Wo ist die Gepäckausgabe?
Where is the baggage claim?
voh ist dee guh-PECK-ows-gah-buh
Entschuldigung, wo ist die Gepäckausgabe?
Excuse me, where is baggage claim?
Essential German phrases for travel and everyday conversation
German phrases for travel and everyday conversation are ready-to-speak sentences for real situations — arriving, asking directions, ordering food, checking into a hotel, shopping, and handling emergencies. This guide groups 70+ essential German phrases by situation with English translations and formal/informal notes, so you can speak from day one. To build the single words behind them, see our German words guide.
Phrasebooks help you speak immediately; stories help the patterns stick. Use the situational tables below before a trip, then read A1–A2 German stories where the same expressions appear in context with native audio and line-by-line English support.
Last updated:
- Entries
- 79 entries
- Topics
- 9 topics
- Level
- A1–A2 focus
Definition
Essential German phrases are short, fixed expressions and full sentences — greetings, polite requests, and situational lines — that let A1–A2 learners communicate before mastering cases and word order, such as Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee (I would like a coffee) or Wo ist der Bahnhof? (Where is the train station?).
Offline phrasebook
Keep the complete German phrase list with you
Download a clean, categorized study sheet for travel, quick review, or lessons without an internet connection.
PDF travel sheet
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79 phrases · 9 topics · A4 format
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What you will practice
- Speak full sentences for travel, dining, and shopping situations
- Switch between formal (Sie) and informal (du) registers
- Ask for directions, help, and clarification with confidence
- Handle emergencies and health needs in German
- Recycle whole phrases inside graded German stories — not isolated drills
Real-life scene
Arrival & the airport
The first phrases you need after landing — customs, baggage, and getting out of the airport.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Wo sind die Taxis?
Where are the taxis?
voh zint dee TAK-sees
Mini conversation
At passport control
Officer
Guten Tag. Grund der Reise?
Good day. Purpose of the trip?
Traveler
Ich bin im Urlaub hier.
I’m here on vacation.
Officer
Gut. Schönen Aufenthalt.
Good. Enjoy your stay.
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Ich bin im Urlaub hier | I'm here on vacation | — |
| Ich bin geschäftlich hier | I'm here for work | — |
| Ich habe nichts zu versteuern | I have nothing to declare | — |
| Wo ist die Gepäckausgabe? | Where is the baggage claim? | voh ist dee guh-PECK-ows-gah-buh |
| Ich habe meinen Flug verpasst | I missed my flight | — |
| Welches Gate geht nach Berlin? | Which gate is for Berlin? | — |
| Wo sind die Taxis? | Where are the taxis? | voh zint dee TAK-sees |
| Wo ist die Bushaltestelle? | Where is the bus stop? | — |
Real-life scene
Directions & getting around
Ask for directions and buy transport tickets. Pair these with question words like wo (where) and wann (when).
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Wo ist der Bahnhof?
Where is the train station?
voh ist dehr BAHN-hohf
Entschuldigung, wo ist der Bahnhof?
Excuse me, where is the station?
Eine Fahrkarte nach München, bitte
A ticket to Munich, please
EYE-nuh FAHR-kahr-tuh nahkh MEWN-khen, BIT-tuh
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Wo ist der Bahnhof? | Where is the train station? | voh ist dehr BAHN-hohf |
| Wie komme ich ins Zentrum? | How do I get to the city center? | — |
| Ist es weit von hier? | Is it far from here? | — |
| Bitte rechts / links abbiegen | Please turn right / left | Formal (Sie) |
| Geradeaus | Straight ahead | — |
| Eine Fahrkarte nach München, bitte | A ticket to Munich, please | EYE-nuh FAHR-kahr-tuh nahkh MEWN-khen, BIT-tuh |
| Wann fährt der Zug ab? | What time does the train leave? | — |
| Von welchem Gleis fährt er ab? | Which platform does it leave from? | — |
| Ich habe mich verlaufen / verirrt | I'm lost | Street / general |
Real-life scene
At the hotel
Check in, ask about your room, and sort out practical details.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Ich habe eine Reservierung
I have a reservation
ikh HAH-buh EYE-nuh reh-zehr-VEER-oong
Guten Abend, ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen Weber.
