German Phrases

If you are planning to visit Germany, knowing a few phrases of the German language would certainly make your stay more comfortable. Scroll down to learn basic German phrases and their meaning in the English language.
What would you do if you are lost in a foreign land, with no knowledge about the language that the natives speak? The thought itself is scary. Well, if the nature of your work is such that you often have to travel to different countries, or you love to travel, a great way to make things easier would be to learn the basic phrases from the native language, especially the ones that are used for greeting the natives and making a general conversation. If you are planning a trip to Germany, you can avoid unnecessary hassles by learning a few commonly used expressions or phrases of the German language. If you ever get lost, the knowledge of such phrases would surely be a life-saver. Here's a compilation of German words and phrases that you could learn to ensure that your stay at Germany is hassle-free.

German Phrases and their Meaning

Here is a collection of basic phrases that you can use to introduce yourself and greet the local residents. Even if you are planning to stay for a short duration in Germany, it would not hurt to learn a few words or basic phrases that are often used in everyday conversation.
German Phrase English Translation
germany Guten Morgen Good Morning
germany Guten Tag Good Day
germany Guten Abend Good Evening
germany Wie heißen Sie? What is your name?
germany Grüß Gott Greetings
germany Entschuldigen Sie bitte Excuse me, please
germany Gern gescheh'n!/ Keine Ursache!/ Kein Problem You're welcome - answering thank you
germany Haben Sie viel zu tun? Are you busy?
germany Wie geht's? How are you?
germany Darf ich mich vorstellen? May I introduce myself?
germany Wissen Sie hier Bescheid? Do you know your way around here?
germany Ja Yes
germany Nein No
germany Danke Thanks
germany Es tut mir leid I am sorry
germany Bitte You're welcome
germany Ich heisse My name is
germany Es geht mir gut, danke I'm fine, thanks
germany Ich weiß I know
germany Sprechen Sie Englisch Do you speak English?
germany Ist das Ihnen recht? Is it all right with you?
germany Wie geht es Ihnen? How are you? (Formal)
germany Wie geht's? How are you? (Casual)
germany Das laß ich mir gefallen! I'm glad about that
germany Du hast/ Sie haben mir so gefehlt! I missed you so much!
germany Bis später! See You Later!
germany Viel Glück Good Luck
germany Danke schön Thank you very much
germany Ich bin froh, Sie kennenzulernen Pleased to meet you
germany Wunderbar! Wonderful/Super
germany Fühlen Sie sich wie zu Hause Feel at home
germany Freilich To be sure! Indeed!
germany (Herzlichen) Glückwunsch Congratulations
germany Gesundheit! Bless you - used when one is sneezing
germany Jetzt geht mir ein Licht auf Now I get it
germany Herzlich willkommen Welcome
germany Gott sei Dank! Thank God!
germany Das macht Spaß That's fun!
germany Ich spreche nur gebrochen deutsch I only speak some sentences in German
germany Fühlen Sie sich wie zu Hause Feel at home
germany Das läßt sich hören! That's good to hear!
germany Ich möchte essen I want to eat
germany Ich möchte Wasser I want water
germany Verstehen Sie? Do you understand?
germany Wiederholen Sie Speak slowly
germany Viel Vergnügen! Have fun!
germany Bitte nehmen Sie Platz! Please take a seat
germany Ich habe mich verlaufen I am lost
germany Ich werde Ihnen Geld geben You will be rewarded
germany Mein Herr - Sir
Machen Sie es sich bequem
Make yourself comfortable
germany Alles Gute Good luck
germany Was ist denn los? What's the matter?
germany Gute Nacht! Good night!
germany Wiederholen Sie Say it again
germany Wo befindet sich die Toilette, bitte Where is the toilet, please?
germany Danke, es geht mir gut Thanks, I'm fine
germany Bitte bedienen Sie sich! Please help yourself!
germany Was ist Ihre Adresse? What is your address?
germany Das schlägt's dreizehn! That's the last straw!
germany Links Left
germany Rechts Right
germany Verzeihung Pardon
germany Hoffentlich! Hopefully
germany Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen? Could you repeat that please?
germany Ich werde Ihnen Bescheid sagen I will inform you
germany Wo ist ...? (when asking for directions to a place) Where is ...? (name of the place)
germany Ich brauche Auskunft I need some information
germany Kannst du/ Können Sie mir helfen? Can you help me?
germany Einen schönen Tag allerseits! Have a nice day!
germany Guten Appetit! Enjoy the meal
germany Auf Wiedersehen! Good-bye!
germany Tschüs! Bye-bye!

This was an assorted collection of some of the basic German phrases that will help you to communicate with the natives of Germany. Before you leave for Germany, make it a point to remember these phrases and their meanings. If you have some knowledge of the native language, the local residents will surely appreciate the fact that you put in some effort to learn a few phrases of their language and they will certainly be more receptive.
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Last Updated: 1/24/2012
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