As two Germans who love traveling, we know that just a few basic phrases in the local language can completely change your experience in a new country.

Even though it’s not rude to speak English in Germany, trying out a few German words or phrases can open doors (sometimes literally) and earn you a warm smile from locals. Plus, it shows that you’re making an effort to connect with the culture, which always makes for better memories.

We’ve put together a list of basic German phrases for travelers to help you navigate everything from train stations to hotels and restaurants. To make it easy to use, we’ve even included a phonetic guide.

So, grab a notebook, bookmark this page, save our guide on Pinterest and get ready to impress the locals.

Basic German Greetings

“Hallo” (HAH-loh) is the go-to greeting in Germany. It’s simple, easy to pronounce, and works everywhere, at any time of day. You’ll never feel out of place using it, whether you’re in Berlin, Cologne, or Frankfurt

While you might hear “Grüß Gott” (pronounced Gryooss Gott) in southern regions like Bavaria, it’s a regional phrase. We personally don’t use it. It’s a form of greeting, but sticking with “Hallo” works everywhere and everytime across Germany.

If you want to match your greetings to the time of day, here are a few more options:

  1. Hallo – Hello
  • Phonetics: HAH-loh
  • Pronunciation: Like “halo” with a soft “h”
  • Use: A universal and informal greeting suitable for any time of day.
  1. Guten Morgen – Good morning
  • Phonetics: GOO-ten MOR-gen
  • Pronunciation: “GOO” as in “good,” with a soft “r”
  • Use: Typically used until about 11:00 AM. After that, most Germans transition to “Guten Tag.
  1. Guten Tag – Good day
  • Phonetics: GOO-ten Tahg
  • Pronunciation: “Tahg” rhymes with “log”
  • Use: A slightly formal greeting, common in daytime interactions. Commonly used between 11:00 AM and around 5:00 PM.
  1. Guten Abend – Good evening
  • Phonetics: GOO-ten AH-bent
  • Pronunciation: “AH” like in “father”
  • Use: A polite greeting for use in the evening. Starts around 6:00 PM or when it begins to get dark.
  1. Tschüss – Goodbye (informal)
  • Phonetics: CHUESS
  • Pronunciation: “CHUESS” like “choose,” with a soft “ss”
  • Use: A casual, friendly way to say goodbye, commonly used in everyday settings.
  1. Auf Wiedersehen – Goodbye (formal)
  • Phonetics: Owf VEE-der-zey-en
  • Pronunciation: “OWF” as in “ouch,” “VEE-der” with a soft “r,” and “zey-en” rhymes with “say-pen.”
  • Use: A more formal farewell, often used in professional or polite contexts.
  1. Grüß Gott – Greeting used in Bavaria and Austria (literally “Greet God”)
  • Phonetics: GRYOO-ss Gott
  • Pronunciation: “GRYOO” rhymes with “you”
  • Use: A regional greeting primarily in Bavaria and Austria. Better to stick with “Hallo” unless you’re in southern Bavaria.
  1. Servus – Informal greeting used in southern Germany and Austria
  • Phonetics: SAIR-voos
  • Pronunciation: “SAIR” like “fair”
  • Use: A casual greeting or farewell in southern Bavaria. Shorten it to “sers” and you will be completely local.
  1. Moin – Casual hello in northern Germany
  • Phonetics: Moyn
  • Pronunciation: Rhymes with “coin”
  • Use: A friendly, informal greeting popular in northern Germany, used any time of day.

Basic German Words

Two essential basic German words to know are “Danke” (DAHN-keh), which means “thank you,” and “Bitte” (BIH-teh), which has a double function as “please” and “you’re welcome.” 

These two words alone can handle a wide range of polite exchanges. Whether you’re thanking someone for holding the door or asking for a menu at a restaurant, these phrases will help you make a good impression.