Good evening, I have a reservation under Weber.
Ist das Frühstück inbegriffen?
Is breakfast included?
ist dahs FREW-shtewk EEN-buh-grif-en
Mini conversation
Checking in at reception
Reception
Guten Tag. Haben Sie eine Reservierung?
Good day. Do you have a reservation?
Guest
Ja, ich habe eine Reservierung.
Yes, I have a reservation.
Reception
Auf welchen Namen?
Under what name?
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Ich habe eine Reservierung | I have a reservation | ikh HAH-buh EYE-nuh reh-zehr-VEER-oong |
| Haben Sie ein freies Zimmer? | Do you have a room available? | Formal (Sie) |
| Ich hätte gern ein Doppelzimmer | I'd like a double room | — |
| Ich möchte zwei Nächte bleiben | I'd like to stay two nights | — |
| Wann ist der Check-out? | What time is check-out? | — |
| Ist das Frühstück inbegriffen? | Is breakfast included? | ist dahs FREW-shtewk EEN-buh-grif-en |
| Gibt es WLAN? | Is there Wi-Fi? | — |
| Kann ich mein Gepäck hier lassen? | Can I leave my luggage here? | — |
| Den Schlüssel, bitte | The key, please | — |
Real-life scene
At a restaurant or café
Order, ask for recommendations, and pay — the most-used phrases on any German trip.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee
I'd like a coffee
ikh HET-tuh gern EYE-nen kah-FAY
Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee und ein Brötchen, bitte.
I’d like a coffee and a bread roll, please.
Die Rechnung, bitte
The check, please
dee REKH-noong, BIT-tuh
Mini conversation
Ordering at a café
Server
Guten Tag. Was darf es sein?
Good day. What can I get you?
Traveler
Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee, bitte.
I’d like a coffee, please.
Server
Gern. Sonst noch etwas?
Certainly. Anything else?
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte | A table for two, please | — |
| Die Speisekarte, bitte | The menu, please | — |
| Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee | I'd like a coffee | ikh HET-tuh gern EYE-nen kah-FAY |
| Was können Sie empfehlen? | What do you recommend? | Formal (Sie) |
| Ich bin Vegetarier / Vegetarierin | I'm vegetarian | Masc. / fem. |
| Für mich bitte Wasser | Water for me, please | — |
| Die Rechnung, bitte | The check, please | dee REKH-noong, BIT-tuh |
| Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? | Can I pay by card? | — |
| Es hat alles sehr gut geschmeckt | Everything was delicious | — |
Real-life scene
Shopping & paying
Browse, compare prices, and check out in shops and markets.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Wie viel kostet das?
How much does it cost?
vee feel KOS-tet dahs
Wie viel kostet diese Jacke?
How much does this jacket cost?
Kann ich das anprobieren?
Can I try it on?
kahn ikh dahs AHN-proh-beer-en
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Wie viel kostet das? | How much does it cost? | vee feel KOS-tet dahs |
| Das ist zu teuer | It's too expensive | — |
| Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe? | Do you have it in another size? | Formal (Sie) |
| Ich schaue mich nur um, danke | I'm just looking, thanks | — |
| Kann ich das anprobieren? | Can I try it on? | kahn ikh dahs AHN-proh-beer-en |
| Nehmen Sie Kreditkarten? | Do you accept credit cards? | Formal (Sie) |
| Kann ich bitte eine Quittung haben? | Can I have a receipt, please? | — |
| Wann schließen Sie? | What time do you close? | Formal (Sie) |
Real-life scene
Emergencies & health
The phrases you hope not to need — but should know before you travel.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Ich brauche einen Arzt
I need a doctor
ikh BROW-khuh EYE-nen artst
Es ist dringend: Ich brauche einen Arzt.
