Common German Phrases: Master 70+ Basic German Words and Phrases
German may feel like a LOT at first: its complex grammar and vocabulary with long words can be frightening. But deep down, this language is very logical and once you have the basics, it’ll be very easy to advance!
In this blog post, we will explore common German phrases that are essential for any beginner-level student, traveler, or language enthusiast!
We will cover topics such as introducing yourself, greeting and saying goodbye, asking questions, ordering food in a restaurant, shopping for clothes, asking for directions, making small talk with locals, and more.
You can watch this great video where Denisa from Spring German (a project I’m a co-founder) tells you more about common German Phrases. She explains everything in just a few minutes!
This is Common German Phrases 101 with lots of chunks!
1. What you need to know before learning German phrases
German is a language that is heavily reliant on grammar rules.
Understanding the grammar of the language is important to learning and using German phrases correctly.
Effortless Answers
The German language has three different articles for different genders:
• der for masculine
• die for feminine
• das for neutral
Learning the gender of each noun is vital for using articles and pronouns correctly.
BUT!
This doesn’t mean that there’s only one approach to learning German! Read on to learn chunks (this is what we call common phrases/expressions on Effortless Conversations) and why they make it easier to learn any language!
Alternatively, you can immediately request the Conversation Based Chunking Guide which includes a step-by-step explanation of the theory and practice behind learning any language with chunks (and why it works so well), dedicated starter packs for different languages, and a lot more to learn about common German phrases!
2. Introducing yourself in German
Of course, introducing yourself is the start of any relationship in any language.
The most basic introduction in German is simply saying your name, which follows the format:
- “Ich heiße + [Name]” – I am + Your Name
- “Ich heiße John” – “I am (called) John”.
You could also say:
- “Mein Name ist [Name]“. – “My name is [Your Name]”
- “Mein Name ist Anna” – “My name is Anna”.
If you want to ask someone else’s name, you can say:
- “Wie heißt du?” – What is your name?.
Keep in mind, that this is the informal version of this question because du is the 2nd person singular in German.
To make it more formal, for instance, if you’re talking to a stranger or someone older, you will use:
- “Wie heißen Sie?” – What is your name?
When you’re meeting someone for the first time, it’s common to share more things about yourself, like where you come from:
- “Ich komme aus [Das Land/Die Stadt]” – “I come from [Country/City]”.
- “Ich komme aus New York” – I come from New York”.
Check out the following table for more common German phrases/chunks that you could use when meeting someone!
| German | English |
|---|---|
| I am (called) Laura | |
| My name is Michael | |
| What is your name? (informal) | |
| What is your name? (formal) | |
| I come from Berlin | |
| I am a teacher by profession | |
| I am twenty years old | |
| I live in Munich | |
| My hobby is playing soccer | |
| I have two siblings |
Practicing these chunks regularly will help you become comfortable with introductions in German!
3. Greeting and Saying Goodbye in German
Greeting and saying goodbye is a common practice that shows politeness and respect, whether you talk to one of your friends or you want to say goodbye to your boss at the end of the day.
Look at this table to learn a few of these common German phrases and greetings:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Good Morning | |
| Good Day | |
| Good Evening | |
| Hello | |
| Bye | |
| Goodbye | |
| See you later | |
| Good Night | |
| Welcome | |
| Take care |
Here’s a small, everyday conversation showing you the greetings and goodbyes in German we’ve learned:
- “Guten Morgen, Laura. Wie heißt du?“ – “Good morning, Laura. What’s your name?”
- “Hallo! Ich heiße Michael.“ – “Hello! My name is Michael.”
- “Kommst du aus Berlin, Michael?“ – “Are you from Berlin, Michael?”
- “Nein, ich komme aus München. Und du?“ – “No, I come from Munich. And you?”
- “Ich komme aus New York. Schön dich kennenzulernen, Michael.“ – “I come from New York. Nice to meet you, Michael.”
- “Auch schön dich kennenzulernen, Laura. Bis später!“ – “Nice to meet you too, Laura. See you later!”
- “Auf Wiedersehen, Michael. Mach’s gut!“ – “Goodbye, Michael. Take care!”
4. Useful Questions in German
Asking questions is necessary for effective communication, and German has a range of question words to use.
