🇩🇪Germany

Berlin

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.

formalMoney & payment