50+ Essential German Travel Phrases for Your Next Trip
Quick Answer
The most important German travel phrase is 'Entschuldigung' (ent-SHOOL-dee-goong), meaning 'Excuse me.' It opens every interaction, asking for directions, getting a waiter's attention, or apologizing on a crowded train. Pair it with 'Sprechen Sie Englisch?' (Do you speak English?) and you can navigate almost any situation in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
Your Essential German Travel Toolkit
The single most useful German travel phrase is Entschuldigung (ent-SHOOL-dee-goong): "Excuse me." It works everywhere: getting a waiter's attention in a Munich beer hall, asking for directions at a Berlin train station, or squeezing past someone on a crowded Viennese tram. Master this word and you have unlocked the door to every other interaction.
German is spoken by over 130 million people across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and parts of Belgium. Germany alone welcomed 38.9 million international visitors in 2023, according to the UNWTO, making it the seventh most visited country in the world. Whether you are exploring Bavaria's castles, navigating the Swiss Alps, or hopping between Christmas markets in Vienna, a handful of key phrases will transform your experience from tourist to confident traveler.
"The German language rewards precision and directness. Travelers who learn even basic phrases find that Germans respond with remarkable warmth; the effort itself signals respect."
(Goethe-Institut, German Language and Culture Report, 2023)
This guide covers 50+ essential German travel phrases organized by situation: getting around, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and emergencies. Each phrase includes pronunciation, a real-world example, and cultural context so you know exactly when and how to use it.
Quick Reference: Top 10 German Travel Phrases
Getting Around
Germany's public transport system (trains, trams, buses, and the U-Bahn) is famously efficient. But navigating it requires a few key phrases, especially in smaller cities where English signage is limited. The word Hauptbahnhof (HOWPT-bahn-hohf), meaning "main train station," appears on every city map and is your primary landmark.
Wo ist der Bahnhof?
/voh ist dehr BAHN-hohf/
Literal meaning: Where is the train station?
“Entschuldigung, wo ist der Hauptbahnhof?”
Excuse me, where is the main train station?
'Wo ist...?' is the essential direction-asking formula. Swap in any destination: der Flughafen (airport), die U-Bahn (subway), die Haltestelle (bus stop).
The Wo ist...? construction is your Swiss army knife for navigation. Combine it with any landmark: Wo ist das Museum? (Where is the museum?), Wo ist die Toilette? (Where is the restroom?), Wo ist der Ausgang? (Where is the exit?).
Rechts, links, geradeaus
/rekhts, links, geh-RAH-deh-ows/
Literal meaning: Right, left, straight ahead
“Gehen Sie geradeaus und dann links.”
Go straight ahead and then left.
Germans give directions with confidence and precision. Listen for these three words and you can follow almost any set of instructions.
When someone gives you directions, listen for the pattern: erste (first), zweite (second), dritte (third) combined with Straße (street) or Kreuzung (intersection). For example, die zweite Straße rechts means "the second street on the right."
Eine Fahrkarte nach..., bitte
/EYE-neh FAR-kar-teh nahkh... BIT-teh/
Literal meaning: A travel ticket to..., please
“Eine Fahrkarte nach München, bitte.”
A ticket to Munich, please.
Works at any ticket counter. For return tickets, say 'hin und zurück' (there and back). Most machines also have English language options.
⚠️ Validate Your Ticket!
In many German cities, you must validate (entwerten) your ticket before boarding using a small machine on the platform called a Fahrkartenentwerter (FAR-kar-ten-ent-VEHR-ter). Riding without a validated ticket (even if you bought one) can result in a 60-euro fine from plainclothes inspectors (Kontrolleure).
Welche Linie fährt zum...?
/VEL-kheh LEE-nee fehrt tsoom/
Literal meaning: Which line travels to the...?
“Welche Linie fährt zum Marienplatz?”
Which line goes to Marienplatz?
Essential for navigating U-Bahn and S-Bahn systems. Germans are typically happy to help with directions on public transport.
