Common German phrases: 100+ basic sentences to learn

Learn common German phrases with our comprehensive guide! This blog features 100+ basic sentences to help you speak and understand German with ease.

German is a complex language that is spoken by millions of people around the world. Whether you’re planning a trip to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, or simply looking to improve your language skills, learning basic German phrases can help you feel more confident and comfortable in any situation.

Here are 100+ of the most common German phrases, with English translations and pronunciation tips, to help you get started:

Hallo! – Hello! (hah-loh)
Guten Morgen! – Good morning! (goo-ten mor-gen)
Guten Abend! – Good evening! (goo-ten ah-bent)
Wie geht’s? – How are you? (vee gates)
Mir geht’s gut, danke. – I’m doing well, thank you. (meer gates goot, dahn-keh)
Wie heißen Sie? – What’s your name? (vee hi-ssen zee)
Ich heiße… – My name is… (ikh hi-seh)
Ich komme aus… – I come from… (ikh kom-eh ous)
Woher kommen Sie? – Where are you from? (voh-her kom-en zee)
Ich spreche kein Deutsch. – I don’t speak German. (ikh shpreh-keh kine doych)

Why learn the most common German phrases first

Learning the most common German phrases first is important because it will help you communicate more effectively with native German speakers. These phrases form the foundation of the language, and they are used in everyday situations such as introductions, greetings, asking for directions, making requests, and expressing needs.

By mastering these basic phrases, you will be able to get by in a variety of everyday situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant, asking for help, or having a simple conversation. This will also give you a good starting point for building upon your language skills, as you can then expand your vocabulary and grammar knowledge.

In addition, focusing on the most common phrases first can help you avoid the frustration and confusion that can come from learning complex grammar rules or obscure vocabulary. By starting with what you need most, you can build your confidence and fluency in the language more quickly and effectively.

Overall, learning the most common German phrases first is a great way to lay the foundation for your language-learning journey and make the most of your time and effort.

Have real conversations with basic German sentences from day one

It is possible to have real conversations with basic German sentences from day one. It is highly encouraged to start using what you have learned as soon as possible. This will help you get comfortable speaking the language and practicing your pronunciation, as well as allow you to receive feedback and corrections from native speakers.

Here are some ways to have real conversations with basic German sentences:

Practice with a language partner or tutor: Find someone who speaks German fluently and has regular conversation sessions with them. This can be in person or online.
Join a language exchange group: There are many language exchange groups available online or in person, where you can find someone to practice German with.
Use language learning apps or websites: Some many apps and websites offer conversation-based language learning experiences. These can be a great way to practice your German skills with native speakers.
Immerse yourself in the language: Try to surround yourself with German as much as possible. Listen to German music, watch German movies or TV shows, or read German books.

By using these methods, you can start having real conversations with basic German sentences from day one. The more you practice, the more confident you will become in speaking the language, and you will gradually expand your vocabulary and grammar knowledge.

Feel how easy it is to become confident

It is possible to feel confident when learning German, especially if you focus on the most common phrases and use them in real-life situations. Here are a few tips that can help you feel more confident when speaking German:

Start with what you know: Begin by using what you have learned so far, even if it’s just a few basic phrases. This will help you build your confidence and get comfortable speaking the language.
Practice regularly: Regular practice is key to building your confidence. Make sure to use German in conversation as much as possible, whether with a language partner, in a language exchange group, or through language learning apps and websites.
Focus on pronunciation: Pay attention to pronunciation when you speak, as this will help you sound more confident and natural when speaking German. You can also practice pronunciation by listening to native German speakers and repeating what you hear.
Be patient with yourself: Learning a new language can take time and effort, so it’s important to be patient with yourself. Don’t get discouraged if you make mistakes, as this is a natural part of the learning process.
Surround yourself with German: Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible by listening to German music, watching German movies or TV shows, or reading German books.

