Moving to Germany is an exciting adventure, and I know firsthand, having lived there for the last six years. Life in Germany—like anywhere in the world—can have its challenges, especially when you’re just learning the language. But adjusting is part of the journey, and Remitly is here to help guide you through yours.
When I moved to Germany, my German was quite limited, and I felt intimidated by how long the words could be. While you don’t need to be fully fluent when you arrive, knowing some key phrases can make a huge difference. Our guide is packed with essential German phrases perfect for beginners to help make daily tasks easier and interactions with your new neighbors less awkward.
When I started learning German, my life began to take shape in a small city in Bavaria, and the phrases below helped me grow in my fluency. So let’s dive in and learn some simple German phrases for newcomers so you can live your best Deutsche life.
Why learning basic German is important
Many Germans can speak English, but that doesn’t mean they all will, especially within Germany; they’re at home, after all. To integrate quicker it’s better to try, even if your pronunciation is awful (and someone will probably tell you so) than not try at all.
Once I got over my fear of making mistakes, speaking became easier, as did my daily life.
Confidence in daily life
Every morning, I stopped at a bakery on my way to work. During those first few days, there was a lot of pointing and smiling—but by the end of the week, “Ein Brötchen, bitte,” (one bread, please) was all I needed to start feeling more confident.
This small step earned me a smile from the woman behind the counter, who had spent most of the week frowning at me the moment I walked through the door. From then on, she encouraged me and even helped me learn what many of the bakery’s pastry names were—an amazing and very tasty confidence booster.
Building human connections
Locals hearing me try to speak German, not just at the bakery but also in the pharmacy or doctor’s office, often responded warmly and wanted to start a conversation—even if I had to speak some English.
My sincere efforts to speak showed how much I valued their culture, and my attempts, just like at the bakery, connected me with people I might not have met otherwise—simply because I kept trying.
Respecting local culture
Germans tend to appreciate directness, but the caveat is your tone—be direct, but be polite. Using Bitte (please) and Danke (thank you) when communicating is key.
When I first moved to Germany, I may have even overused Bitte, fearful I would insult someone by not doing so, but it proved to be the best route. Showing respect to your new country is important and allows you to integrate better into your community.
Greetings and everyday conversations
For me, learning even a few words of German early on made a big difference. So let’s get down to basics so you can do the same.
First impressions matter, and greetings are your doorway into German social life. You might not be fluent, but even a bad accent with some effort can bring you new friends and opportunities.
Key phrases to know
- Guten Morgen—Good morning
- Guten Tag—Good day
- Guten Abend—Good evening
- Wie geht’s?—How are you?
- Wie war dein Wochenende?—How was your weekend?
- Entschuldigung—Excuse me.
- Bitte (schön)—Please, you’re welcome, or here you go. (Meaning depends on context. And it’s perfectly acceptable to just say “Bitte.”)
- Danke (schön)—Thank you. (Like Bitte, you can add the “schön” or leave it out.)
Politeness in German culture
In Germany, politeness is non-negotiable. Saying hello to a cashier, bus driver, or even a stranger when you ask for help is not just polite but also creates a positive impression. In fact, speaking to a police officer in the informal “du” instead of the formal “Sie” can result in a fine.
This isn’t to scare anyone, but to show how seriously Germans take being polite and why erring on the side of caution while you’re learning the ropes is for the best!
Everywhere you go, you’ll hear Bitte and Danke constantly coming out of people’s mouths, lest you appear rude.
Examples of everyday application
- At the supermarket checkout—Hallo. Danke! Schönen Tag noch! (Hello. Thank you and have a nice day!)
- Asking someone to move in a crowded space, like the tram—Entschuldigung. (Excuse me.)
Practice tip: To help you practice, use apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise to hear native pronunciation. You can also stand in front of a mirror to say greetings out loud and then challenge yourself to speak at least once a day when you’re out.
Public transport and navigating the Deutsche Bahn
While Germany’s reputation is all about efficiency, you’ll quickly learn that, yes, being on time is important. However, more likely than not, your train is going to be late.
Knowing a few German basics for daily life can make your commute much easier, especially if you’re on your way to work and still getting to know the city.
Key phrases to learn
- Wo ist der nächste Bahnhof?—Where is the nearest train station?
- Wann fährt der nächste Bus?—When does the next bus leave?
- Kann ich eine Fahrkarte kaufen?—Can I buy a ticket?
- Welches Gleis für den Zug nach [destination]?—Which platform for the train to [destination]?
- Können Sie mir helfen?—Can you help me?
Useful Vocabulary
- U-Bahn—subway/metro/underground
- S-Bahn—city train
- Straßenbahn—tram
- Fahrkarte—ticket
Platform changes and delayed trains are part of life in Germany, so learning key phrases to handle these situations can save you a lot of stress.
- Be sure to state your destination clearly.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- If you’re in a rural area, familiarize yourself with the bus schedules.
Being prepared for any situation will prevent you from ending up on an empty train platform with no idea what to do next and a plane to catch!
Ordering food and dining out
Germany’s food culture is rich and comforting. From bakeries full of fresh, warm bread to cozy restaurants on a winter’s day serving Schäufele (roasted pork shoulder), every day is a feast for your stomach.
And if you’re a beer drinker, Germany is definitely the place to be!