At the Hotel
German hotels and guesthouses (Pensionen) range from ultra-modern design hotels to centuries-old inns. Regardless of where you stay, these phrases will smooth your check-in and make your stay more comfortable.
Ich habe eine Reservierung
/ikh HAH-beh EYE-neh reh-zehr-VEE-roong/
Literal meaning: I have a reservation
“Guten Tag, ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen Schmidt.”
Good day, I have a reservation under the name Schmidt.
Start with 'Guten Tag' at the front desk. German hotel staff in cities usually speak English, but beginning in German sets a positive tone.
Haben Sie ein Zimmer frei?
/HAH-ben zee eyn TSIM-mer fry/
Literal meaning: Do you have a room free?
“Haben Sie ein Einzelzimmer frei für heute Nacht?”
Do you have a single room available for tonight?
Useful for walk-ins. 'Einzelzimmer' = single room, 'Doppelzimmer' = double room, 'Zweibettzimmer' = twin room.
Den Schlüssel, bitte
/den SHLEW-sel BIT-teh/
Literal meaning: The key, please
“Kann ich den Schlüssel für Zimmer 204, bitte?”
Can I have the key for room 204, please?
Many smaller German hotels and guesthouses still use physical keys rather than key cards. You may need to leave your key at the front desk when you go out.
Wann ist das Frühstück?
/vahn ist dahs FREW-shtewk/
Literal meaning: When is the breakfast?
“Wann ist das Frühstück und wo ist der Frühstücksraum?”
When is breakfast and where is the breakfast room?
German hotel breakfasts are typically generous buffets with bread, cold cuts, cheese, eggs, and strong coffee. Breakfast hours are usually 7:00-10:00.
Ordering Food and Drinks
German cuisine goes far beyond bratwurst and beer. From Swabian Spätzle to Bavarian Schweinebraten to Austrian Wiener Schnitzel, the food culture is rich and regional. These phrases will help you navigate menus and order with confidence.
Die Speisekarte, bitte
/dee SHPY-zeh-kar-teh BIT-teh/
Literal meaning: The food card, please
“Entschuldigung, die Speisekarte, bitte.”
Excuse me, the menu, please.
In German restaurants, you seat yourself at any open table unless a sign says 'Bitte warten' (Please wait). The waiter will not rush you, take your time.
Was empfehlen Sie?
/vahs emp-FAY-len zee/
Literal meaning: What recommend you?
“Was empfehlen Sie als Hauptgericht?”
What do you recommend as a main course?
German waiters take pride in their knowledge and will give you a genuine recommendation, not just the most expensive dish. This question is always welcomed.
Ich hätte gern...
/ikh HET-teh gehrn/
Literal meaning: I would have gladly...
“Ich hätte gern das Wiener Schnitzel und ein Weißbier.”
I would like the Wiener Schnitzel and a wheat beer.
The most polite way to order. More casual: 'Ich nehme...' (I'll take...). Avoid saying 'Ich will...' (I want...), it sounds blunt and demanding in German.
Ich bin allergisch gegen...
/ikh bin ah-LEHR-gish GAY-gen/
Literal meaning: I am allergic against...
“Ich bin allergisch gegen Nüsse. Enthält das Gericht Nüsse?”
I am allergic to nuts. Does the dish contain nuts?
German restaurants take allergies seriously. EU law requires all restaurants to list 14 major allergens. Common ones: Nüsse (nuts), Milch (milk), Gluten, Eier (eggs).
Die Rechnung, bitte
/dee REKH-noong BIT-teh/
Literal meaning: The invoice, please
“Entschuldigung, die Rechnung, bitte., Zusammen oder getrennt?”
Excuse me, the bill, please., Together or separate?
The waiter will ask 'Zusammen oder getrennt?' (Together or separate?). Germans commonly split bills, it's not considered rude. Say 'Zusammen' (together) or 'Getrennt' (separate).