Become fluent quicker with common sentences

Becoming fluent in German can take time and effort, but learning the most common phrases can help you reach your goals faster. Here are a few reasons why learning common sentences can help you become fluent quicker:

Focus on what you need most: By focusing on the most common phrases, you can learn what you need to communicate effectively in everyday situations. This will help you avoid wasting time and effort on learning grammar rules or vocabulary that you may not use often.
Build a solid foundation: The most common phrases form the foundation of the language, so by mastering them first, you will be able to build your language skills on a solid foundation.
Practice makes perfect: Regular practice is key to becoming fluent in any language, and by using the most common phrases in real-life situations, you will have more opportunities to practice and improve your German skills.
Enhance your listening and speaking skills: By focusing on common sentences, you will improve your listening and speaking skills faster. You will also get a better understanding of the rhythm and flow of the language, which is important for fluency.
Gain confidence: The more you use the most common German phrases, the more confident you will become in speaking the language. This will help you feel more comfortable in real-life situations and encourage you to keep learning.

Become smarter by learning German

Learning German can help you become smarter by improving cognitive skills, increasing intelligence, enhancing memory, increasing cultural awareness, and boosting brain development. So, if you’re looking for a fun and challenging way to enhance your brainpower, learning German is a great option!

Easy sentences in German: tips for beginners

Starting to learn a new language like German can be overwhelming, but by focusing on easy sentences, you can build your confidence and make the learning process more enjoyable. Here are a few tips for beginners to help you get started:

Focus on pronunciation: Pay attention to pronunciation from the very beginning, as this will help you sound more natural when speaking German. You can also practice pronunciation by listening to native German speakers and repeating what you hear.
Start with common phrases: Focus on learning the most common German phrases, such as “Guten Morgen” (Good morning), “Wie geht es dir?” (How are you?), and “Danke” (Thank you). These phrases will give you a solid foundation for communicating in everyday situations.
Use visual aids: Visual aids, such as flashcards or charts, can be a helpful tool for learning new vocabulary. You can create your flashcards or use a language learning app to help you memorize words and phrases.
Practice regularly: Regular practice is key to learning a new language, so make sure to use German in conversation as much as possible. Find a language partner, join a language exchange group, or practice through language learning apps and websites.
Immerse yourself in the language: Immerse yourself in the German language as much as possible by listening to German music, watching German movies or TV shows, or reading German books. This will help you get a feel for the rhythm and flow of the language, which is important for fluency.

A sentence must have a subject and a verb example

“Der Hund bellt” (The dog barks)

In this sentence, “Der Hund” (The dog) is the subject and “bellt” (barks) is the verb. The subject, “Der Hund”, is what the sentence is about, and the verb, “bellt”, describes the action that the subject is performing. So, in this sentence, “Der Hund” is the subject and “bellt” is the verb, and together they form a complete sentence with a subject and a verb.

A sentence must express a complete thought

“Ich esse ein Brot zum Frühstück.” (I eat bread for breakfast.)

This sentence expresses a complete thought because it tells us who is doing the action (I), what the action is (eat), and what the action is related to (bread for breakfast). In contrast, if we only said “Ich esse” (I eat), this would not be a complete sentence because it does not convey a complete thought.

It tells us who is doing the action but not what the action is related to. So, for a sentence to be considered complete, it must express a complete thought and provide all the information necessary to understand the idea being conveyed.

A sentence must only have one clause

“Ich gehe ins Kino, weil ich einen Film sehen möchte.” (I go to the cinema because I want to see a movie.)

In this sentence, there are two clauses: “Ich gehe ins Kino” (I go to the cinema) and “ich einen Film sehen möchte” (I want to see a movie). Both clauses have a subject and a verb and could be considered complete sentences on their own, but they have been joined together to form a more complex sentence.

Useful sentences in German to listen and repeat

We all concur that it’s a wise move, to begin with, practical German sentences. Particularly for particular circumstances, such as traveling, for which you presumably wish to learn the German language. But how do you go about doing that? Where can I locate those frequent German expressions?