  1. Danke – Thank you
  • Phonetics: DAHN-keh
  • Pronunciation: Soft “ke,” similar to “keh”
  • Use: Express gratitude in any situation, whether someone helps you with directions or serves your meal.
  1.  Bitte – Please / You’re welcome
  • Phonetics: BIH-teh
  • Pronunciation: Like “bitter,” but without the “r”
  • Use: Polite requests (“please”) or responding to “thank you” (“you’re welcome”). A must-know for everyday interactions.
  1.  Entschuldigung – Excuse me / Sorry
  • Phonetics: Ent-SHOOL-dee-gung
  • Pronunciation: “SHOOL” like “school”
  • Use: Versatile phrase for getting attention or apologizing, e.g., when navigating a busy street or making an unintentional mistake.

Admittedly, “Entschuldigung” is a bit of a tongue-twister at first. If “Entschuldigung” feels like a mouthful, you can shorten it to “Tschuldigung.” Alternatively, saying “sorry” is also widely understood in Germany, especially in casual situations.

How to Say “Do You Speak English” Politely in German?

  1. Sprechen Sie Englisch? – Do you speak English?
  • Phonetics: SHPREH-khen Zee ENG-lish
  • Pronunciation: “SHPREH” like “shpr” in “spruce”
  • Use: This is a polite and direct way to ask if someone speaks English. It’s commonly understood and respectful when approaching someone for help.
  1. Entschuldigen Sie bitte, sprechen Sie Englisch? – Excuse me, please, do you speak English?
  • Phonetics: Ent-SHOOL-dee-gung Zee BIH-teh, SHPREH-khen Zee ENG-lish
  • Pronunciation: “Ent-SHOOL-dee-gung” for “excuse me,” “BIH-teh” as in “bitter,” and “SHPREH” like “spruce.”
  • Use: A more formal and polite version. Starting with “Entschuldigen Sie bitte” softens your request and shows extra courtesy.

Both phrases are effective, but if you’re unsure of how to approach someone, leading with the longer version is a safe bet.

How to Say “I Don’t Speak German” Politely in German

  1. Ich spreche kein Deutsch – I don’t speak German
    • Phonetics: Ish SHPREH-khe Kine DOY-tsch
    • Pronunciation: “Ish” as in “wish,” “SHPREH-khe” like “spray” with a soft “kh” sound, and “Kine” rhymes with “fine.”
    • Use: This is a straightforward and polite way to inform someone that you don’t speak German.
  2. Entschuldigung, ich spreche kein Deutsch – Excuse me, I don’t speak German
    • Phonetics: Ent-SHOOL-dee-gung, Ish SHPREH-khe Kine DOY-tsch
    • Pronunciation: “Ent-SHOOL-dee-gung” for “excuse me,” and the rest as above.
    • Use: A more polite variation, great for situations where you want to start with an apology or excuse yourself.
  3. Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch – I only speak a little German
    • Phonetics: Ish SHPREH-khe noor ine BIS-khen DOY-tsch
    • Pronunciation: “Ish” as in “wish,” “noor” like “your,” and “BIS-khen” with a soft “kh,” as in “loch.”
    • Use: Perfect for situations where you want to show willingness to communicate but need to set expectations.
  4. Ich verstehe kein Deutsch – I don’t understand German
    • Phonetics: Ish fer-SHTAY-eh Kine DOY-tsch
    • Pronunciation: “Ish” like “wish,” “fer-SHTAY-eh” with emphasis on the “sh,” and “Kine DOY-tsch” as in “fine Deutsch.”
    • Use: This phrase is handy when someone speaks to you in German, and you need to clarify that you can’t understand them.

Directions & Public Transportation

These phrases will help you find your way and communicate your needs clearly.

