Polite standard German gets you everywhere; learn Berlin's transit vocabulary, respect its direct rhythm, and let casual conversation arrive on its own terms.
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Local phrase
Hallo
Say it likeHAH-loh
English
Hello
Use itA normal greeting in most everyday Berlin interactions.
casualEssentials
Local phrase
Guten Morgen
Say it likeGOO-ten MOR-gen
English
Good morning
Use itA polite greeting earlier in the day.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Guten Tag
Say it likeGOO-ten tahk
English
Hello / good day
Use itA dependable greeting with staff, strangers, and new acquaintances.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Guten Abend
Say it likeGOO-ten AH-bent
English
Good evening
Use itUse as a greeting later in the day.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Tschüss
Say it likechoos
English
Bye
Use itThe usual friendly goodbye in shops and everyday conversation.
casualEssentials
Local phrase
Auf Wiedersehen
Say it likeowf VEE-der-zay-en
English
Goodbye
Use itA more formal goodbye for service or professional settings.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Bitte
Say it likeBIT-tuh
English
Please / you're welcome
Use itUse it to soften a request; it also answers danke.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Danke
Say it likeDAHN-kuh
English
Thank you
Use itAppropriate in almost every setting.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Vielen Dank
Say it likeFEE-len dahnk
English
Thank you very much
Use itA warmer expression of gratitude.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Entschuldigung
Say it likeent-SHOOL-dee-goong
English
Excuse me / sorry
Use itUse before asking a question or after a small bump or interruption.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Nein, danke
Say it likenine, DAHN-kuh
English
No, thank you
Use itA clear, polite refusal.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Ich verstehe nicht
Say it likeikh fair-SHTAY-uh nikht
English
I don't understand
Use itSay this before asking for repetition or slower speech.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
Say it likeKUR-nen zee dahs BIT-tuh VEE-der-hoh-len
English
Could you repeat that, please?
Use itUse the formal Sie form with a stranger or member of staff.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?
Say it likeKUR-nen zee BIT-tuh LAHNG-zah-mer SHPREKH-en
English
Could you speak more slowly, please?
Use itA courteous request when spoken German is too fast.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben?
Say it likeKUR-nen zee dahs BIT-tuh OWF-shry-ben
English
Could you write that down, please?
Use itHelpful for names, addresses, times, and directions.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Say it likeSHPREKH-en zee ENG-lish
English
Do you speak English?
Use itAsk rather than assuming the other person speaks English.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Ich spreche nur ein wenig Deutsch
Say it likeikh SHPREKH-uh noor ine VAY-nikh doytch
English
I speak only a little German
Use itA useful way to set expectations.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Wo ist die Toilette?
Say it likevoh ist dee twah-LET-tuh
English
Where is the toilet?
Use itThe standard practical question in cafés, museums, or stations.
formalEssentials
Local phrase
Wie geht es Ihnen?
Say it likevee gate es EE-nen
English
How are you?
Use itUse with a stranger, older person, or in a formal introduction.
formalConnection
Local phrase
Wie geht's?
Say it likevee gates
English
How's it going?
Use itA relaxed check-in with someone using du.
casualConnection
Local phrase
Mir geht es gut, danke. Und Ihnen?
Say it likemeer gate es goot, DAHN-kuh. oont EE-nen
English
I'm well, thank you. And you?
Use itA natural formal answer to wie geht es Ihnen?
formalConnection
Local phrase
Ich heiße …
Say it likeikh HYE-suh …
English
My name is …
Use itAdd your name at the end.
formalConnection
Local phrase
Wie heißen Sie?
Say it likevee HYE-sen zee
English
What is your name?
Use itA polite first-meeting question.
formalConnection
Local phrase
Schön, Sie kennenzulernen
Say it likeshurn, zee KEN-en-tsoo-lern-en
English
Nice to meet you
Use itUse after exchanging names.
formalConnection
Local phrase
Woher kommen Sie?
Say it likevoh-HAIR KOM-en zee
English
Where are you from?
Use itFriendly small talk with a new acquaintance.
formalConnection
Local phrase
Ich komme aus …
Say it likeikh KOM-uh ows …
English
I'm from …
Use itAdd your city or country.
formalConnection
Local phrase
Ich bin zum ersten Mal in Berlin
Say it likeikh bin tsoom AIR-sten mahl in bair-LEEN
English
It's my first time in Berlin
Use itAn easy conversation starter.
casualConnection
Local phrase
Was empfehlen Sie?