🌍 Tipping in Germany
Tipping is customary but more modest than in North America. Round up to the nearest euro for small amounts, or add 5-10% for good restaurant service. The key difference: tell the waiter the total you want to pay rather than leaving cash on the table. If your bill is €27.50, say "Dreißig, bitte" (Thirty, please) or "Stimmt so" (Keep the change).
⚠️ Ruhetag. Restaurant Rest Day
Many German restaurants close one day per week, called Ruhetag (ROO-eh-tahk), meaning "rest day." This is typically Monday or Tuesday. Check before making a special trip, a sign on the door will say Montag Ruhetag (Closed Monday) or similar. This tradition is less common in big cities but still standard in smaller towns.
Shopping
Whether you are browsing Berlin's flea markets, picking up souvenirs in Salzburg, or shopping for groceries at a German supermarket, these phrases keep things smooth.
Was kostet das?
/vahs KOS-tet dahs/
Literal meaning: What costs this?
“Entschuldigung, was kostet diese Tasche?”
Excuse me, how much does this bag cost?
The essential shopping phrase. For multiple items, use 'Was kosten diese?' (What do these cost?). German shopkeepers state prices directly, no haggling expected in stores.
Haben Sie etwas Günstigeres?
/HAH-ben zee ET-vahs GEWN-stee-geh-res/
Literal meaning: Have you something more affordable?
“Schön, aber haben Sie etwas Günstigeres?”
Nice, but do you have something cheaper?
A polite way to ask for a lower-priced option. 'Günstig' means 'affordable/good value' and sounds much more polite than 'billig' (cheap), which carries a negative connotation of poor quality.
Nehmen Sie Kreditkarten?
/NAY-men zee kreh-DEET-kar-ten/
Literal meaning: Take you credit cards?
“Nehmen Sie Kreditkarten, oder nur Bargeld?”
Do you accept credit cards, or only cash?
This is a critical question in Germany. Many restaurants, bakeries, and smaller shops only accept cash (Bargeld) or EC-Karten (German debit cards). Always carry euros.
⚠️ Germany's Cash Culture
Germany remains one of the most cash-dependent countries in Western Europe. A 2023 Deutsche Bundesbank study found that 58% of point-of-sale transactions are still conducted with cash. Many smaller restaurants, bakeries, outdoor markets, and even some taxis do not accept credit cards, only Bargeld (cash) or EC-Karte (German debit card). Always carry at least €50-100 in euros. ATMs (Geldautomaten) are widely available at banks and train stations.
Kann ich eine Tüte haben?
/kahn ikh EYE-neh TEW-teh HAH-ben/
Literal meaning: Can I a bag have?
“Kann ich eine Tüte haben?, Das kostet 20 Cent.”
Can I have a bag?, That costs 20 cents.
Plastic bags cost money in Germany (typically 10-30 cents). Most Germans bring their own reusable bags. At supermarkets, you bag your own groceries, and fast. The cashier won't wait.
Emergencies
No one plans for emergencies, but knowing these phrases can make a critical difference. Germany's emergency number is 112 (fire and medical) and 110 (police).
Hilfe!
/HIL-feh/
Literal meaning: Help!
“Hilfe! Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen!”
Help! Call an ambulance!
Universally understood across all German-speaking countries. Germany's emergency services are excellent, response times average under 10 minutes in cities.
Ich brauche einen Arzt
/ikh BROW-kheh EYE-nen artst/
Literal meaning: I need a doctor
“Ich brauche einen Arzt. Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?”
I need a doctor. Where is the nearest pharmacy?
For non-emergencies, visit an 'Apotheke' (pharmacy) first. German pharmacists can recommend treatments and over-the-counter medicines. For urgent care, go to a 'Notaufnahme' (emergency room).
Rufen Sie die Polizei!
/ROO-fen zee dee po-lee-TSYE/
Literal meaning: Call you the police!
“Meine Tasche wurde gestohlen! Rufen Sie die Polizei!”
