Top 50 phrases to get by Germany — Getting around and shopping

Wo ist...?

Where is...?

Use this phrase with any location you are looking for by adding the name of the place.

Germans appreciate directness, so this is a polite yet simple way to ask for directions.

Wo ist die Toilette?

Where is the bathroom?

Perfectly okay to ask this in public places!

Most public places have easily accessible restrooms, often simply marked as 'WC'.

Wo ist der Bahnhof?

Where is the train station?

Bahnhof means train station; don't confuse it with 'Busbahnhof' for bus terminals.

Train travel is very common in Germany, and stations are well-marked and centrally located.

Taxi

Taxi

Same in both languages - you can easily spot a taxi with its sign.

Taxis are usually light-colored and reliable, but it's always good to check the fare.

Links

Left

Rhymes with 'sinks' in English to help recall direction.

In Germany, clear directions like 'links' or 'rechts' are often used with hand gestures to guide.

Rechts

Right

Rhymes with 'hechts' in English.

Orientation can be crucial, especially while navigating the efficient but sometimes complex traffic and public transit systems.

Geradeaus

Straight ahead

Pronounced as 'geh-rah-dee-aus', it’s often used when giving directions.

This phrase is very useful when wandering through the maze-like streets of older towns.

Ich möchte nach... gehen

I want to go to...

Substitute the 'nach' with 'zum' or 'zur' when referring specifically to a location like a building.

Germans appreciate politeness, so starting with 'Ich möchte' softens the request.

Diese Adresse

This address

When showing an address, this is your go-to phrase.

Pointing is common; showing a written address can help clarify.