Say it likevahs em-FAY-len zee
English
What do you recommend?
Use itAsk about food, neighborhoods, museums, or activities.
formalConnection
Local phrase
Können wir uns duzen?
Say it likeKUR-nen veer oons DOO-tsen
English
Can we use the informal du with each other?
Use itA clear way to agree on informal address rather than switching silently.
casualConnection
Local phrase
Schönen Tag noch
Say it likeSHUR-nen tahk nokh
English
Have a nice day
Use itA common friendly goodbye during the day.
formalConnection
Local phrase
Wo ist die nächste U-Bahn-Station?
Say it likevoh ist dee NEK-stuh OO-bahn-shtah-TSYOHN
English
Where is the nearest underground station?
Use itU-Bahn is Berlin's underground and urban metro network.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Wo ist die nächste S-Bahn-Station?
Say it likevoh ist dee NEK-stuh ES-bahn-shtah-TSYOHN
English
Where is the nearest S-Bahn station?
Use itS-Bahn services complement the BVG network and reach surrounding areas.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Wie komme ich nach …?
Say it likevee KOM-uh ikh nahkh …
English
How do I get to …?
Use itAdd the destination and show it on a map if needed.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Fährt dieser Zug nach …?
Say it likefairt DEE-zer tsoog nahkh …
English
Does this train go to …?
Use itConfirm the destination before boarding.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Hält dieser Zug in …?
Say it likehelt DEE-zer tsoog in …
English
Does this train stop at …?
Use itAdd the station name.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Muss ich umsteigen?
Say it likemoos ikh OOM-shty-gen
English
Do I need to change?
Use itAsk after naming your destination.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Wo muss ich umsteigen?
Say it likevoh moos ikh OOM-shty-gen
English
Where do I change?
Use itUseful when a journey uses more than one line.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Welche Linie brauche ich?
Say it likeVEL-khuh LEE-nee-uh BROW-khuh ikh
English
Which line do I need?
Use itShow the destination to keep the answer clear.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
In welche Richtung muss ich?
Say it likein VEL-khuh RIKH-toong moos ikh
English
Which direction should I take?
Use itBerlin platforms often identify direction by the final station.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Wie viele Stationen sind es?
Say it likevee FEE-luh shtah-TSYOH-nen zint es
English
How many stops is it?
Use itA practical way to track the journey.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Ist das der richtige Bahnsteig für …?
Say it likeist dahs dair RIKH-ti-guh bahn-shtyg fyoor …
English
Is this the right platform for …?
Use itAdd the destination or line.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Wo kann ich eine Fahrkarte kaufen?
Say it likevoh kahn ikh EYE-nuh FAHR-kar-tuh KOW-fen
English
Where can I buy a ticket?
Use itAsk at a station, service point, or ticket machine.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Muss ich diese Fahrkarte entwerten?
Say it likemoos ikh DEE-zuh FAHR-kar-tuh ent-VAIR-ten
English
Do I need to validate this ticket?
Use itTicket rules vary by product; confirm before travel rather than guessing.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Welche Tarifzone brauche ich?
Say it likeVEL-khuh tah-REEF-tsoh-nuh BROW-khuh ikh
English
Which fare zone do I need?
Use itBerlin uses AB, BC, and ABC zones; BER airport is in zone C.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Ist diese Station barrierefrei?
Say it likeist DEE-zuh shtah-TSYOHN bar-REE-ruh-fry
English
Is this station step-free / accessible?
Use itCheck current BVG route and lift information as access can change.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Ist der Aufzug in Betrieb?
Say it likeist dair OWF-tsoog in buh-TREEP
English
Is the lift working?
Use itUseful when step-free travel depends on an elevator.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Bitte halten Sie hier
Say it likeBIT-tuh HAL-ten zee heer
English
Please stop here
Use itUse with a taxi when it is safe to stop.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Wie lange dauert die Fahrt?
Say it likevee LAHNG-uh DOW-ert dee fart
English
How long does the journey take?
Use itAsk before a taxi ride or when planning a public-transport trip.
formalGetting around
Local phrase
Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte
Say it likeEYE-nen tish fyoor tsvy, BIT-tuh
English
A table for two, please
Use itChange the number as needed.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Ich habe auf den Namen … reserviert
Say it likeikh HAH-buh owf den NAH-men … rez-er-VEERT
English
I have a reservation under the name …
Use itAdd the booking name.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Die Speisekarte, bitte
Say it likedee SHPY-zuh-kar-tuh, BIT-tuh
English
The menu, please
Use itA concise restaurant request.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Was ist die Spezialität des Hauses?
