9 Helpful German Phrases To Know For European Travels

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After living here in Munich for two weeks, I have an ever increasing desire to learn the German language. As I previously started Duolingo and Babbel before ever arriving and now have begun taking German classes, I can see small steps of progress, but flowing conversation still feels miles away. Thankfully (and most impressively!), many people in the city speak English and have been able to understand my flustered mix of broken German and English phrases. But even with some flustering, isn’t that part of the joy of traveling? Exposure to another culture and language and seeing the beauty that the Lord has established in people groups all over the world? I certainly think so. And in general, even for all of my mistakes, the German people have been very kind and encouraging about the effort to learn their language. So, whether you are traveling abroad to a German speaking country for a week, month or even a few years, here are 9 helpful German phrases to know to make an effort and gain a more full experience throughout your trip.

1. Greetings

Much like English, there are a variety of ways to say “hello” in German! While a simple “hallo” will suffice, some greetings that are more regional or used for a specific time of day, can be a great way to say hello when entering a shop or starting a conversation with general pleasantries.

“Hallo” – Much like “hello”, this greeting can be used for any time of day and is widely understood throughout the German speaking world

Regional Greetings

“Servus” – In Bavaria and parts of Austria, it is quite common to greet someone with the phrase “Servus”. Coming from the word “slave” or “servant”, this greeting dates back to feudalism times in which the greeting would translate to a cheerful “At your service!”. This phrase is used at any time of day and will be frequently given in response to a kind “hallo”.
“Moin” – While “Servus” is popular in the south of Germany, “Moin” is popular in the northern parts of Germany and can also be used for any time of day. With a translation which simply implies “hi”, “hello”, “good morning”, “good night” and a general cheerful hello for everything in between, “Moin” is a popular greeting of choice.

Time Of Day Greetings

“Guten Morgen” – Meaning “good morning!”, this greeting is perfect to use up until about 12:00 noon.
“Guten Tag” – Literally translating to “good day”, “Guten Tag” is a nice “hello” to use throughout the afternoon between 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm.
“Guten Abend” – Finally, “Guten Abend!” announces a “good evening” and should be used anytime after 6:00 pm.

2. Saying Goodbyes

Since we have addressed greetings, we definitely could address goodbyes as well. While I have not experienced this yet in other areas, it is quite common in Bavaria to hear a multitude of goodbyes strung together upon leaving a shop, hanging up the phone or any other conversation, so if you can’t decide which to use, just use them all! (all that are appropriate for the time of day of course :))

“Tschüss” – Pronounced like the English word “choose”, “Tschüss” is a common response for goodbye.
“Auf Wiedersehen” – While this goodbye is commonly discussed as a formal goodbye, in my experience, it is far less used in day to day conversation. Literally meaning “to see again”, this expression is fun to say and polite for any time of day.

Time Of Day Goodbyes

“Schönen Tag” or “Schönen Tag Noch” – Translating to “nice day” or “have a nice day”, this goodbye is particularly lovely to say when leaving all throughout the morning and afternoon.
“Schönen Abend” or “Schönen Abend Noch” – Much like the greetings, this goodbye is just a slight change from the phrase above to account for the time of day. Stated in the evening, this goodbye means “nice evening” or “have a nice evening”.
“Gute Nacht” – As a final greeting for the night, “Gute Nacht” translates perfectly for “goodnight”.

3. Expressing Thanks

Probably one of the most commonly known German words, “Danke” translates directly to “thank you”. If you would like to express even greater appreciation, you can use the phrases “Danke Schön” (meaning “thank you very much”) or “Vielen Dank” (meaning “thanks very much”).

4. Saying Please / You’re Welcome

While the word “Bitte” has a myriad of meanings, some of its most common translations are “please” and “you’re welcome”. You can use this word in a polite request or as a response to a “thank you”.

5. Excuse Me / Pardon / Sorry

Inevitably throughout your travels, you will have to say excuse me. Whether you are apologizing or trying to gain someones attention, knowing the different options for “excuse me” can be quite helpful.

“Bitte” – As mentioned above “Bitte” can have so many meanings. Not only can it mean “please” and “you’re welcome”, but it also can be used as “pardon?” especially when asking someone to repeat themselves.
“Entschuldigung” – Translating to “excuse me”, “pardon” or “apologies”, this phrase can be used to apologize or also to gain someones attention.
“Sorry” or “Es tut mir leid” – Perfect for apologies, “sorry” (pronounced the same as in English) or “Es tut mir leid” (meaning I am sorry) are phrases easy to remember should you need to apologize for a mishap, inconvenience or blunder.

