Easy German Phrases to Learn Before Traveling

Focus on Hochdeutsch (Standard German), which is understood throughout Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) can sound quite different, but simple Hochdeutsch phrases are still useful and often appreciated.

German has longer words and a different sentence structure than English, but for travelers, it's very approachable. Start with essential greetings, numbers, and polite expressions. You can pick these up quickly, especially with phonetic pronunciations.

Not at all! German uses the same Latin alphabet as English, with a few extras like ä, ö, ü, and ß. Learning the sounds is more helpful than the spelling. For instance, “tsch” sounds like “ch” in English (as in Tschüss = “bye”).

Some must-knows include:

“Hallo” – Hello

“Danke” – Thank you

“Bitte” – Please / You’re welcome

“Wo ist die Toilette?” – Where is the bathroom?

“Ich verstehe nicht” – I don’t understand

“Sprechen Sie Englisch?” – Do you speak English?

Try these methods:

• Use language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Lingvist.
• Watch YouTube travel German lessons.
• Practice aloud with printable phrase lists and pronunciation guides.
• Listen to German podcasts or audio guides for travelers

Nope! Germans are often impressed when visitors try to speak the language. Even a simple “Danke” can warm up a conversation. Politeness and effort are what count, not perfect grammar or pronunciation.

Yes! Look for these:

• Ausgang – Exit
• Eingang – Entrance
• Toilette / WC – Bathroom
• Notausgang – Emergency Exit
• Kein Zutritt – No Entry

Use “Sie” (formal) with strangers or in polite settings. It’s the go-to version for travelers. “Du” is informal and used with friends, children, or people you know well.