Say it likevahs ist dee shpets-ee-ah-li-TATE des HOW-zes
English
What is the house specialty?
Use itAsk for a signature dish or drink.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Ich hätte gern …
Say it likeikh HET-tuh gairn …
English
I would like …
Use itA natural, polite way to order.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Ich esse vegetarisch
Say it likeikh ES-suh vay-gay-TAH-rish
English
I eat vegetarian food
Use itClarify individual ingredients if needed.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Ich esse vegan
Say it likeikh ES-suh vay-GAHN
English
I eat vegan food
Use itAsk about specific ingredients when the distinction matters.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Ich bin gegen … allergisch
Say it likeikh bin GAY-gen … ah-LAIR-gish
English
I'm allergic to …
Use itName the allergen clearly and show a written allergy card.
!Do not rely on this phrase alone for a severe allergy; speak directly with the restaurant.
emergencyFood & drink
Local phrase
Enthält das Nüsse?
Say it likeent-HELT dahs NYOO-suh
English
Does this contain nuts?
Use itName the exact nut and ask about cross-contact if relevant.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Ohne Milchprodukte, bitte
Say it likeOH-nuh MILKH-proh-dook-tuh, BIT-tuh
English
Without dairy products, please
Use itAsk before ordering and confirm hidden ingredients separately.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Ein Glas Leitungswasser, bitte
Say it likeine glahs LYE-toongs-vahs-ser, BIT-tuh
English
A glass of tap water, please
Use itAsk directly; restaurant practices and charges can vary.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Stilles Wasser, bitte
Say it likeSHTIL-es VAH-ser, BIT-tuh
English
Still water, please
Use itUse when choosing bottled water without carbonation.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Wasser mit Kohlensäure, bitte
Say it likeVAH-ser mit KOH-len-zoy-ruh, BIT-tuh
English
Sparkling water, please
Use itUse when choosing carbonated water.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Zum Mitnehmen, bitte
Say it liketsoom MIT-nay-men, BIT-tuh
English
To take away, please
Use itUse while ordering food or drink to go.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Können wir getrennt zahlen?
Say it likeKUR-nen veer guh-TRENT TSAH-len
English
Can we pay separately?
Use itAsk before the payment process begins.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Die Rechnung, bitte
Say it likedee REKH-noong, BIT-tuh
English
The bill, please
Use itAsk when you are ready to pay.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?
Say it likekahn ikh mit KAR-tuh TSAH-len
English
Can I pay by card?
Use itAsk before payment, especially at a small café or snack bar.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Das war sehr lecker
Say it likedahs vahr zair LEK-er
English
That was delicious
Use itA warm compliment after a meal.
formalFood & drink
Local phrase
Wie viel kostet das?
Say it likevee feel KOS-tet dahs
English
How much does this cost?
Use itA standard price question.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Ich schaue mich nur um, danke
Say it likeikh SHOW-uh mikh noor oom, DAHN-kuh
English
I'm just looking, thank you
Use itA polite response when staff offer help.
casualShopping
Local phrase
Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe?
Say it likeHAH-ben zee dahs in EYE-ner AN-der-en GRUR-suh
English
Do you have this in another size?
Use itShow the item and name or point to the size.
formalShopping
Local phrase
Haben Sie das in einer anderen Farbe?
Say it likeHAH-ben zee dahs in EYE-ner AN-der-en FAR-buh
English
Do you have this in another color?
Use itA common clothing or merchandise question.
formalShopping
Local phrase
Kann ich das anprobieren?
Say it likekahn ikh dahs AN-proh-beer-en
English
Can I try this on?
Use itAsk before using the fitting room.
formalShopping
Local phrase
Ich nehme es
Say it likeikh NAY-muh es
English
I'll take it
Use itUse when you have decided to buy an item.
casualShopping
Local phrase
Wo ist die Kasse?
Say it likevoh ist dee KAS-suh
English
Where is the checkout?
Use itUseful in a large shop or department store.
formalShopping
Local phrase
Akzeptieren Sie Kreditkarten?