Learn more about speaking German to learn the language, not just reading or listening. Even if you’re only learning the language, you ought to be conversing with a native speaker right now. You can still practice speaking on your own even if you lack the resources (time, money, or confidence). How? With a listening program like “Wiederholen Sie mit mir! ”. By listening and repeating, you’ll enhance your German with this course.

Although grammar isn’t taught directly, you’ll start to catch up on the different grammar elements on your own. Check out the course schedule to quickly learn the basics of German!

Should you practice the 1000 most common German phrases with flashcards?

Using flashcards to practice the most common German phrases can be a useful and effective method for learning and memorizing new vocabulary. Here’s why:

Visual aids: Flashcards can help you associate new words and phrases with visual cues, making them easier to remember.
Repetition: Regular practice with flashcards can help you repeat the phrases multiple times, strengthening your memory and making it easier to recall them later.
Convenience: Flashcards are portable and can be taken with you anywhere, so you can practice whenever you have a few spare minutes.
Flexibility: Flashcards can be used to practice specific areas of vocabulary, such as common phrases for greetings, directions, or ordering food.
Test yourself: You can use flashcards to test yourself on the most common German phrases and track your progress as you learn.

100+ essential German travel phrases and words

Everyone should learn some basic conversational German before traveling to Germany. These are the best phrases because you will use them in the majority of informal conversations. Pack these simple words and phrases to help you deal with the situations that travelers commonly face.

Learn valuable German travel phrases as well as some of the 1000 most common German words. The first thing you should learn is how to welcome people! After all, greetings will be used every time you have a simple discussion in German.

However, the German greetings do not stop at hallo! German phrases for beginners may appear obvious, but they are nonetheless helpful. Knowing how to greet people in German can help you make a good impression, whether you’re speaking for business or when traveling.

Introductions and greetings are important in German culture since they are generally regarded as a fundamental way of expressing respect. There are numerous terms to employ depending on whether the situation is professional (business meeting) or informal (social gathering) (meeting someone at a restaurant).

Offer polite greetings to friends and colleagues, or use them to break the ice when meeting new people. These simple phrases to learn are easy to remember and can help you make friends and have your first basic chats. You’ll immediately sound like a natural speaker.

Hallo!
Hello (any time of day)
Guten Morgen/Guten Tag
Good morning/afternoon.
It is always polite to say “Hi” every morning because German speakers are sociable. “Good morning” in German is guten morgen.
Guten Abend
Good evening
Gute Nacht
Goodnight
Vielen Dank
Thank you very much
Auf Wiedersehen
Goodbye
Ich heiße…
My name is…
Ich bin Amerikaner/Kanadier/Engländer
I’m American/Canadian/English
Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen
Nice to meet you

Being nice is extremely crucial when visiting Germany. It also doesn’t cost anything; it’s completely free! Learn the following words and phrases to converse politely and sound like a native.

Ja – Yes
Nein – No
Bitte – Please
Danke – Thank you
Vielen Dank. – Thank you very much.
Gern geschehen! – You’re welcome!
Schon gut. – It’s nothing.
Verzeihung. – Excuse me.
Auf jeden Fall – By all means
Kannst du bitte wiederholen? – Can you please repeat it?

Check out how to say how are you in German.

How to say hello and goodbye in German

Hello and goodbye is important phrases to know in any language, and German is no exception. Here are some common ways to say hello and goodbye in German:

Hello:

Hallo! (Hello!)
Guten Morgen! (Good morning!)
Guten Tag! (Good day!)
Guten Abend! (Good evening!)

Goodbye:

Auf Wiedersehen! (Goodbye!)
Tschüss! (Bye!)
Bis bald! (See you soon!)
Bis später! (See you later!)
Mach’s gut! (Take care!)

Note that the way you say hello and goodbye in the German language can depend on the time of day and the formality of the situation. For example, “Guten Morgen!” is more commonly used for morning greetings, while “Guten Abend!” is more appropriate for evening greetings. Similarly, “Auf Wiedersehen!” is a more formal way to say goodbye, while “Tschüss!” is more informal.

