are synthetic. The audio is free for personal study; please do not use it to train AI or speech models.