Traveling to Germany can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to have a basic understanding of the German language to communicate effectively with locals and navigate your way around. In this post, we’ll provide a list of essential German vocabulary words and phrases for travelers.
Transportation
- Flugzeug – Airplane
- Zug – Train
- Bus – Bus
- Straßenbahn – Tram
- U-Bahn – Subway
- Bahnhof – Train station
- Flughafen – Airport
- Abfahrt – Departure
- Ankunft – Arrival
- Fahrkarte – Ticket
- Einfache Fahrt – One-way ticket
- Hin- und Rückfahrt – Round-trip ticket
Accommodations
- Hotel – Hotel
- Gasthaus – Inn
- Jugendherberge – Youth hostel
- Zimmer – Room
- Doppelzimmer – Double room
- Einzelzimmer – Single room
- Reservierung – Reservation
- Check-in – Check-in
- Check-out – Check-out
Eating and Drinking
- Restaurant – Restaurant
- Café – Café
- Bäckerei – Bakery
- Bar – Bar
- Kellner/Kellnerin – Waiter/waitress
- Menü – Menu
- Speisekarte – Menu
- Frühstück – Breakfast
- Mittagessen – Lunch
- Abendessen – Dinner
- Vegetarisch – Vegetarian
- Vegan – Vegan
- Bier – Beer
- Wein – Wine
- Wasser – Water
- Kaffee – Coffee
- Tee – Tea
Directions and Locations
- Straße – Street
- Weg – Way
- Links – Left
- Rechts – Right
- Geradeaus – Straight ahead
- Entschuldigung – Excuse me
- Hilfe – Help
- Touristeninformation – Tourist information
- Stadtzentrum – City center
- Sehenswürdigkeiten – Sights/attractions
- Museum – Museum
- Park – Park
- See – Lake
- Fluss – River
General Phrases
- Hallo – Hello
- Guten Tag – Good day
- Auf Wiedersehen – Goodbye
- Danke – Thank you
- Bitte – Please
- Entschuldigung – Excuse me/I’m sorry
- Sprechen Sie Englisch? – Do you speak English?
- Ich spreche kein Deutsch – I don’t speak German
- Wie viel kostet das? – How much does that cost?
- Wo ist…? – Where is…?
- Was ist das? – What is that?
Learning these essential German vocabulary words and phrases can help travelers communicate effectively and navigate their way around Germany. By practicing these words and phrases in context, learners can build their confidence and fluency in German while experiencing the culture and beauty of this exciting country.