  1. Wie komme ich…? – How do I get to…?
    • Phonetics: Vee KOH-meh ish…?
    • Pronunciation: “Vee” rhymes with “we,” “KOH-meh” sounds like “comma,” and “ish” like “wish.”
    • Use: Add a destination to ask how to get somewhere, e.g., “Wie komme ich zum Bahnhof?” (How do I get to the train station?).
  2. Wo ist…? – Where is…?
    • Phonetics: Voh ist…?
    • Pronunciation: “Voh” rhymes with “low,” and “ist” like “list” without the “l.”
    • Use: Use this to ask for specific places, like “Wo ist die Toilette?” (Where is the restroom?).
  3. Wie komme ich zum Flughafen? – How do I get to the airport?
    • Phonetics: Vee KOH-meh ish tsoom FLOOG-hah-fen
    • Pronunciation: “FLOOG” rhymes with “fluke,” and “hah-fen” like “often” with a soft “h.”
    • Use: Ideal for asking about transportation to the airport.
  4. Ich brauche ein Taxi. – I need a taxi.
    • Phonetics: Ish BROW-kheh ine TAK-see
    • Pronunciation: “BROW” rhymes with “cow,” and “kh” is a soft throat sound.
    • Use: Perfect for situations where public transport isn’t available.
  5. Gibt es hier eine U-Bahn? – Is there a subway here?
    • Phonetics: Gipt es heer EY-neh OO-Bahn
    • Pronunciation: “OO” like in “food,” and “EY-neh” as in “eye-nuh.”
    • Use: Perfect for urban areas with metro systems.
  6. Ich möchte zum/zur… – I would like to go to…
    • Phonetics: Ish MURKH-teh tsoom/tsoor…
    • Pronunciation: “MURKH” with a soft throat “kh,” and “tsoom” like “zoom.”
    • Use: Add your destination, e.g., “Ich möchte zum Bahnhof” (I would like to go to the train station) or “Ich möchte zur Haltestelle” (I would like to go to the bus stop).

Useful German Phrases for Train Travelers

Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and popular ways to get around Germany. The Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) network is extensive, connecting cities and even small towns with regional and high-speed trains. However, especially on regional trains, not all announcements are made in English. To make your journey smoother, here’s a list of key phrases to help you navigate the system confidently.

  1. Wo ist der Bahnhof? – Where is the train station?
    • Phonetics: Voh ist der BAHN-hohf
    • Pronunciation: “BAHN” like “barn”
    • Use: Essential for finding the nearest train station.
  2. Fährt der Zug nach…? – Does the train go to…?
    • Phonetics: FAYRT der TSOOG nahkh…?
    • Pronunciation: “FAYRT” rhymes with “air,” “TSOOG” like “zoo” with a hard “g,” and “nahkh” with a soft throat “kh.”
    • Use: Add a destination to ask if a train is heading there, e.g., “Fährt der Zug nach Berlin?” (Does the train go to Berlin?).
  3. Wann fährt der nächste Zug? – When does the next train leave?
    • Phonetics: Vahn FAYRT der NAYKH-steh TSOOG
    • Pronunciation: “Vahn” like “van,” “NAYKH-steh” rhymes with “baste,” and “TSOOG” as in “zoo” with a hard “g.”
    • Use: Helpful for checking the next available train.
  4. Auf welchem Gleis fährt der Zug ab? – From which platform does the train depart?
    • Phonetics: Owf VEL-khem Glyce FAYRT der TSOOG ahp
    • Pronunciation: “Owf” rhymes with “cough,” “VEL-khem” with a soft “kh,” “Glyce” rhymes with “ice,” and “ahp” like “up.”
    • Use: Essential for finding the correct platform for your train.
  5. Wie viel kostet das Ticket? – How much is the ticket?
    • Phonetics: Vee feel KOH-stet dahs TIK-et
    • Pronunciation: “Vee feel” sounds like “we feel,” and “KOH-stet” like “cost it.”
    • Use: Perfect for asking about fares, whether at a ticket counter or machine.
  6. Ist der Platz noch frei? – Is this seat still available?
    • Phonetics: Ist der Plahts nohkh Fry
    • Pronunciation: “Plahts” like “plats,” “nohkh” with a soft throat “kh,” and “Fry” like “fry.”
    • Use: Ask this to check if an unreserved seat is free.
  7. Hier sitzt schon jemand. – Someone is already sitting here.
    • Phonetics: Heer ZITS shohn YAY-mahnt
    • Pronunciation: “Heer” as in “hear,” “ZITS” like “sits,” and “shohn” rhymes with “own.”
    • Use: Use this to inform someone that a seat is occupied.
  8. Wo kann ich ein Ticket kaufen? – Where can I buy the ticket?
    • Phonetics: Voh Kahn ish ine TIK-et KOW-fen
    • Pronunciation: “Voh” rhymes with “low,” and “KOW-fen” like “cow fen.”
    • Use: Useful for locating ticket counters or machines.
  9. Wann kommen wir an? – When will we arrive?
    • Phonetics: Vahn KOH-men veer ahn
    • Pronunciation: “Vahn” as in “van,” and “KOH-men” like “common.”
    • Use: Perfect for checking arrival times, especially on longer trips.

