Simple German phrases to help you get started learning the language. The first step in learning to speak German is to memorize some basic sentences. Reading this essay, which introduces you to the most common German phrases, will allow you to converse with locals and boost your confidence in your German language skills.
Learn the essential German sentences
When you want to learn a foreign language, you don’t start with difficult sentences or discussions at the B2 level. Rather, you learn the most basic words and combine them to represent ideas, concepts, and emotions.
You gradually expand your vocabulary and grammar while expressing the same concepts in more complex ways. If you struggle to understand German at first, don’t give up. To have a conversation in German, you must invest time and effort.
The good news is that you can become fluent more quickly by learning the most commonly used words and expressions and laying the groundwork for learning more complicated expressions. Learning a foreign language is a powerful way to improve your brain health and make new neural connections.
Basic sentences in German: tips for beginners
There are many different kinds of German sentences, each with its specific structure. But there are a few simple things you can do to make sure your sentences are as clear as possible.
One tip is to start each sentence with a topic word, such as “I,” “we,” or “you.” These words show the sentence and help readers understand the main idea at the beginning. Another tip is to keep sentences short. Long sentences can be hard to follow and make it harder for readers to understand what you’re trying to say.
And finally, don’t use more than one verb per sentence. This will make it easier for readers to understand what’s going on and keep your sentences short and easy to follow.
- ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?
Hi! How are you? - ¿Qué tal todo?
How is everything? - ¿Cómo has estado?
How have you been? - ¿Cómo te va?
How are you doing? - Mucho gusto, mi nombre es…
Nice to meet you, my name is…
Basic German phrases you should know
Learning the German language is easy, but mastering it isn’t. There are a lot of German words and phrases that can be confusing for non-native speakers. In this post, we’ll go over some basic German phrases you should know, so you can get started on your German language journey.
It’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in any new language you’re learning. These phrases will help you to understand the people around you and give you an easy way to communicate when you’re lost or need directions.
Keep in mind that not all cultures use English as their first language, so these phrases will likely be needed regardless of your native language. Use these basic German phrases the next time you find yourself stuck in a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak English!
Basic German words and common greetings
- Hola: Hello
- Buenas: Hi (informal)
- Buenas noches: Good evening
- Bienvenido: Welcome
- Buenas noches: Good night
- Que te vaya bien: Have a good day
Asking for time and day
Typical ways to ask for the time are as follows:
- Wie viel Uhr ist es? (literally: how much o’clock is it?)
- Wie spät ist es? (literally: how late is it?)
- Kannst Du /Können Sie mir sagen wie spät es ist? (Can you tell me what time it is?)
- Hast Du /Haben Sie die Uhrzeit? (literally: Do you have the time?) This one is a little old-fashioned.
- Wieviel Uhr ist es? – Es ist sieben Uhr (What time is it? – It’s seven o’clock)
- Wann sollen wir uns treffen? – Wie wäre es um 17 Uhr? (When should we meet? – How about at 5pm?)
- Wann beginnt der Unterricht? – Um ein Uhr. (When does class start? – At one o’clock.)
Asking questions in German
- Wie ist das Wetter? (How is the weather?)
- Wie weit ist es?(How far is it?)
- Wo sind die Toiletten?(Where are the restrooms?)
- Wo kann ich _____ kaufen? (Where can I buy _______?)
- Was kostet das?(How much is it?)
- Wo finde ich ein Geldautomat?(Where do I find an ATM?)
German phrases at the restaurant
- Einen Tisch für zwei/drei/vier Personen, bitte.
A table for two/three/four persons, please. - Wir haben eine Reservierung.
We have a reservation. - Die Speisekarte, bitte.
The menu, please. - Ich hätte gerne das Steak mit Pommes.
I would like the steak with fries. - Haben Sie ein veganes Gericht?
Do you have a vegan meal? - Können Sie etwas empfehlen?
Can you recommend something? - Noch ein Glas Wasser, bitte.
Another glass of water, please.
German phrases for travelers
- Haben Sie das in einer [kleineren/größeren] Größe? – Do you have that in a smaller/bigger size?
- Darf ich mit Bargeld bezahlen? – May I pay with cash?
- Nehmen Sie (Visa/Mastercard, etc.)? – Do you accept (Visa/Mastercard, etc.)
- Wo ist der nächste Geldautomat? – Where is the closest ATM?
- Wo sind die Toiletten, bitte? – Where are the restrooms, please?
- Wo ist die Toilette? – Where’s the restroom?
- Ist es weit? – Is it far?
- Wann fährt der nächste Bus nach …? – When does the next bus leave to…?
- Wann fährt der nächste zug nach …? – When does the next train leave to…?
- Wann kommt dieser Bus an? – When does this bus arrive?
German phrases you can use in hotels
- I have a reservation – Ich habe eine Reservierung
- Do you have…? – Haben Sie?
- a single room – ein Einzelzimmer
- a double room – ein Doppelzimmer
- yes – ja
- no – nein
- I’m sorry – Es tut mir leid
- We are booked full – Wir sind voll
- with a bathroom – mit Bad
- with a shower – mit Dusche
When shopping
- I want, I would like… – Ich moechte…
- a dress – ein Kleid
- a skirt – einen Rock
- a pair of pants – eine Hose
- shoes – Schuhe (f)
- Can I try this on? – Kann ich das probieren?
- Where is the changing room? – Wo ist die Umkleide?
- How much does that cost? – Wieviel kostet das?
- How to ask help in German
- die Gesundheit (health)
- das Aspirin (aspirin)
- das Medikament (medicine)
- die Kopfschmerzen (headache)
- die Magenschmerzen (stomachache)
- die Verletzung (injury)
- Schmerz (pain)
- die Infektion (infection)
- Bitte helfen Sie! (Please help!)
- Was ist passiert? (What happened?)
- Ich weiß nicht. (I don’t know.)
- Ich kann nicht atmen. (I can’t breathe.)
German sentences into practice
Once you’ve learned the most useful sentences for communicating with locals, you must put them into practice. How can this be accomplished? You can do it in a variety of ways, the best of which would be to practice with a native German speaker.
You can also ask a friend to join you in speaking German – it doesn’t matter what level he is as long as you talk. If you don’t have the opportunity to speak with someone, you can create a dialogue between two characters. It’s a fun exercise that boosts your creativity.
Learn more German sentences
To summarize, learning the most common German phrases and sentences is critical for approaching the language, expanding your German vocabulary, and improving your speaking confidence. Once you’ve mastered them, you can practice with short conversations or create your own dialogues.
Are you willing to learn? Then, begin with the basic German phrases in this article and practice a lot to improve your fluency!