Phrases to introduce yourself in German

Introducing yourself is an important first step when meeting new people in a foreign country. Here are some common phrases you can use to introduce yourself in German:

Ich heiße … (My name is …)
Ich komme aus … (I come from …)
Ich bin … (I am …)
Ich arbeite als … (I work as …)
Ich bin hier, um … (I am here to …)

Example:

“Hallo, ich heiße Sarah. Ich komme aus Kanada und ich bin hier, um Deutsch zu lernen.” (Hello, my name is Sarah. I come from Canada and I am here to learn German.) It’s also a good idea to ask the other person to introduce themselves, using the phrase “Und Sie, wie heißen Sie?” (And you, what is your name?).

This shows that you are interested in getting to know the other person, and it can help you build a connection.

How to say “I don’t understand” in German

If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t understand what someone is saying in German, it’s important to know how to say “I don’t understand.” Here are some common ways to express this in German:

Ich verstehe nicht. (I don’t understand.)
Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? (Can you please repeat that?)
Entschuldigung, ich habe Sie nicht verstanden. (Excuse me, I didn’t understand you.)
Können Sie das bitte langsamer sagen? (Can you please say that more slowly?)

It’s always a good idea to use polite language when asking for clarification, especially when speaking with someone you don’t know well. If you’re still having trouble understanding, you can ask the other person to explain differently or to write it down for you.

Remember, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Learning a new language can be challenging, and it’s okay to admit when you don’t understand something.

How to order at the restaurant in German: essential phrases

When dining in a German-speaking country, it’s important to know some basic phrases for ordering at a restaurant. Here are some essential phrases that can help you make your dining experience more enjoyable:

Ich hätte gerne … (I would like …)
Was empfehlen Sie? (What do you recommend?)
Haben Sie … (Do you have …?)
Ich möchte bitte … (I would like please …)
Kann ich eine Speisekarte haben? (Can I have a menu?)
Was ist in diesem Gericht enthalten? (What is included in this dish?)
Kann ich das mit … bestellen? (Can I order this with …?)
Kann ich ein Getränk dazu haben? (Can I have a drink with it?)
Wie möchten Sie das Fleisch? (How would you like your meat?)
Kann ich das bitte zum Mitnehmen bestellen? (Can I order this to go?)

By using these phrases, you can clearly express what you would like to order and make your dining experience more pleasant. Additionally, knowing a few keywords, such as the names of different types of food and drinks, can also help you understand the menu and make a confident order.

How to ask for directions in German: basic phrases

If you’re traveling in a German-speaking country and need to ask for directions, it’s important to know some basic phrases that can help you get where you need to go. Here are some essential phrases for asking for directions in German:

Entschuldigung, können Sie mir bitte sagen, wie ich zu … komme? (Excuse me, can you please tell me how to get to …?)
Wo ist …? (Where is …?)
Können Sie mir bitte zeigen, wo … ist? (Can you please show me where … is?)
Gehe ich hier geradeaus? (Do I go straight ahead?)
Ist das in der Nähe? (Is that nearby?)
Wie weit ist es bis …? (How far is it to …?)
Kann ich einen Bus/Zug/Taxi nehmen, um dorthin zu kommen? (Can I take a bus/train/taxi to get there?)
Wie komme ich zur nächsten U-Bahn-Station? (How do I get to the nearest subway station?)
Können Sie mir bitte eine Karte zeigen? (Can you please show me a map?)

By using these phrases, you can communicate effectively and clearly when asking for directions in German. Remember to be polite and patient, as not everyone may be fluent in English, and it may take a few tries to get the information you need.

Basic question words in German

When learning a new language, it’s important to know basic question words that can help you ask questions and understand the answers. Here are some common question words in German:

Wer? (Who?)
Was? (What?)
Wann? (When?)
Wo? (Where?)
Warum? (Why?)
Wie? (How?)
Wieviel? (How much?)
Wie viel? (How many?)
Wie lange? (How long?)
Wie oft? (How often?)

By using these question words, you can ask questions and get the information you need in German. It’s also important to remember to use the right word order in a sentence, as this can change the meaning of a question. In German, the verb usually comes second in a sentence. For example: “Wann fährt der Zug?” (When does the train leave?)