German for the Autobahn

Driving on Germany’s Autobahn can be an exciting experience, but it’s helpful to know a few key terms. Whether you’re looking for fuel, a rest stop, or an exit, these phrases and terms will make your journey easier.

  1. Ausfahrt – Exit
    • Phonetics: OWS-fahrt
    • Pronunciation: “OWS” rhymes with “house,” and “fahrt” like “fart.”
    • Use: Look for this sign to know where to leave the Autobahn. Every exit is labeled “Ausfahrt.”
  2. Stop – Stop
    • Phonetics: Shtop
    • Pronunciation: Similar to the English “stop,” but with a softer “sh” sound at the beginning.
    • Use: Used for stop signs or emergency stops.
  3. Tankstelle – Gas station
    • Phonetics: TAHNK-shtel-leh
    • Pronunciation: “TAHNK” like “tank,” and “shtel-leh” as in “shell-eh.”
    • Use: Refers to a place to refuel your car. Look for “Tankstelle” signs along the Autobahn.
  4. Raststätte – Rest stop
    • Phonetics: Rahst-shtet-teh
    • Pronunciation: “Rahst” rhymes with “fast,” and “shtet-teh” sounds like “stet-eh.”
    • Use: A designated area with facilities like restrooms, food, and parking. Perfect for breaks during long drives.
  5. Ampel – Traffic light
    • Phonetics: AHM-pel
    • Pronunciation: “AHM” like “arm,” and “pel” rhymes with “bell.”
    • Use: While traffic lights are rare on the Autobahn itself, you’ll encounter them on connecting roads or near cities.
  6. Rettungsgasse – Emergency lane
    • Phonetics: RET-toongs-gah-seh
    • Pronunciation: “RET” like “get,” “toongs” as in “tongs,” and “gah-seh” like “gossip” without the “p.”
    • Use: This is a legally required emergency corridor created by vehicles in traffic jams to allow ambulances and emergency vehicles to pass.
  7. Unfall – Accident
    • Phonetics: OON-fall
    • Pronunciation: “OON” rhymes with “moon,” and “fall” like the English word “fall.”
    • Use: Refers to any kind of accident. You may hear it in traffic updates or see signs indicating a crash ahead.
  8. Stau – Traffic jam
    • Phonetics: Shtow
    • Pronunciation: Rhymes with “cow.”
    • Use: Commonly mentioned in traffic updates to indicate congestion or delays.

German Phrases for the Hotel

When staying at a hotel in Germany, the following phrases can make check-ins, requests, and other interactions much smoother. Here’s a list of useful expressions to help you communicate effectively during your stay.