It’s urgent: I need a doctor.
Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
voh ist dee NEK-stuh ah-poh-TAY-kuh
Mini conversation
At a pharmacy
Traveler
Guten Tag. Mir geht es nicht gut.
Good day. I don’t feel well.
Pharmacist
Wo haben Sie Schmerzen?
Where do you have pain?
Traveler
Hier tut es weh.
It hurts here.
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Hilfe! | Help! | — |
| Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen! | Call an ambulance! | Formal (Sie) |
| Ich brauche einen Arzt | I need a doctor | ikh BROW-khuh EYE-nen artst |
| Mir geht es nicht gut | I don't feel well | — |
| Hier tut es weh | It hurts here | — |
| Wo ist die nächste Apotheke? | Where is the nearest pharmacy? | voh ist dee NEK-stuh ah-poh-TAY-kuh |
| Ich habe meinen Pass verloren | I lost my passport | — |
| Rufen Sie die Polizei! | Call the police! | Formal (Sie) |
| Gibt es ein Krankenhaus in der Nähe? | Is there a hospital nearby? | — |
Real-life scene
Greetings & introductions
Open and close conversations, and introduce yourself. Choose Sie (formal) with strangers and du with friends.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Guten Tag, wie geht es Ihnen?
Good day, how are you?
GOO-ten tahk, vee gate es EE-nen
Ich heiße…
My name is…
ikh HIGH-suh
Ich heiße Maya. Freut mich!
My name is Maya. Nice to meet you!
Mini conversation
Meeting someone for the first time
Lukas
Guten Tag, ich heiße Lukas.
Good day, my name is Lukas.
Maya
Freut mich, ich bin Maya.
Nice to meet you, I’m Maya.
Lukas
Freut mich ebenfalls.
Pleased to meet you too.
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Guten Tag, wie geht es Ihnen? | Good day, how are you? | GOO-ten tahk, vee gate es EE-nen Formal (Sie) |
| Hallo, wie geht's? | Hi, how are you? | Informal (du) |
| Ich heiße… | My name is… | ikh HIGH-suh |
| Wie heißen Sie? | What's your name? | Formal (Sie) |
| Freut mich | Pleased to meet you | Short for Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen |
| Woher kommen Sie? | Where are you from? | Formal (Sie) |
| Ich komme aus… | I'm from… | — |
| Danke, gut | Fine, thank you | Short reply to Wie geht es Ihnen? |
| Bis bald! | See you soon! | — |
Real-life scene
Polite essentials & small talk
The courtesy phrases that smooth every interaction in German.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Vielen Dank
Thank you very much
FEE-len dahnk
Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.
Thank you very much for your help.
Entschuldigung
Excuse me / sorry
ent-SHOOL-dee-goong
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Bitte | Please | — |
| Vielen Dank | Thank you very much | FEE-len dahnk |
| Gern geschehen | You're welcome | — |
| Entschuldigung | Excuse me / sorry | ent-SHOOL-dee-goong |
| Es tut mir leid | I'm sorry | Express regret |
| Kein Problem | No problem | — |
| Alles klar | OK / all right / got it | — |
| Was für ein schöner Tag! | What a beautiful day! | — |
| Einen schönen Tag noch! | Have a nice day! | When parting |
Real-life scene
Understanding & being understood
When you need someone to slow down, repeat, or switch to English.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Ich verstehe nicht
I don't understand
ikh fehr-SHTAY-uh nikht
Entschuldigung, ich verstehe nicht.
Excuse me, I don’t understand.
Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?
Can you speak more slowly, please?
KER-nen zee BIT-tuh LANG-zah-mer SHPREKH-en
Mini conversation
When the answer is too fast
Local
Die Haltestelle ist hinter dem Platz.
The stop is behind the square.
