Useful German Phrases for Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is on many bucket lists, and while it’s an international event, most of the action happens in German.

Sure, many locals speak English, but knowing a few German key phrases will help you order faster, find your way around, and maybe even make some new Bavarian friends.

Don’t worry—you don’t need to be fluent. Just a few essential words will help you order beer like a pro, ask for the nearest restrooms, get around without stress, and enjoy Oktoberfest the way locals do.

As native Germans, we want to make your Oktoberfest experience smoother and more authentic. So we’ve compiled a list of useful German phrases for Oktoberfest to help you feel right at home.

Los geht´s (Let´s go)!

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Key Polite Phrases to Remember

These are some of the most important phrases to remember, especially when traveling to Oktoberfest, as they will help you interact politely with locals.

💡 Tip: Oktoberfest can be chaotic, loud, and overwhelming, but using basic politeness goes a long way—especially with waitstaff who serve thousands of people daily.

Ordering Beer & Food Like a Local

One of the first things you’ll do at Oktoberfest is order a beer—and trust us, the waitresses appreciate it when you order in German.

But don’t stress—if you forget the phrase or aren’t confident, you can absolutely order in English too. Most staff are used to international visitors and will understand you. Still, giving it a try in German might even earn you a smile or faster service.

Keep in mind: Most beer tents only serve beer in one-liter mugs, known as a Maß (pronounced “Mahss”). So don’t bother asking for a small one—it’s just not done at Oktoberfest!

How to Order a Beer

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about the alcohol content, ask “Wie stark ist das Bier?” (vee shtark ist dahs beer?) – How strong is the beer? Oktoberfest beer is stronger than regular beer (usually 6%+ alcohol), so pace yourself!

How to Order Food

💡 Tip: At Oktoberfest, you’ll often share tables with strangers. If you see someone with a delicious meal and want to order the same thing, you can ask:
“Was ist das?” (vahs ist dahs?) – What is that?
“Ich möchte das Gleiche bitte.” (ikh muer-teh dahs gly-cheh bit-teh) – I’d like the same thing please.

Getting Around Oktoberfest (Directions & Essentials)

Oktoberfest is huge—with over sixteen massive beer tents, countless food stalls, and carnival rides. Add in thousands of people and a Maß or two of strong beer, and suddenly, finding your way around becomes a challenge.

Here are the key phrases to help you navigate Oktoberfest like a pro.

Asking for Directions

💡 Tip: Oktoberfest is walking distance from Munich’s central train station (Hauptbahnhof), but it’s easy to get lost among the crowds. If you’re not sure, just ask:
“Welcher Weg zur U-Bahn?” (vel-kher vayg tsoor oo-bahn?) – Which way to the subway?

Finding Restrooms & Other Essentials

💡 Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or can’t find your way, look for security staff or ask a local:
“Können Sie mir helfen?” (kur-nen zee meer hel-fen?) – Can you help me?

Greeting & Introducing Yourself

Oktoberfest isn’t just about beer and bratwurst—it’s also about meeting new people and celebrating together. The beer tents have communal tables, so you’ll likely end up sitting next to strangers. This is the perfect chance to chat with locals, toast with fellow travelers, and sing along to Bavarian drinking songs.

Here are some key phrases to help you socialize like a pro.

💡 Tip: Germans are usually friendly at Oktoberfest, and everyone’s in a good mood. If someone introduces themselves, a simple smile and handshake go a long way!

Joining a Table

Since seating is communal, you might need to ask to join a table if things are crowded.

💡 Tip: If you see a half-empty table, just ask. Most people are happy to make space!

Toasting Like a Local

Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete without countless beer toasts.

Here’s how to do it properly:

💡 Tip: When toasting, maintain eye contact—Germans take this seriously! If you forget, someone might joke that you’ll have “seven years of bad luck” in love!

Talking About Oktoberfest & Having Fun

💡 Tip: Oktoberfest songs are easy to learn, even if you don’t speak German! The lyrics are repetitive, so just join in and have fun.

Getting Home After Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest gets wild at night, and public transportation can be packed. If you’re trying to find your way back to your hotel, these phrases will help:

💡 Tip: Rideshares like Uber exist in Munich, but taxis are still more common around Oktoberfest. If you want to use Uber, make sure you have the app set up before you need a ride.

Handling Awkward Situations & Emergencies

Oktoberfest is fun, exciting, and full of energy, but things don’t always go as planned. Maybe you spill beer on someone, get lost, or—worst case scenario—lose your phone.

Don’t panic! These phrases will help you get out of tricky situations and ask for help when you need it.

Excusing Yourself & Being Polite

💡 Tip: Oktoberfest can be very crowded, so don’t be shy about using “Entschuldigung”—it’s polite and makes things easier for everyone!

If You Get Lost

💡 Tip: If you get separated from your friends, plan a meeting point in advance. The Bavaria Statue is a good landmark near the entrance!

If You Lose Something

💡 Tip: Oktoberfest has Lost & Found booths, so if you lose something, check there first!

If You Need Medical Help

💡 Tip: There are first aid stations at Oktoberfest. If you or someone else needs help, ask a security guard or tent staff to point you in the right direction.

How to Politely Say You Speak Just a Bit of German

Oktoberfest is an international event, and many locals speak at least some English. But making an effort to speak German—even just a few words—goes a long way.

It shows respect, helps you connect with locals, and might even score you a friendly chat or an extra cheer from your tablemates.

Here’s how to make the most of your German, even if you’re not fluent:

💡 Tip: Germans appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. A simple “Danke” (thank you) with a smile is enough to make a good impression.

Extra Tip: How to Bluff Your Way Through Conversations

Even if you don’t understand everything, you can still keep a conversation going with these filler phrases:

💡 Tip: If you’re completely lost, just laugh and say “Mein Deutsch ist nicht perfekt, aber das Bier ist gut!” (Mine doych ist nikht per-fekt, ah-buh dahs beer ist goot!) – My German isn’t perfect, but the beer is good!

Final Thoughts: Speak Like a Local & Enjoy Oktoberfest!

Learning just a few key phrases can make a huge difference in your Oktoberfest experience.

Even if you only remember “Danke” (Thank you), “Ein Maß, bitte!” (One beer, please!) and “Prost!” (Cheers!), you’re already set for an amazing time.

So get out there, toast with your new friends, and enjoy Oktoberfest like a local!

Prost!