When asked, “Sind Sie etwas zu trinken?” (What would you like to drink?), the answer is simple, “Ein [beer name], bitte.” (One [beer name], please).
Key phrases for ordering
- Die Speisekarte, bitte.–The menu, please.
- Ich hätte gern…– I would like…
- Gibt es vegetarische/vegane Optionen?–Are there vegetarian/vegan options?
- Die Rechnung, bitte.–The bill, please.
Tipping etiquette
When dining out in Germany with friends and receiving the bill, it’s common to be asked, “Getrennt oder Zusammen?” (Together or separate?). Servers often approach the table with a small black wallet and a card machine, making it easy to charge you at the table, however you choose to pay.
While tipping is not strictly required, it’s common to leave three or four euros extra. For example, if the bill is €17, you could say “zwanzig, bitte” (twenty, please) and hand them the cash. If you only have a €50 bill, telling them “zwanzig” saves time as they take the tip then and there, and it doesn’t need to be left on the table.
Key phrases for shopping
Shopping, no matter where you live, is part of daily life. While grocery shopping or buying essentials for your new home can be done online, exploring all the new stores available offers a great chance to practice your German.
Phrases to know
- Wie viel kostet das?—How much does it cost?
- Kann ich mit Karte bezahlen?—Can I pay with a card?
- Haben Sie eine Tüte?—Do you have a bag?
- Können Sie mir helfen? Ich suche…—Can you help me? I’m looking for…
Tips for shopping in Germany
There are two things you should always have on you when in Germany: a reusable bag and cash.
While COVID-19 definitely increased the use of cards in many places, cash remains king in most parts of Germany, if not all. This isn’t necessarily a problem in larger stores and chains, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a place that doesn’t take cards and realize you’ve got no cash. So it’s always best to have some money on hand just in case!
Regarding the reusable bag, stores don’t provide free bags, and some don’t have bags at all. If you need a bag, you’ll have to pay for it. Carrying a small tote with you at all times will prevent a quick stop at the store costing you extra.
Asking for directions
Germans are happy to help if you ask politely, so don’t be afraid to approach someone if you’re lost!
Platforms for the trains, street names, and building works are just some of the things that can turn you around in circles. And sure, your phone is an unlimited resource, but sometimes the best solution is simply looking up and reaching out for help.
Helpful phrases for when you’re lost
- Können Sie mir helfen?—Can you help me?
- Wo ist die Apotheke?—Where is the pharmacy?
- Wie komme ich zu…?—How do I get to…?
- Wissen Sie, wo der Supermarkt ist?—Do you know where the supermarket is?
Helpful phrases to listen for
- Gehen Sie links.–Go left.
- Biegen Sie rechts ab.–Turn right.
- Immer geradeaus.–Straight ahead/keep straight.
If someone stops to help you, but they’re speaking too fast, or you’re not used to the dialect, a good phrase to know is:
“Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut.“ (Could you please repeat that? My German is not that good yet.)
This phrase is polite but also lets them know you’re still learning German—just in case there are some slang words they’re using that you aren’t fluent enough to catch.
German phrases to know in an emergency
No one wants an emergency situation, but then somehow you find yourself walking your mother into the emergency room during her visit on Christmas Eve or calling for help after twisting your ankle while riding your bike.
Things happen that are out of our control, so here are some useful, maybe even life-saving phrases. Just in case!
Key phrases to memorize
- Hilfe!–Help!
- Ich brauche einen Arzt.–I need a doctor.
- Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen!–Call an ambulance!
- Rufen Sie die Polizei!–Call the police!
- Feuer!–Fire!
- Ich habe eine allergische Reaktion.–I’m having an allergic reaction.
An important safety tip to remember is that emergency numbers in Germany differ from those in the United States. For medical or fire emergencies, dial 112, and for police, dial 110.
Pharmacies all have a green cross sign that is usually lit to indicate their location clearly, with some pharmacies remaining open all night in case of an emergency. You can ask your doctor for a list of pharmacies in your area with late hours.
Integrating with German culture
The more you speak German, the stronger your sense of belonging grows. As months eventually turn into years, I think back to where I started and how much my German has improved—and I smile. While I’m still struggling with die, das, den, and der, I’ve learned to navigate life more easily as my German gets stronger and stronger. If I can do it, you can do it too!
Germany offers many opportunities to meet locals and fellow immigrants who want to practice their language skills. You might also consider in-person courses or even volunteering. The more you expose yourself to the language, the easier everything becomes.
As you settle into German life, don’t be afraid to learn about different dialects and pick up some new vocabulary. For example, in Bavaria, it’s common to say, “Morgen!” (Morning!) when greeting people early in the day, whereas in the north of Germany, it’s far more common to hear, “Moin!”
Viel Glück!
FAQs
What’s the fastest way to learn German as a new speaker?
Using apps like Duolingo or Babbel, and regularly practicing a few key phrases each day will help you progress quickly in learning German.
How much German do I need to live comfortably?
When just arriving, you don’t need to be fluent; knowing essential phrases and vocabulary can help you get by comfortably. However, if your plan is to live in Germany long-term, you’ll need to invest in learning to achieve fluency and full integration.
Are there dialects I should worry about?
Standard German or High German (Hochdeutsch) is spoken throughout the country. However, there are areas where the dialect might be harder to understand. Despite not understanding some dialects, using Standard German yourself to communicate shouldn’t be a problem.