  1. Ich habe eine Reservierung. – I have a reservation.
    • Phonetics: Ish HAH-beh EY-neh Reh-ser-vee-ROONG
    • Pronunciation: “HAH-beh” like “have-a,” and “Reh-ser-vee-ROONG” with a soft “r.”
    • Use: Use this when checking in to let the receptionist know you’ve booked a room.
  2. Haben Sie ein freies Zimmer? – Do you have a free room?
    • Phonetics: HAH-ben Zee ine FRY-es TSI-mer
    • Pronunciation: “HAH-ben” like “haven,” “FRY-es” rhymes with “cry-es,” and “TSI-mer” like “zimmer.”
    • Use: Ask this if you’re looking for a room without a reservation.
  3. Ich möchte ein Einzel-/Doppelzimmer. – I would like a single/double room.
    • Phonetics: Ish MURKH-teh ine EYNT-sel/DOP-pel TSI-mer
    • Pronunciation: “MURKH-teh” with a soft throat “kh,” and “DOP-pel” like “doppelganger.”
    • Use: Specify whether you need a single (Einzelzimmer) or double room (Doppelzimmer).
  4. Gibt es WLAN hier? – Is there Wi-Fi here?
    • Phonetics: Gipt es VAY-lahn heer
    • Pronunciation: “VAY-lahn” like “way-lawn.”
    • Use: Ask about internet availability. Many hotels provide free or paid Wi-Fi.
  5. Wie lautet das Passwort für das WLAN? – What is the Wi-Fi password?
    • Phonetics: Vee LAO-tet dahs PAHS-voort fuhr dahs VAY-lahn
    • Pronunciation: “LAO-tet” rhymes with “shouted,” and “PAHS-voort” like “passport.”
    • Use: Ask this to access the Wi-Fi.
  6. Um wie viel Uhr ist der Check-in/Check-out? – What time is check-in/check-out?
    • Phonetics: Oom Vee feel OOR ist der Check-in/Check-out
    • Pronunciation: “OOR” rhymes with “poor.”
    • Use: Helpful to confirm check-in and check-out times.
  7. Können Sie mir bitte helfen? – Can you please help me?
    • Phonetics: KER-nen Zee meer BIH-teh HEL-fen
    • Pronunciation: “KER-nen” like “kernel,” and “BIH-teh” as in “bitter.”
    • Use: Polite way to request assistance with luggage or other issues.
  8. Wo ist der Aufzug? – Where is the elevator?
    • Phonetics: Voh ist der OWF-tsoog
    • Pronunciation: “OWF” like “howf,” and “tsoog” like “zoo” with a hard “g.”
    • Use: Ask this to locate the elevator.
  9. Könnte ich bitte später auschecken? – Could I check out later, please?
    • Phonetics: KERN-teh ish BIH-teh SHPEY-ter OWS-check-en
    • Pronunciation: “SHPEY-ter” rhymes with “later.”
    • Use: Request a late check-out if needed.
  10. Wann ist das Frühstück? – When is breakfast?
    • Phonetics: Vahn ist dahs FRUH-shtuhk
    • Pronunciation: “Vahn” rhymes with “van,” and “FRUH-shtuhk” like “fru” as in “fruit,” and “shtuhk” as in “stuck.”
    • Use: Perfect for asking about breakfast times, often provided in hotels.

German Phrases for the Restaurant

Eating out in Germany can be an enjoyable experience, especially if you know some basic phrases to navigate menus, dietary preferences, and payment options. Here are some essential phrases for restaurants:

