Punctuality is sacred for appointments, trains and meetings. Being late is considered quite rude.
Germans tend to communicate directly rather than hint. A clear "Nein" (no) is normal, not impolite.
Shopping
1
Was kostet das?
How much is it? “vahss KOS-tet dahss?”
2
Nur Bargeld?
Cash only? “noor BAR-gelt?”
3
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?
Can I pay by card? (many places are cash-only) “kahn ikh mit KAR-tuh TSAH-len?”
4
Eine Tüte, bitte
A bag, please (usually costs extra) “EYE-nuh TOO-tuh, BIT-tuh”
5
Kann ich das anprobieren?
Can I try this on? “kahn ikh dahss AHN-pro-bee-ren?”
6
Ich nehme das
I'll take this “ikh NAY-muh dahss”
7
Wo gebe ich das Pfand zurück?
Where do I return the bottle deposit (Pfand)? “voh GAY-buh ikh dahss pfahnt tsoo-ROOK?”
Local etiquette
Many shops, restaurants and ticket counters are cash-only or refuse cards for small amounts. Always carry cash (especially coins).
Most shops close on Sundays and public holidays, so buy what you need in advance.
Bottles and cans carry a deposit (Pfand). Return them at the supermarket's Pfandautomat machine to get your money back.
Bags usually cost extra, so bring your own tote.
Restaurant
1
Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte
A table for two, please “EYE-nen tish foor tsvai, BIT-tuh”
2
Die Speisekarte, bitte
The menu, please “dee SHPY-zuh-kar-tuh, BIT-tuh”
3
Was empfehlen Sie?
What do you recommend? “vahss emp-FAY-len zee?”
4
Ich hätte gern ein Bier
I'd like a beer “ikh HET-tuh gairn ine beer”
5
Ich bin allergisch gegen...
I'm allergic to... “ikh bin ah-LAIR-gish GAY-gen...”
6
Zahlen, bitte
The check, please “TSAH-len, BIT-tuh”
7
Stimmt so
Keep the change (tip included) “shtimt zoh”
8
Getrennt, bitte
Separate checks, please “guh-TRENT, BIT-tuh”
9
Es hat geschmeckt
It was delicious “ess haht guh-SHMEKT”
Local etiquette
Tips aren't included in the bill. If satisfied, add 5-10% of the total as a tip.
Don't leave the tip on a plate — state the total you want to pay when handing over money. E.g. if the bill is 18 euros and you pay with a 20, say "Zwanzig, bitte", or "Stimmt so" if you don't want change back.
Water is usually paid bottled water. Plain "water" may bring sparkling (mit Gas), so ask for still water: "ohne Kohlensäure".
Splitting the bill individually is common; the waiter will ask "Getrennt (separate)" or "Zusammen (together)".
Getting around
1
Wo ist die Toilette?
Where is the restroom? “voh ist dee toy-LET-tuh?”
2
Wo ist der Bahnhof?
Where is the train station? “voh ist dair BAHN-hohf?”
3
Eine Fahrkarte nach..., bitte
A ticket to..., please “EYE-nuh FAR-kar-tuh nahkh..., BIT-tuh”
4
Ein Tagesticket, bitte
A day pass, please “ine TAH-ges-ti-ket, BIT-tuh”
5
Welches Gleis?
Which platform? “VEL-khes glice?”
6
Zu dieser Adresse, bitte
To this address, please (taxi) “tsoo DEE-zer ah-DRESS-uh, BIT-tuh”
7
Ich habe mich verlaufen
I'm lost “ikh HAH-buh mikh fair-LOW-fen”
Local etiquette
On the S-Bahn/U-Bahn there are no gates, but you MUST validate (entwerten) your ticket beforehand. Fare-dodging fines are 60 euros and up.
Don't cross on a red pedestrian light even if there's no traffic — it's frowned upon, especially in front of children.
Don't walk on bike lanes (red pavement); if a cyclist rings their bell, step aside.
Hotel
1
Ich habe eine Reservierung
I have a reservation “ikh HAH-buh EYE-nuh re-zer-VEE-roong”
2
Ich möchte einchecken
I'd like to check in “ikh MUH-khtuh INE-check-en”
3
Wann ist der Check-out?
What time is check-out? “vahn ist dair check-out?”
4
Können Sie mein Gepäck aufbewahren?
Could you hold my luggage? “KUH-nen zee mine guh-PECK OWF-buh-vah-ren?”
5
Wie ist das WLAN-Passwort?
What's the Wi-Fi password? “vee ist dahss VAY-lahn-pahss-vort?”
Local etiquette
Greet staff politely with "Guten Tag" / "Auf Wiedersehen" at check-in and check-out.
Separate your trash carefully (glass, plastic, paper, food waste) even at your accommodation — follow the posted guidance.
After 10pm there's a quiet time (Ruhezeit); keep noise down. Sundays are quiet too.
Emergency
1
Hilfe!
Help! (emergency) “HIL-fuh!”
2
Rufen Sie die Polizei!
Call the police! “ROO-fen zee dee po-li-TSAI!”
3
Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen!
Call an ambulance! “ROO-fen zee EYE-nen KRAHN-ken-vah-gen!”
4
Wo ist ein Krankenhaus?
Where is a hospital? “voh ist ine KRAHN-ken-house?”
5
Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?
Where is the nearest pharmacy? “voh ist dee NEHK-stuh ah-po-TAY-kuh?”
6
Ich habe meinen Pass verloren
I lost my passport “ikh HAH-buh MY-nen pahss fair-LOH-ren”