How to do shopping in German: common phrases

Shopping in a foreign country can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be challenging if you don’t know the local language. To make your shopping experience in German-speaking countries easier, it’s important to know some common phrases that you can use when making purchases. Here are some essential phrases for shopping in German:

Ich hätte gerne … (I would like …)
Wie viel kostet das? (How much does it cost?)
Haben Sie … in einer anderen Größe/Farbe? (Do you have … in a different size/color?)
Kann ich das anprobieren? (Can I try it on?)
Kann ich das hier bezahlen? (Can I pay for this here?)
Haben Sie etwas Ähnliches in einer anderen Farbe/Größe? (Do you have something similar in a different color/size?)
Kann ich das umtauschen? (Can I exchange it?)
Kann ich das zurückgeben? (Can I return it?)
Haben Sie eine Kundenkarte? (Do you have a customer card?)
Kann ich mit Kreditkarte bezahlen? (Can I pay with a credit card?)

By using these phrases, you can communicate effectively and confidently when shopping in German. Remember to be polite and patient, as not everyone may be fluent in English, and it may take a few tries to get the information you need.

How to say “I don’t feel well” in German: simple phrases

If you’re traveling in a German-speaking country and fall ill, it’s important to know how to express yourself in the local language. Here are some simple phrases to use when you’re feeling unwell:

Mir geht es nicht gut. (I don’t feel well.)
Ich habe Kopfschmerzen. (I have a headache.)
Mir ist übel. (I feel sick.)
Ich habe Bauchschmerzen. (I have stomach aches.)
Ich habe Fieber. (I have a fever.)
Ich habe Husten. (I have a cough.)
Ich habe Halsschmerzen. (I have a sore throat.)
Ich habe Gliederschmerzen. (I have body aches.)
Ich habe Durchfall. (I have diarrhea.)
Ich habe Schnupfen. (I have a cold.)

By using these phrases, you can effectively communicate with a doctor, pharmacist, or someone who can assist you with your needs. Remember to be patient and polite, and to try to use simple words and gestures to help get your message across.

German phrases to find hidden gems in Germany

Germany is known for its rich culture, history, and beautiful scenery, but sometimes the most interesting places are the ones that are off the beaten path. If you’re traveling in Germany and looking to discover some hidden gems, here are some German phrases that may come in handy:

Wo kann ich weniger überfüllte Orte finden? (Where can I find less crowded places?)
Welche Orte sind am authentischsten? (Which places are the most authentic?)
Können Sie mir einen Ort empfehlen, der abseits der Touristenpfade liegt? (Can you recommend a place that’s off the tourist path?)
Was sind Ihre Geheimtipps vor Ort? (What are your local secrets?)
Wo kann ich die interessantesten lokalen Märkte finden? (Where can I find the most interesting local markets?)
Welche Orte sind besonders malerisch? (Which places are the most picturesque?)
Können Sie mir einen Ort empfehlen, an dem ich die echte deutsche Küche probieren kann? (Can you suggest a place where I can taste authentic German cuisine?)
Wo kann ich die interessantesten kulturellen Aktivitäten finden? (Where can I find the most interesting cultural activities?)
Welche Orte eignen sich am besten für einen ruhigen Spaziergang? (Which places are best for a peaceful walk?)
Können Sie mir einen Ort empfehlen, an dem ich das wahre Alltagsleben der Deutschen sehen kann? (Can you suggest a place where I can see the true daily life of Germans?)

By using these phrases, you can engage with locals and get insider tips on the best-hidden gems in Germany. Remember to be polite and respectful, and to show a genuine interest in the culture and traditions of the local people.