Say it likeak-tsep-TEER-en zee kray-DEET-kar-ten
English
Do you accept credit cards?
Use itAsk before checkout at a smaller business.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Eine Quittung, bitte
Say it likeEYE-nuh KVI-toong, BIT-tuh
English
A receipt, please
Use itUseful for shops, hotels, and service counters.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Kann ich das umtauschen?
Say it likekahn ikh dahs OOM-tow-shen
English
Can I exchange this?
Use itAsk about the shop's own return conditions and keep the receipt.
formalShopping
Local phrase
Ist das reduziert?
Say it likeist dahs ray-doo-TSEERT
English
Is this discounted?
Use itAsk when sale signage or the marked price is unclear.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Ich brauche eine Tüte, bitte
Say it likeikh BROW-khuh EYE-nuh TYOO-tuh, BIT-tuh
English
I need a bag, please
Use itShops may charge for a bag; bringing a reusable one is common.
formalShopping
Local phrase
Ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen …
Say it likeikh HAH-buh EYE-nuh rez-er-VEER-oong owf den NAH-men …
English
I have a reservation under the name …
Use itAdd the surname used for the booking.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Kann ich einchecken?
Say it likekahn ikh IN-chek-en
English
Can I check in?
Use itA straightforward arrival question.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Ist mein Zimmer fertig?
Say it likeist mine TSIM-er FAIR-tikh
English
Is my room ready?
Use itAsk at reception when you arrive before check-in time.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Wann ist der Check-out?
Say it likevahn ist dair CHEK-owt
English
When is checkout?
Use itConfirm the property's own departure time.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Wie lautet das WLAN-Passwort?
Say it likevee LOW-tet dahs VAY-lahn PASS-vort
English
What is the Wi-Fi password?
Use itAsk reception or look for written instructions.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Meine Schlüsselkarte funktioniert nicht
Say it likeMY-nuh SHLYOO-sel-kar-tuh foonk-tsyo-NEERT nikht
English
My key card isn't working
Use itShow the card at reception and have identification available.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Es gibt kein warmes Wasser
Say it likees gipt kine VAR-mes VAH-ser
English
There is no hot water
Use itA concise room-maintenance report.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Die Heizung funktioniert nicht
Say it likedee HYE-tsoong foonk-tsyo-NEERT nikht
English
The heating isn't working
Use itReport the problem to reception.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Könnte ich ein zusätzliches Handtuch bekommen?
Say it likeKURN-tuh ikh ine TSOO-zets-li-khes HAHNT-tookh buh-KOM-en
English
Could I have an extra towel?
Use itAsk housekeeping or reception.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Können Sie mein Gepäck aufbewahren?
Say it likeKUR-nen zee mine guh-PEK owf-buh-VAH-ren
English
Can you store my luggage?
Use itAsk before check-in or after checkout.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Ich hätte gern ein ruhiges Zimmer
Say it likeikh HET-tuh gairn ine ROO-ig-es TSIM-er
English
I'd like a quiet room
Use itRequest early; availability cannot be guaranteed.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Könnte sich das bitte jemand ansehen?
Say it likeKURN-tuh zikh dahs BIT-tuh YAY-mahnt AN-zay-en
English
Could someone please take a look at this?
Use itShow or describe the room problem.
formalStaying over
Local phrase
Hilfe!
Say it likeHIL-fuh
English
Help!
Use itCall out loudly only when you need immediate assistance.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Das ist ein Notfall
Say it likedahs ist ine NOHT-fahl
English
This is an emergency
Use itUse at the start of an urgent call or request.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Rufen Sie die Polizei!
Say it likeROO-fen zee dee poh-li-TSY
English
Call the police!
Use itA direct request in immediate danger.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Rufen Sie 110!
Say it likeROO-fen zee ine-ine-null
English
Call 110!
Use itBerlin's police emergency number, verified through Berlin.de on 8 August 2026.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Rufen Sie 112!
Say it likeROO-fen zee ine-ine-tsvy
English
Call 112!
Use itBerlin.de lists 112 for the fire brigade and ambulance; verified 8 August 2026.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Ich brauche ärztliche Hilfe
Say it likeikh BROW-khuh AIRTS-li-khuh HIL-fuh
English
I need medical help
Use itA direct request when seeking assistance.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Wo ist das nächste Krankenhaus?
Say it likevoh ist dahs NEK-stuh KRAHNK-en-hows
English
Where is the nearest hospital?