  1. Wo ist das nächste Restaurant? – Where is the nearest restaurant?
    • Phonetics: Voh ist dahs NEHK-steh Reh-stoh-RAHNT
    • Pronunciation: “RAHNT” like “rant.”
    • Use: Ask for directions when looking for a place to eat.
  2. Ich hätte gerne die Speisekarte. – I would like the menu, please.
    • Phonetics: Ish HEH-teh GEHR-neh dee SHPIE-seh-kar-teh
    • Pronunciation: “SHPIE” like “spy.”
    • Use: Request the menu when seated at a restaurant.
  3. Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen? – Can I pay by card?
    • Phonetics: Kann ish mit KAR-teh beh-TSAL-en
    • Pronunciation: “KAR” like “car.”
    • Use: Useful for checking if card payments are accepted, as not all places in Germany do.
  4. Das stimmt so. – Keep the change.
    • Phonetics: Dahs shtimmt soh
    • Pronunciation: “Shtimmt” rhymes with “mint,” and “soh” like “so.”
    • Use: Commonly used when tipping in a restaurant to indicate the server can keep the change.
  5. Ich esse kein Fleisch. – I don’t eat meat.
    • Phonetics: Ish ES-seh Kine FLYSH
    • Pronunciation: “FLYSH” rhymes with “slice.”
    • Use: Inform the server of dietary preferences if you’re vegetarian or avoid meat.
  6. Haben Sie auch vegetarische Gerichte? – Do you have vegetarian dishes?
    • Phonetics: HAH-ben Zee owkh Veh-geh-TAH-reesh-eh Geh-RIH-teh
    • Pronunciation: “TAH” like “ta” in “taco,” and “Geh-RIH-teh” like “gih-rit-eh.”
    • Use: Ask for vegetarian options on the menu.
  7. Ich habe eine Allergie gegen… – I have an allergy to…
    • Phonetics: Ish HAH-beh EY-neh Ah-ler-GEE GEH-gen…
    • Pronunciation: “Ah-ler-GEE” like “allergy,” and “GEH-gen” rhymes with “vegan.”
    • Use: Mention specific food allergies, such as “Nüsse” (nuts) or “Milch” (milk).
  8. Haben Sie glutenfreie Speisen? – Do you have gluten-free dishes?
    • Phonetics: HAH-ben Zee GLOO-ten-fry-eh SHPIE-zen
    • Pronunciation: “GLOO-ten” like “gluten,” and “SHPIE-zen” like “spies-en.”
    • Use: Inquire about gluten-free options if you’re gluten-intolerant.
  9. Ist in diesem Gericht… enthalten? – Does this dish contain…?
    • Phonetics: Ist in DEE-sem Geh-RIHKT… en-THAL-ten
    • Pronunciation: “DEE-sem” like “deem,” and “en-THAL-ten” like “enthalt-en.”
    • Use: Ask about specific ingredients, e.g., “Ist in diesem Gericht Milch enthalten?” (Does this dish contain milk?).

Shopping & Money

Whether you’re browsing shops or handling cash, these phrases will help you navigate shopping and payment situations in Germany. From asking for prices to finding the nearest ATM, these expressions cover the basics.

  1. Wie viel kostet das? – How much does this cost?
    • Phonetics: Vee feel KOH-stet dahs
    • Pronunciation: Like “we feel,” and “KOH-stet” like “cost it.”
    • Use: Ask this to find out the price of an item.
  2. Ich schaue mich nur um. – I’m just looking.
    • Phonetics: Ish SHAU-eh mish noor oom
    • Pronunciation: “SHAU” like “shout” without the “t.”
    • Use: Politely let shop staff know that you’re browsing without needing help.
  3. Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe? – Do you have this in another size?
    • Phonetics: HAH-ben Zee dahs in EY-ner AN-der-en GRUE-seh
    • Pronunciation: “GRUE” like “grew.”
    • Use: Ask for a different size if the item doesn’t fit.
  4. Wo ist der nächste Geldautomat? – Where is the nearest ATM?
    • Phonetics: Voh ist der NEHK-steh GELD-au-toh-maht
    • Pronunciation: “GELD” like “gild.”
    • Use: Perfect for finding a place to withdraw cash.
  5. Nehmen Sie auch Kreditkarten? – Do you accept credit cards?
    • Phonetics: NAY-men Zee owkh KREH-deet-kar-ten
    • Pronunciation: “NAY-men” like “name-en,” “owkh” with a soft throat “kh,” and “KREH-deet” as in “credit.”
    • Use: Ask if you can pay by credit card.
  6. Können Sie mir das als Geschenk einpacken? – Can you wrap this as a gift?
    • Phonetics: KERN-en Zee meer dahs ahls Geh-SHENK EYN-pahk-en
    • Pronunciation: “Geh-SHENK” like “geh-shank,” and “EYN-pahk-en” like “ine-pack-en.”
    • Use: Perfect for requesting gift wrapping in stores, especially for presents.
  7. Ich brauche keine Tüte. – I don’t need a bag.
    • Phonetics: Ish BROW-kheh KY-neh TOO-teh
    • Pronunciation: “BROW-kheh” rhymes with “cow-heh,” and “TOO-teh” like “toot-eh.”
    • Note: Plastic bags cost money in Germany. If you have your own bag, you can politely refuse to take one.