Personal pronouns and references to people

In German, personal pronouns and references to people are essential components of speech and communication. Here are some of the most common personal pronouns and references to people in German:

Ich (I)
Du (You (informal))
Er/Sie/Es (He/She/It)
Wir (We)
Ihr (You (plural, informal))
Sie (You (formal), They)
Mein/Meine/Mein (My)
Dein/Deine/Dein (Your (informal))
Sein/Ihr/Sein (His/Her/Its)
Unser/Unsere/Unser (Our)
Euer/Eure/Euer (Your (plural, informal))
Ihr/Ihre/Ihr (Your (formal), Their)

When referring to people, it’s important to use the correct form of address and pronoun. In German, the formal “Sie” is used when speaking to people you don’t know or people who are older than you, while the informal “du” is used among friends and family members.

Additionally, when talking about someone else, you can use their name or a pronoun, depending on the context of the conversation. For example, “Herr Schmidt” (Mr. Schmidt) and “Frau Müller” (Mrs. Müller) are common forms of address in German.

Learn German phrases for travelers

Traveling to Germany or a German-speaking country can be a great opportunity to practice your German skills and immerse yourself in the culture. Here are some essential German phrases for travelers:

Hallo! (Hello!)
Guten Morgen! (Good morning!)
Guten Tag! (Good day!)
Guten Abend! (Good evening!)
Auf Wiedersehen! (Goodbye!)
Entschuldigung, sprechen Sie Englisch? (Excuse me, do you speak English?)
Wo ist die Toilette? (Where is the bathroom?)
Wie viel kostet das? (How much does that cost?)
Ich möchte ein Zimmer buchen. (I would like to book a room.)
Wo finde ich …? (Where can I find …?)
Ich hätte gerne … (I would like …)
Können Sie mir helfen? (Can you help me?)
Ich habe eine Frage. (I have a question.)
Ich verstehe das nicht. (I don’t understand that.)
Ich bin verloren. (I am lost.)

These phrases are a great starting point for your travels in Germany or a German-speaking country. By using them, you’ll be able to communicate with locals, navigate the city, and make the most out of your travels.

Just remember to listen carefully to the responses and try your best to speak clearly and slowly. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to have enjoyable and meaningful interactions in German.

How to say common places and locations in German

Here are some common places and locations in German and how to say them:

Das Hotel – The hotel
Das Restaurant – The restaurant
Der Supermarkt – The supermarket
Die Bank – The bank
Das Krankenhaus – The hospital
Der Bahnhof – The train station
Der Flughafen – The airport
Das Museum – The museum
Der Park – The park
Der Zoo – The zoo
Das Café – The café
Das Kino – The movie theater
Der Strand – The beach
Die Bibliothek – The library
Der See – The lake
Der Fluss – The river
Der Berg – The mountain
Der Wald – The forest
Das Einkaufszentrum – The shopping center
Der Bahnhof – The bus station

Knowing these common places and locations in German will help you navigate and communicate in German-speaking countries. Additionally, it will also expand your vocabulary and help you understand and describe your surroundings in German.

How to say numbers in German

Here are the numbers in German and how to say them:

Eins – One
Zwei – Two
Drei – Three
Vier – Four
Fünf – Five
Sechs – Six
Sieben – Seven
Acht – Eight
Neun – Nine
Zehn – Ten
Elf – Eleven
Zwölf – Twelve
Dreizehn – Thirteen
Vierzehn – Fourteen
Fünfzehn – Fifteen
Sechzehn – Sixteen
Siebzehn – Seventeen
Achtzehn – Eighteen
Neunzehn – Nineteen
Zwanzig – Twenty

When counting larger numbers, the pattern is to put the digits together and say each digit separately, just like in English. For example, 25 is “fünfundzwanzig” in German (fünf + und + zwanzig). It’s also worth noting that the German word for 100 is “hundert”.

German numbers in proverbs

Here are a few German proverbs that incorporate numbers:

“Eins ist keins und zwei ist eins.” – One is nothing and two is one. This proverb emphasizes the importance of unity and working together.
“Drei Dinge sind nicht zu lange zu verbergen: die Sonne, der Mond und die Wahrheit.” – Three things can’t be hidden for long: the sun, the moon and the truth. This proverb emphasizes that the truth will always come out.
“Vier Augen sehen mehr als zwei.” – Four eyes see more than two. This proverb encourages working together and pooling resources for a better outcome.
“Fünf Minuten früher kommen ist besser als eine Stunde später.” – Coming five minutes earlier is better than coming an hour late. This proverb emphasizes the importance of punctuality.
“Sechs Dinge hat das Leben: Krankheit, Tod, Steuern, Arbeit, Freuden und Tränen.” – Life has six things: illness, death, taxes, work, joys, and tears. This proverb acknowledges that life is a mix of good and bad experiences.

