Looking to learn how to say common phrases in German? Check out this blog for tips and tricks on how to speak the language like a native!
Learning a new language can be daunting but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. If you’re interested in learning German, you’re in luck – it’s a language that is widely spoken around the world and has a rich cultural history.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll go over some basic vocabulary and grammar to help you get started on your German language journey.
Basic vocabulary
The first step in learning any language is to build up your vocabulary. Here are some common words and phrases to get you started:
- Guten Morgen – Good morning
- Guten Tag – Good day
- Guten Abend – Good evening
- Hallo – Hello
- Tschüss – Goodbye
- Ja – Yes
- Nein – No
- Bitte – Please
- Danke – Thank you
- Entschuldigung – Excuse me
These are just a few of the many words and phrases you’ll need to know to get by in German. As you continue to learn, you’ll add more words to your vocabulary and become more comfortable with the language.
Grammar
Although learning German grammar might be challenging for English speakers, with time and effort you will become proficient. Keep in mind the following fundamental grammatical rules:
- Nouns – In German, all nouns have a gender – masculine, feminine, or neuter. You’ll need to learn the gender of each noun to use the correct article (der, die, or das).
- Articles – The articles in German change depending on the gender of the noun they’re associated with. For example, “the book” is “das Buch” (neuter), while “the dog” is “der Hund” (masculine).
- Verbs – German verbs are conjugated depending on the subject of the sentence. For example, “I eat” is “ich esse,” while “you eat” is “du isst.”
- Word order – In German, the verb usually comes second in the sentence. For example, “Ich esse ein Brot” (I eat bread) instead of “I a bread eat.”
Numbers
Numbers are essential for everyday communication in any language. Here are the numbers in German:
- Eins (One)
- Zwei (Two)
- Drei (Three)
- Vier (Four)
- Fünf (Five)
- Sechs (Six)
- Sieben (Seven)
- Acht (Eight)
- Neun (Nine)
- Zehn (Ten)
Days of the week
The days of the week are also crucial to know when learning a new language. Here are the days of the week in German:
- Montag (Monday)
- Dienstag (Tuesday)
- Mittwoch (Wednesday)
- Donnerstag (Thursday)
- Freitag (Friday)
- Samstag (Saturday)
- Sonntag (Sunday)
Months of the year
In addition to the days of the week, you’ll also need to know the months of the year. Here they are in German:
- Januar (January)
- Februar (February)
- März (March)
- April (April)
- Mai (May)
- Juni (June)
- Juli (July)
- August (August)
- September (September)
- Oktober (October)
- November (November)
- Dezember (December)
Common phrases
Here are some common phrases you’ll hear in everyday conversation in Germany:
- Wie geht es dir? – How are you?
- Mir geht es gut. – I’m doing well.
- Ich verstehe nicht. – I don’t understand.
- Ich spreche kein Deutsch. – I don’t speak German.
- Wo ist die Toilette? – Where is the bathroom?
- Ich heiße… – My name is…
- Wie viel kostet das? – How much does that cost?
- Ich komme aus… – I come from…
- Ich suche… – I’m looking for…
- Entschuldigung, können Sie mir helfen? – Excuse me, can you help me?
Practice makes perfect
As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Here are some tips for practicing your German:
Tips for practicing your German
- Find a language partner: One effective way to improve your German speaking skills is to connect with someone who speaks the language fluently. You can join language exchange groups online or use language learning apps to find a partner. By practicing speaking with someone fluent in German you’ll be able to hone your language skills while helping them improve their skills in your native language.
- Listen to German podcasts and music: These are excellent tools for honing your listening comprehension of the language. Many podcasts in German are available, covering everything from news and politics to pop culture and entertainment.
- Watch German-language films and television programs: Another technique to improve your comprehension is to watch German-language films and television programs. Depending on your level of skill, you can opt to watch with subtitles in either your original language or German.
- Read books and news articles in German: Reading books and news items in German is an excellent approach to developing your vocabulary and reading comprehension. Start with easier reading material and progress to more challenging texts over time.
- Use language learning apps: There are many language learning apps available that can help you practice German. Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone are just a few examples. These apps offer interactive lessons and activities that can help you build your skills.
- Practice writing: Writing in German can help you improve your grammar and vocabulary skills. Start with simple sentences and gradually work your way up to more complex writing.
- Take a class: Taking a German language class can provide you with structured learning and help you stay motivated. You can take classes online or in person, depending on your preference and availability.