Asking for Help in German

In emergencies or when you need help, these essential German phrases can truly be lifesavers.

  1. Hilfe! – Help!
    • Phonetics: HIL-feh
    • Pronunciation: “HIL” like “hill.”
    • Use: A straightforward call for help in urgent situations.
  2. Ich habe mich verlaufen. – I’m lost.
    • Phonetics: Ish HAH-beh mish fer-LOW-fen
    • Pronunciation: “LOW” rhymes with “cow.”
    • Use: Use this if you’re unsure of your location and need directions.
  3. Wo ist die Polizei? – Where is the police station?
    • Phonetics: Voh ist dee Poh-lee-TSAI
    • Pronunciation: “TSAI” rhymes with “sigh.”
    • Use: Ask this to find the nearest police station.
  4. Ich brauche einen Arzt. – I need a doctor.
    • Phonetics: Ish BROW-kheh EY-nen ART-st
    • Pronunciation: “ART” like “art.”
    • Use: Critical for medical emergencies when you need to see a doctor.
  5. Können Sie mir helfen? – Can you help me?
    • Phonetics: KER-nen Zee meer HEL-fen
    • Pronunciation: “HEL” like “help.”
    • Use: A polite way to request assistance in any situation.
  6. Wo ist das Krankenhaus? – Where is the hospital?
    • Phonetics: Voh ist dahs KRAHN-ken-house
    • Pronunciation: “KRAHN” like “crown,” and “house” as in English.
    • Use: Ask this to find the nearest hospital for medical emergencies.
  7. Rufen Sie die Polizei! – Call the police!
    • Phonetics: ROO-fen Zee dee Poh-lee-TSAI
    • Pronunciation: “ROO-fen” like “roof-en.”
    • Use: Urgent command when you need authorities contacted immediately.

Basic German Numbers (1–10)

  1. Eins – One
    • Phonetics: eye-nz
    • Pronunciation: Like “lines” but with a long “eye” sound
  2. Zwei – Two
    • Phonetics: tsvy
    • Pronunciation: Like “spy,” but start with a soft “ts” sound
  3. Drei – Three
    • Phonetics: dry
    • Pronunciation: Like “dry” in English
  4. Vier – Four
    • Phonetics: feer
    • Pronunciation: Like “fear” in English
  5. Fünf – Five
    • Phonetics: fuenf
    • Pronunciation: Say “fun” but round your lips for the “ue” sound
  6. Sechs – Six
    • Phonetics: zeks
    • Pronunciation: Like “zeks” (rhymes with “checks”)
  7. Sieben – Seven
    • Phonetics: zee-ben
    • Pronunciation: Like “zee-ben,” with a long “zee”
  8. Acht – Eight
    • Phonetics: ahkt
    • Pronunciation: “Ahkt,” with a harsh “ch” as in Scottish “loch”
  9. Neun – Nine
    • Phonetics: noin
    • Pronunciation: Like “coin,” but with an “n” sound at the start
  10. Zehn – Ten
    • Phonetics: tsehn
    • Pronunciation: Starts with a sharp “ts” sound, like “ts-ehn.”
  11. Fünfzig – Fifty
    • Phonetics: fuenf-tsikh
    • Pronunciation: “Fuenf” with a soft “f” sound, and “tsikh” with a slight “ch” at the end.
  12. Hundert – Hundred
    • Phonetics: hoon-dert
    • Pronunciation: Like “hoon-dairt,” with a soft “d” sound.