Traveler
Ich verstehe nicht. Können Sie das wiederholen?
I don’t understand. Can you repeat that?
Local
Natürlich, etwas langsamer.
Of course, a little more slowly.
| German | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Ich verstehe nicht | I don't understand | ikh fehr-SHTAY-uh nikht |
| Sprechen Sie Englisch? | Do you speak English? | Formal (Sie) |
| Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? | Can you repeat that, please? | Formal (Sie) |
| Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen? | Can you speak more slowly, please? | KER-nen zee BIT-tuh LANG-zah-mer SHPREKH-en Formal (Sie) |
| Wie sagt man… auf Deutsch? | How do you say… in German? | — |
| Was bedeutet das? | What does that mean? | — |
| Ich weiß es nicht | I don't know | — |
| Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben? | Can you write it down, please? | Formal (Sie) |
| Ich verstehe ein bisschen Deutsch | I understand a little German | — |
How to learn German phrases with stories
Phrasebooks give you lines to repeat; graded stories show you when to use them. MeloLingua German readers recycle the same expressions inside Bäckerei scenes, train rides, and hotel check-ins — with tap-to-gloss English support so the phrases stick in context.
- Pick a situation before a trip (restaurant, hotel), then read an A1 German story set in that scene.
- Say each phrase aloud with native audio so rhythm and stress come naturally.
- Note the register — Sie (formal) with strangers, du with friends — as characters switch in dialogue.
- Move to A2 stories when A1 feels easy, where the same phrases appear in longer exchanges.
Related German hubs & story collections
German words
Core vocabulary by theme — the nouns, verbs, and adjectives behind these phrases.
A1 German stories
Beginner vignettes with glossed vocabulary — bakeries, markets, and daily routines.
German reading practice
Graded passages by CEFR level with audio and comprehension support.
German short stories for beginners
Editorial guide with sample scenes and a path into the full story library.
Answers
Essential German phrases — FAQ
Q01What are the most useful German phrases for travel?
What are the most useful German phrases for travel?
Start with greetings (guten Tag, danke, bitte), polite requests (ich hätte gern…, bitte), and high-frequency situational lines: Wie viel kostet das? (How much does it cost?), Wo ist der Bahnhof? (Where is the train station?), Die Rechnung, bitte (The check, please), and Sprechen Sie Englisch? (Do you speak English?). These cover most everyday interactions.
Q02How do I say "excuse me" politely in German?
How do I say "excuse me" politely in German?
Use Entschuldigung to get someone's attention or apologize lightly. For "I'm sorry" in the sense of regret, say Es tut mir leid. To ask someone to repeat, add Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
Q03What is the difference between formal and informal German phrases?
What is the difference between formal and informal German phrases?
German distinguishes Sie (formal) from du (informal). With strangers, officials, and older people, use Sie: Wie geht es Ihnen? (How are you?). With friends and peers, use du: Wie geht's? Many phrases on this page show both registers so you choose the right one.
Q04How many German phrases do I need before a trip?
How many German phrases do I need before a trip?
Around 50–70 situational phrases cover arrival, directions, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and emergencies — enough to handle most travel interactions. Combine them with core German words so you can swap nouns into patterns like Ich hätte gern… (I'd like…) and Wo ist…? (Where is…?).
Q05What is the difference between German phrases and German words?
What is the difference between German phrases and German words?
This page lists full, ready-to-speak sentences grouped by situation, like Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? (Can I pay by card?). For the single nouns, verbs, and adjectives behind them, see our German words guide, which groups core vocabulary by theme.
Q06Where can I practice German phrases for free?
Where can I practice German phrases for free?
Use this situational guide, then read free graded German stories on the MeloLingua website — beginner and intermediate collections with inline glosses and English line support. The same phrases reappear in dialogue, which is how they move into long-term memory.
Apply what you learned
Essential phrases in German stories
Read graded German stories that recycle this grammar pattern — native audio, line-by-line English support, and a quick comprehension check after each story.