9 Helpful German Phrases To Know For European Travels

6. Learning Directions

While Google Maps is a wonderful thing and even if you aren’t traveling with a paper map, you still might find yourself asking for directions a time or two throughout your travels. Similarly, as many of the rental car GPS navigation instructions are in German, having a familiarity with directional words can be quite helpful for moving throughout the country.

“Wo ist _______?” – When asking for directions, simply remember the phrase “Wo ist ____?” and fill in the blank. Literally translating to “where is”, “Wo ist” is the perfect start to finding out the direction of the bathroom, restaurant, museum or other destination that you need to go.
“Richtung” – Whether listening to a GPS system or traveling via the U-bahn or S-bahn (I describe those HERE!), knowing the “Richtung” or “direction” in which you are headed is extremely helpful. Frequently, the subway trains will be labeled with the direction in which they are headed and will say something to the effect of “Richtung _____”.
“Links” – When getting directions, it is also helpful to know directional words! The first is quite easy to remember: “Links” for “left”.
“Rechts” – Also easy to remember is “Rechts”, the word for “right”.
“Gerade Aus” – Lastly, but certainly not least, “Gerade Aus” means “straight ahead”.

7. Shopping

After you have figured out where to go and have arrived at your destination, it is likely you are going to do some shopping! Whether in a local bakery, shop or market, knowing know to ask for a price and ways to pay is key to having a pleasant shopping experience.

“Wie viel kostet das?” – While most things are well marked, some flea markets or markets in general may not have their prices listed. To ask how much something is, simply say “Wie viel kostet das?”.
“Mit Karte oder Bar?” – Similarly, once you know how much something costs and are ready to pay, you must know HOW to pay. Unlike the US, cash is king over here in Germany, however many bakeries, restaurants and grocery stores do now accept credit cards as well. If they do, you will likely be asked the question, “Mit Karte oder Bar?” meaning, “with card or cash?”.

8. Navigating Restaurants

German cuisine is wonderful. Whether you are eating traditional local fare or are branching out to fresh Italian, Middle Eastern or other flavorful options, trying new foods and restaurants is a key joy of traveling.

“Die Rechnung bitte” – Unlike restaurants in the US that try to flip tables as soon as possible, it is the general understanding that once you have a table at a restaurant (especially if you have a reservation), it is yours for the evening. That being said, you likely will have to ask for the bill as they will not wish to hurry you along. To do so, simply say “Die Rechnung bitte”, which means “the check please”.
“Zusammen oder Getrennt?” – Once you have asked for the bill, especially if you are with a large group, prepare to be asked the question “Zusammen oder Getrennt?” which means “together or separate”. This way, the waiter or waitress knows exactly how to split the bill around the table. Following this, you may also be asked the question (from above shopping section) “Mit Karte oder Bar?” meaning “with card or cash?”.

9. Speaking In English

Finally, if all of this seems a little too confusing beyond initial greetings, you certainly can try to switch to English. With the requirement to learn English in school, it is common (especially among the younger generations) that locals around the city speak English. That being said, as you venture further out of the cities and into the small villages, it does become less frequent, so having a few key phrases to know is very helpful. Either way though, Germany, and the German speaking countries surrounding it, has become so multicultural that people will not assume that you don’t know German upon first glance. They likely will still address you in German, however if you respond in English, they very well might switch to English conversation instead. If they do not automatically switch and you would like to know if they speak English, you may ask “Sprechen Sie English?” which means, “do you speak English?”, or they might even ask you “Sprechen Sie Deutsch?” to see if you know German!

Final Thoughts

Knowing these words and phrases has been SO helpful for exploring Germany and learning German culture thus far and instantly can make a difference in the tone of a conversation. I have been amazed at the diversity of languages spoken throughout the area and am inspired by the number of people who are equipped in so many languages. With a little preparation, you too can be on your way to learning introductory German phrases perfect for your next travel adventure. So, what do you think? Do these phrases seem easy enough? Be sure to save this post for future travels or share with someone you know is heading here soon!

Gut Reise!