Most Germans speak English, especially in the bigger cities, so you probably won't have any difficulties getting around.
Still, a little German can go a long way and is always appreciated. Start your first lesson of Deutsch here, and learn common German greetings and basic vocabulary that will be helpful for you in many situations.
You'll find the pronounciation in parentheses. Just read it out loud, the capitalized part of the word should be emphasized.
Basic Words:
Yes – Ja (yah)
No – Nein (nine)
Thank you – Danke ( DAHN-kuh)
Please/You are welcome - Bitte (BITT-uh)
Excuse me - Entschuldigen Sie (ent-SHOOL-degen see)
Greetings:
Hello/Good day - Guten Tag (GOOT-en tahk)
Good morning - Guten Morgen (GOO-ten MOR-gen)
Good evening – Guten Abend (GOO-ten AH-bent)
Good night - Gute Nacht (GOO-tuh nahdt)
Good bye – Auf Wiedersehen (Ouf VEE-der-zane)
Small Talk
My name is - Mein Name ist.... (Mine NAH-muh ist...)
Nice to meet you – Es freut mich. (As froit mish)
How are you? - Wie geht`s? (wee gates)
Do you speak English? - Sprechen Sie Englisch? (SPRA-shun see ANG-lish)
I don't understand - Ich verstehe nicht (Ish VARE-stahe nisht)
I can't speak German – Ich kann kein Deutsch. (Ish kun kine doitsh)
Useful German Phrases for Train Travel
Useful German Phrases for Dining Out