These proverbs show how numbers can be used in a variety of ways in German to express different concepts and ideas.

Days of the week and months of the year in German

Here are the days of the week and months of the year in German:

Days of the week:

Montag (Monday)
Dienstag (Tuesday)
Mittwoch (Wednesday)
Donnerstag (Thursday)
Freitag (Friday)
Samstag (Saturday)
Sonntag (Sunday)

Months of the year:

Januar (January)
Februar (February)
März (March)
April (April)
Mai (May)
Juni (June)
Juli (July)
August (August)
September (September)
Oktober (October)
November (November)
Dezember (December)

It’s helpful to learn and practice these words, as they will come in handy when you are making plans, scheduling appointments, and talking about dates in German.

Dates and calendar terms

Here are some common dates and calendar terms in German:

Heute (today)
Gestern (yesterday)
Morgen (tomorrow)
Tag (day)
Woche (week)
Monat (month)
Jahr (year)
Wochenende (weekend)
Uhrzeit (time)
Stunde (hour)
Minute (minute)
Sekunde (second)
Datum (date)
Kalender (calendar)

Examples of using these terms:

Heute ist Mittwoch. (Today is Wednesday.)
Gestern war Dienstag. (Yesterday was Tuesday.)
Morgen ist Donnerstag. (Tomorrow is Thursday.)
Es ist ein schöner Tag heute. (It’s a beautiful day today.)
Nächste Woche bin ich frei. (I’m free next week.)
Der Monat März hat 31 Tage. (March has 31 days.)
Im Jahr 2022 habe ich Geburtstag. (I have a birthday in 2022.)
Am Wochenende mache ich oft Sport. (I often do sports on the weekend.)
Wie spät ist es jetzt? (What time is it now?)
Es ist jetzt 10 Uhr. (It’s 10 o’clock now.)
Der Film beginnt in 15 Minuten. (The movie starts in 15 minutes.)
Das Datum ist der 11. Februar. (The date is February 11th.)

These terms will help you understand and participate in conversations about dates, times, and the calendar in German.

Telling time with German phrases for beginners

Telling time in German can be a bit challenging for beginners, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to tell the time like a pro in no time! Here are some useful German phrases to help you get started:

Wie spät ist es? – What time is it?
Es ist [time]. – It is [time].
Halb [number]. – Half [number].
Viertel [number]. – Quarter [number].
Fünf vor [number]. – Five to [number].
Fünf nach [number]. – Five past [number].
Zehn nach [number]. – Ten past [number].
Zehn vor halb [number]. – Ten to half [number].
Es ist [number] Uhr. – It is [number] o’clock.

Here are some examples of telling time in German:

It is 10 past 3. – Es ist zehn nach drei.
It is quarter to 5. – Es ist viertel vor fünf.
It is half past 8. – Es ist halb neun.

By using these basic phrases, you’ll be able to ask for the time and understand it when someone tells you. It’s a great foundation for any traveler who wants to be able to navigate their way through the city and keep track of their plans while they’re in Germany.

Common German phrases for daily life

Daily life in Germany can be a bit intimidating for those who are new to the country or who don’t speak the language. However, with a few basic German phrases, you can make your daily life much easier. Here are 100+ essential German phrases for daily life:

Guten Morgen! – Good morning!
Guten Tag! – Hello!
Hallo! – Hi!
Wie geht es Ihnen? – How are you?
Mir geht es gut, danke. – I’m fine, thanks.
Und Ihnen? – And you?
Ich heiße [name]. – My name is [name].
Ich komme aus [country]. – I come from [country].
Ich verstehe das nicht. – I don’t understand.
Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? – Can you please repeat that?
Ich spreche kein Deutsch. – I don’t speak German.
Können Sie Englisch sprechen? – Do you speak English?
Bitte. – Please.
Danke. – Thank you.
Entschuldigung. – Excuse me.
Ja. – Yes.
Nein. – No.
Ich möchte [item]. – I would like [item].
Wie viel kostet das? – How much does it cost?
Das ist zu teuer. – That is too expensive.

