Top 10 Essential Beginner German Phrases

So you’re thinking about traveling to Germany, or maybe you have a new German friend whom you’d like to impress with some basic conversational skills. In this post, we’ll show you the top 10 Essential Beginner German Phrases you’ll need to know when you’re just starting out.

Introductions

The first beginner German phrases you need to know pertain to introducing yourself and asking people how they are. Here, we give the familiar form, with the formal (more polite) form in parentheses, so you can start off each conversation on the right foot.

1. Hallo! Ich heiße ____. Wie heißt (heißen) du (Sie)?

Hello! My name is _______. What is your name?

2. Wie geht es dir (Ihnen)?

How are you doing?

3. Mir geht es gut, und dir (Ihnen)?

I’m doing well, and you?

4. Was machst du (machen Sie) dieses Wochenende?

What are you doing this weekend?

5. Woher kommst du?

Where are you from?

Clarifying Questions

Now that you know how to exchange some basic introductions in Germans, it’s time to look at a few clarifying questions. These will become useful if you get lost, need to use the bathroom, or require assistance.

6. Wo ist das Klo (die Toilette)?

Where is the bathroom?

7. Kannst du (Können Sie) mir helfen?

Can you help me?

8. Wie viel kostet das?

How much does that cost?

9. Wie komme ich nach _____.

How can I get/go to _____?

10. Wie viel Uhr ist es?

What time is it?

Now you know the Top 10 Essential Beginner German Phrases. With this information, you can start introducing yourself to Germans and getting around in Germany.

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