Use itAsk emergency personnel or staff for directions.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Ich habe meinen Pass verloren
Say it likeikh HAH-buh MY-nen pahs fair-LOH-ren
English
I've lost my passport
Use itTell the appropriate authorities and contact your embassy or consulate.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Ich habe mein Handy verloren
Say it likeikh HAH-buh mine HEN-dee fair-LOH-ren
English
I've lost my phone
Use itUseful with hotel, venue, transit, or lost-property staff.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Lassen Sie mich in Ruhe
Say it likeLAS-en zee mikh in ROO-uh
English
Leave me alone
Use itA firm personal-boundary statement.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Fassen Sie mich nicht an
Say it likeFAS-en zee mikh nikht ahn
English
Don't touch me
Use itSay clearly and move toward staff or other help when possible.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Ich brauche einen sicheren Ort
Say it likeikh BROW-khuh EYE-nen ZIKH-er-en ort
English
I need a safe place
Use itUse with staff, police, or emergency services.
emergencyEmergencies
Local phrase
Wie läuft's?
Say it likevee loyfts
English
How's it going?
Use itA relaxed check-in among peers.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Alles klar?
Say it likeAH-les klahr
English
Everything good?
Use itA common greeting or quick check that things are okay.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Na?
Say it likenah
English
Well? / hey, how's it going?
Use itA tiny, context-heavy greeting among familiar people.
!Do not expect a word-for-word English meaning.
slangLocal banter
Local phrase
Klar!
Say it likeklahr
English
Sure! / of course!
Use itAn easy, confident agreement.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Genau
Say it likeguh-NOW
English
Exactly / right
Use itA very common confirming response.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Passt!
Say it likepahst
English
That works!
Use itUse when a time, plan, amount, or arrangement is acceptable.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Kein Problem
Say it likekine proh-BLAYM
English
No problem
Use itA relaxed reassurance after a request or minor apology.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Alles gut
Say it likeAH-les goot
English
It's all good
Use itA warm way to say there is no issue.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Gerne
Say it likeGAIR-nuh
English
Gladly / you're welcome
Use itUse to accept a request or respond warmly to thanks.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Echt?
Say it likeekht
English
Really?
Use itA quick expression of surprise or interest.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Krass!
Say it likekrahs
English
Wow! / intense!
Use itA strong informal reaction that can be positive or negative.
!Tone and context determine the meaning; keep it among peers.
slangLocal banter
Local phrase
Na dann
Say it likenah dahn
English
Well then / all right then
Use itA transition into the next action or conclusion.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Machen wir so
Say it likeMAKH-en veer zoh
English
Let's do it that way
Use itA natural way to confirm a plan.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Hast du Lust auf einen Kaffee?
Say it likehahst doo loost owf EYE-nen KAH-fay
English
Do you feel like getting a coffee?
Use itA friendly invitation using informal du.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Ich mache nur Spaß
Say it likeikh MAKH-uh noor shpahs
English
I'm only joking
Use itUseful when playful intent was not clear.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Schönes Wochenende!
Say it likeSHUR-nes VOKH-en-en-duh
English
Have a nice weekend!
Use itA common Friday or weekend goodbye.
casualLocal banter
Local phrase
Kann ich bar bezahlen?
Say it likekahn ikh bar buh-TSAH-len?
English
Can I pay in cash?
Use itAsk before the transaction when you want to use notes or coins.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Kann ich kontaktlos bezahlen?
Say it likekahn ikh kohn-TAKT-lohs buh-TSAH-len?
English
Can I pay contactless?
Use itAsk when the terminal or accepted payment methods are not clear.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Ist das Trinkgeld schon enthalten?
Say it likeist dahs TRINK-gelt shohn ent-HAL-ten?
English
Is the tip already included?
Use itUse when a bill or terminal prompt is unclear; in Berlin, a tip is voluntary and is commonly stated when paying.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Können Sie auf … herausgeben?
Say it likeKUR-nen zee owf … heh-ROWS-gay-ben?
English
Can you give change for …?
Use itAdd the note value, such as fünfzig Euro, before offering a large note.
formalMoney & payment
Local phrase
Die Kartenzahlung wurde abgelehnt
Say it likedee KAR-ten-tsah-loong VOOR-duh AHP-guh-laynt
English
The card payment was declined
Use itUse calmly after a rejected terminal payment, then ask whether you can retry or use another method.