Basic German While most Berliners seem to have a good grasp of the English language and are more than happy to practice their skills with visiting foreigners, it’s always helpful to learn the lingo when taking trips to foreign climes. Locals will appreciate you making the effort, and learning even a few phrases will enrich your travel experience. Here are a few handy words and phrases to help you on your way…
Please/Thank you (very much) Bitte/Danke (schön) Yes/No Ja/Nein
Hello/ good day Hallo/Guten Tag Good morning Guten Morgen Good evening Guten Abend Good night Gute Nacht Goodbye Auf Wiedersehen Bye Tschüss
Excuse me/ Sorry Entschuldigung
Can you speak more slowly please? Könnten Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?
20 How are you? Fine, and you? Do you speak English? No, I don’t understand (you) Yes I understand you. What does…..mean? What is your name? Correct/affirmative I was only joking! “Helllo, I am Barry Ze German” “Hallo, Ich heiβe Barry Ze German”
Wie geht es Ihnen? Mir geht es gut, und Ihnen? Sprechen Sie Englisch? Nein, Ich verstehe (Sie) nicht Ja, ich verstehe (Sie) Was bedeutet….? Wie heiβt du? Genau Das war nur ein Schwerz!
Beware Bear Tip! The Bear is the symbol of Berlin, and will give you handy tips through this guide.