How to talk about your family in German

Talking about your family in German can be a great way to build relationships and get to know people. Here are some essential phrases to help you start the conversation:

Wie heißt deine Mutter? – What is your mother’s name?
Hast du Geschwister? – Do you have siblings?
Wie alt sind deine Eltern? – How old are your parents?
Wie viele Kinder hast du? – How many children do you have?
Bist du verheiratet? – Are you married?
Hast du Enkelkinder? – Do you have grandchildren?
Wie heißt dein Ehepartner? – What is your spouse’s name?

It’s also helpful to know a few adjectives to describe your family members:

Meine Mutter ist sehr nett. – My mother is very nice.
Mein Vater ist groß. – My father is tall.
Meine Schwester ist schlau. – My sister is smart.
Mein Bruder ist sportlich. – My brother is athletic.
Meine Kinder sind sehr aktiv. – My children are very active.

Using these basic phrases and vocabulary words, you can start having meaningful conversations about your family in German.

German phrases for lovers

If you’re looking to express your love in German, here are some romantic phrases that you can use:

Ich liebe Dich – I love you
Du bist mein Schatz – You are my treasure
Du bist mein Herz – You are my heart
Ich denke an Dich – I’m thinking of you
Du bist mein Ein und Alles – You are my everything
Du bist mein bester Freund – You are my best friend
Ich bin verliebt in Dich – I am in love with you
Du bist wunderschön – You are beautiful
Ich kann ohne Dich nicht leben – I cannot live without you
Du bist mein Sonnenschein – You are my sunshine.

Remember, using simple and heartfelt words can often be the most effective way to express your feelings.

German hand gestures

Hand gestures can be an important aspect of nonverbal communication in any language, including German. Here are some common hand gestures that are used in German-speaking countries:

The “OK” gesture: A circle made with the thumb and forefinger is used to indicate that everything is “OK.”
The thumb-up gesture: This is a positive gesture indicating approval or agreement.
The thumb-down gesture: This is a negative gesture indicating disapproval or disagreement.
The nodding gesture: Nodding the head up and down is used to indicate agreement or understanding.
The shaking gesture: Shaking the head from side to side is used to indicate disagreement or rejection.
The pointing gesture: Pointing with the index finger is used to indicate a specific object or direction.
The waving gesture: Waving is used to greet someone or to say goodbye.

It’s important to keep in mind that gestures can have different meanings in different cultures, so it’s always a good idea to observe and learn the gestures used by locals in a German-speaking country.

How to practice new phrases

Here are some tips for practicing new German phrases:

Repetition: Repeat the phrases out loud multiple times until you feel comfortable with them. Try saying them in different situations, such as when you’re walking, cooking, or doing other activities.
Conversation: Practice using the phrases in conversation with a native speaker or a language exchange partner. This will help you get used to using the phrases in real-life situations.
Listening: Listen to German-speaking media, such as TV shows, movies, or podcasts, to familiarize yourself with the rhythm and intonation of the language.
Writing: Write down the phrases and their meanings in a notebook, and review them regularly.
Role-playing: Pretend you are in a situation where you need to use the phrases, such as ordering food in a restaurant, asking for directions, or making small talk with someone.
Flashcards: Make flashcards with the phrases on one side and the meanings on the other. Test yourself regularly, and try to memorize the phrases.
Apps and websites: Use language learning apps and websites to practice the phrases and improve your comprehension.

Remember to be patient and persistent with your language learning, and to have fun with it! The more you practice and use the phrases, the more confident you will become in speaking German.