Months in German

Here’s a list of the months in German with phonetics and pronunciation:

  1. Januar – January
    • Phonetics: YAH-noo-ahr
    • Pronunciation: “YAH” like “ya,” and “noo-ahr” like “new-are.”
  2. Februar – February
    • Phonetics: FAY-broo-ahr
    • Pronunciation: “FAY” like “fay,” and “broo-ahr” like “brew-are.”
  3. März – March
    • Phonetics: Mehrts
    • Pronunciation: “Mehrts” rhymes with “hearts.”
  4. April – April
    • Phonetics: Ah-PRILL
    • Pronunciation: “Ah” like “ah,” and “prill” rhymes with “pill.”
  5. Mai – May
    • Phonetics: My
    • Pronunciation: Rhymes with “my.”
  6. Juni – June
    • Phonetics: YOO-nee
    • Pronunciation: “YOO” like “you,” and “nee” rhymes with “knee.”
  7. Juli – July
    • Phonetics: YOO-lee
    • Pronunciation: “YOO” like “you,” and “lee” rhymes with “bee.”
  8. August – August
    • Phonetics: Ow-GOOST
    • Pronunciation: “Ow” like “cow,” and “GOOST” like “boost.”
  9. September – September
    • Phonetics: Zep-TEM-ber
    • Pronunciation: “Zep” rhymes with “pep,” and “TEM-ber” like in English.
  10. Oktober – October
    • Phonetics: Ok-TOH-ber
    • Pronunciation: “Ok” as in “rock,” and “TOH-ber” rhymes with “sober.”
  11. November – November
    • Phonetics: Noh-VEM-ber
    • Pronunciation: “Noh” rhymes with “no,” and “VEM-ber” as in English.
  12. Dezember – December
    • Phonetics: Day-TSEM-ber
    • Pronunciation: “Day” like “day,” and “TSEM-ber” rhymes with “ember.”

Weekdays in German

Here’s a list of the weekdays in German with phonetics and pronunciation to help you get familiar with them:

  1. Montag – Monday
    • Phonetics: MOHN-tahk
    • Pronunciation: “MOHN” like “moan,” and “tahk” like “tock.”
  2. Dienstag – Tuesday
    • Phonetics: DEEN-stahk
    • Pronunciation: “DEEN” rhymes with “seen,” and “stahk” like “stock.”
  3. Mittwoch – Wednesday
    • Phonetics: MIT-vokh
    • Pronunciation: “MIT” like “mitten,” and “vokh” with a soft throat “kh.”
  4. Donnerstag – Thursday
    • Phonetics: DON-ner-stahk
    • Pronunciation: “DON” like “don,” and “ner-stahk” like “ner-stock.”
  5. Freitag – Friday
    • Phonetics: FRY-tahk
    • Pronunciation: “FRY” like “fry,” and “tahk” like “tock.”
  6. Samstag – Saturday
    • Phonetics: ZAHM-stahk
    • Pronunciation: “ZAHM” rhymes with “calm,” and “stahk” like “stock.”
    • Note: In southern Germany and Austria, Saturday is also called Sonnabend (SON-nah-bent).
  7. Sonntag – Sunday
    • Phonetics: ZON-tahk
    • Pronunciation: “ZON” like “zon” in “zone,” and “tahk” like “tock.”

Final Thoughts: Learn some Basic German Travel Phrases 

Traveling to Germany is about more than just ticking off famous landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle —it’s about immersing yourself in the culture and connecting with the people. Learning even a few German phrases can transform your experience.

So, bookmark this guide and practice a little each day. You don’t need to be fluent; just a few basic expressions can make a big difference. Germans appreciate the effort, and your interactions will feel warmer and more rewarding.

That said, don’t worry too much—especially in bigger cities, many people speak English and are happy to help. If you’re unsure, a simple “Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch” (I only speak a little German) will be understood and often met with encouragement.

Keep in mind that Germany has a variety of regional dialects, and in some areas, even we find certain accents or expressions challenging to understand. If you travel to Bavaria, Saxony, or other regions with strong dialects, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or rely on gestures and context to bridge the gap.

Ready to dive deeper? Use tools like Google Translate for quick learning or explore our curated language resources to practice phrases that bring your journey to life. 

So, why not give it a try?

Viel Spaß und gute Reise! (Have fun and happy travels)

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