My bag was stolen! Call the police!
The police emergency number is 110. For fire or medical emergencies, dial 112. German police are generally helpful to tourists and many officers in cities speak basic English.
Ich habe meinen Pass verloren
/ikh HAH-beh MY-nen pahs fehr-LOH-ren/
Literal meaning: I have my passport lost
“Ich habe meinen Pass verloren. Wo ist das nächste Konsulat?”
I've lost my passport. Where is the nearest consulate?
Head to the nearest police station (Polizeiwache) to file a report, then contact your embassy or consulate. Keep a photocopy of your passport separately as backup.
Cultural Essentials for Travelers
🌍 Du vs. Sie. The Formality Rule
German has two forms of "you": the informal du (doo) and the formal Sie (zee). As a tourist, always use Sie with strangers, hotel staff, waiters, shop assistants, and anyone you do not know personally. Using du with a stranger is considered disrespectful, it implies an intimacy that has not been established. The only exception is among younger people in very casual settings like bars or hostels. When in doubt, use Sie. A German will offer the du if they want to switch: "Wir können uns duzen" (We can use du with each other).
🌍 Quiet Hours (Ruhezeit)
Germany takes quiet hours seriously. On Sundays and public holidays, loud activities (mowing the lawn, drilling, playing loud music) are prohibited by law in most municipalities. Even during the week, quiet hours typically apply from 10 PM to 6 AM and from 1 PM to 3 PM (the midday rest). As a traveler, this means keeping noise down in hotels and residential areas, especially on Sundays.
💡 The Pfand System. Bottle Deposits
Germany has an extensive bottle deposit system called Pfand (pfahnt). Plastic bottles carry a 25-cent deposit, and glass bottles carry 8-15 cents. Return them at Pfandautomaten (reverse vending machines) in any supermarket to get your deposit back as a receipt. Do not throw away bottles with a Pfand symbol, you are literally throwing away money.
Regional Differences: Germany vs. Austria vs. Switzerland
German-speaking countries share a language but not always the same vocabulary. Here are key differences travelers should know:
| Phrase | Germany | Austria | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo | Grüß Gott | Grüezi |
| Goodbye | Tschüss | Pfiat di | Uf Wiederluege |
| January | Januar | Jänner | Januar |
| Tomato | Tomate | Paradeiser | Tomate |
| Stairs | Treppe | Stiege | Treppe |
| This year | Dieses Jahr | Heuer | Dieses Jahr |
| Cream | Sahne | Obers | Rahm |
In Austria, standard greetings lean toward Grüß Gott and Servus rather than Hallo. Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) sounds dramatically different from standard German, but all Swiss people understand High German (Hochdeutsch), so your travel phrases will work perfectly.
Learn German Through Movies and TV
One of the most effective ways to internalize these travel phrases is by hearing them in context. German cinema and television offer excellent immersion, from fast-paced Berlin thrillers to cozy Austrian dramas. Check out our guide to the best movies to learn German for curated recommendations that match your level.
For a deeper dive into German greetings and polite expressions, explore our guides on how to say hello in German and how to say thank you in German. And if you want to practice German on the go, learn German with Wordy, our app lets you pick up vocabulary and phrases naturally while watching your favorite shows.
Browse more language guides on our blog for travel phrases, cultural tips, and vocabulary in six languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important German phrases for tourists?
Do I need to speak German to travel in Germany?
Is Germany really a cash-only country?
What is the difference between 'du' and 'Sie' for tourists?
Are German travel phrases the same in Austria and Switzerland?
What should I know about tipping in Germany?
Sources & References
- Duden — Die deutsche Rechtschreibung, 28th edition (2024)
- Lonely Planet — German Phrasebook & Dictionary, 8th edition
- Goethe-Institut — German language and culture resources
- Wierzbicka, A. — Cross-Cultural Pragmatics (Mouton de Gruyter)
- World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) — Tourism Highlights, 2024 edition
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