Some of the essential question words that are called the W-Fragen in German are:
- “Wer?” (Who?)
- “Was?” (What?)
- “Wo?” (Where?)
- “Wann?” (When?)
- “Warum?” (Why?)
- “Wie?” (How?)
Common German phrases that use these question words include:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| “What time is it?” | |
| “Where is the nearest subway station?” | |
| “How much does that cost?” |
If you’re traveling to Germany as a tourist, some of the most important things are:
Asking for directions in the city
Getting lost is – unfortunately – a common thing when traveling in a foreign place.
Asking for directions is life-saving for finding your destination, whether that is the hotel, a restaurant or the train station.
The following table contains only formal sentences – because that’s usually how you ask for directions from strangers.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Entschuldigung, können Sie mir sagen, wo … | Excuse me, can you tell me where… |
| Entschuldigen Sie, wissen Sie, wo … | Excuse me, do you know where… |
| Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, wo … | Could you please tell me where… |
| Können Sie mir weiterhelfen? Ich suche nach … | Can you help me? I am looking for… |
| Wo befindet sich …? | Where is… located? |
| Is this close by? | |
| Is it far from here? | |
| Where is the nearest supermarket? | |
| Which way should I take to get to the theater? | |
| How do I get to the museum? | |
| Where can I find the nearest bus stop? | |
| Where can I find a taxi? | |
| How far is it to the airport? |
Ordering food in a restaurant
Germany has a rich culinary scene, and it is an excellent opportunity for language learners to practice ordering in a restaurant.
Some of the most common German phrases and questions/chunks are:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| “Ich hätte gern …” | “I would like…” |
| “What do you recommend?” | |
| “The bill, please” | |
| “I am allergic to…” (if you have specific dietary restrictions) | |
| “I would like an appetizer.” | |
| “Could you cook the steak medium?” | |
| “I would like a table for two.” | |
| “Could you please show me the menu?” | |
| “What desserts do you have available?” | |
| “Could you recommend a vegetarian dish for me?” |
Shopping for clothes and asking questions
If you plan on shopping in Germany, knowing how to ask for assistance or specific items is helpful. You can definitely find some really good articles in the country!
Some useful chunks and questions:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich suche nach … | I am looking for… |
| Haben Sie…? | Do you have…? |
| How much does that cost? | |
| What size do you have? | |
| Do you have that in red? | |
| Wo finde ich …? | Where can I find…? |
| Can I exchange this? | |
| Do you have a receipt? | |
| Can you help me? | |
| What is the return policy? | |
| How long does the delivery take? |
Making small talk with locals
Small talk is also an excellent way to learn more about the local culture and practice your language skills.
Check out these topics and useful chunks to engage in small talk with locals!
Hint: The following sentences are informal – it’s also good to start with a smile on your face 🙂
| German | English |
|---|---|
| How is the weather today? | |
| Do you have any hobbies? | |
| Have you ever visited Germany? | |
| What do you like to do in your free time? | |
| Do you know any good restaurants nearby? | |
| Are there any special attractions here? | |
| How long have you been living here? | |
| What are your favorite activities? | |
| Can you give me some tips about the city? | |
| Where is the best place to go shopping around here? |
Small talk is one of the best ways you can practice your conversation skills in real life!
4. Practice Worksheet for Common German Phrases
Below you’ll find a practical worksheet to help you practice common German phrases. To get the most out of these exercises, try to say the phrases out loud as you go along!
I. Fill in the blanks with the most common German Phrases!
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged by initial mistakes. Keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it!
We have the best practice worksheets for you (available for ALL of our blog posts in Spanish and in German)! Click the button below to request the FULL PRACTICE WORKSHEETS!
5. Start with the Basics and follow the Conversation Based Chunking Method
Learning the most common German phrases can be a fun and exciting journey that allows you to discover a new culture and connect with others.
One effective technique that can enhance your language learning experience is Conversation Based Chunking. Practice conversations in chunks, focus on specific topics or scenarios, and improve your speaking skills!
This approach helps you break down the language into manageable parts, making it easier to grasp and remember.
As you continue to learn, explore, and practice with Conversation Based Chunking method, you’ll find yourself making steady progress and enjoying the process of acquiring German language skills.
