Everyday Essentials

This lesson covers the most important survival phrases for daily life in a German-speaking country. You will learn polite expressions, how to order food and drink, how to ask for help, and phrases for shopping, travel, and emergencies.

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The Magic Words: Bitte, Danke, Entschuldigung

These three words will carry you through almost any situation:

German	English	Usage
bitte	please / you are welcome / here you are	Multiple meanings depending on context
danke	thank you	Universal expression of gratitude
Entschuldigung	excuse me / sorry	Getting attention or apologising

The Many Uses of "Bitte"

Bitte is one of the most versatile words in German:

Context	Example	Meaning
Making a request	Ein Wasser, bitte.	A water, please.
Responding to "danke"	— Danke! — Bitte!	— Thanks! — You are welcome!
Handing something over	Bitte schön!	Here you are!
Asking someone to repeat	Wie bitte?	Pardon? / What did you say?
Inviting someone in	Bitte, kommen Sie herein.	Please, come in.
Offering	Bitte sehr!	Help yourself! / There you go!

Ways to Say Thank You

German	English	Formality
Danke.	Thanks.	casual
Danke schön.	Thank you.	standard
Danke sehr.	Thank you very much.	standard
Vielen Dank.	Many thanks.	polite
Herzlichen Dank.	Heartfelt thanks.	warm
Tausend Dank!	A thousand thanks!	emphatic
Danke, gleichfalls!	Thanks, same to you!	reply to a wish

Ways to Apologise

German	English	Usage
Entschuldigung.	Excuse me.	Getting attention / light apology
Entschuldigen Sie bitte.	Excuse me, please.	formal
Es tut mir leid.	I am sorry.	Genuine apology or sympathy
Verzeihung.	Pardon. / Forgive me.	formal apology
Tut mir leid.	Sorry.	casual
Das war mein Fehler.	That was my mistake.	accepting blame
Macht nichts!	No problem! / Never mind!	responding to an apology
Kein Problem!	No problem!	casual response
Schon gut.	It is alright.	casual response

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At a Cafe or Restaurant (Im Café / Im Restaurant)

Getting a Table

German	English
Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte.	A table for two, please.
Ist dieser Platz frei?	Is this seat free?
Ist hier noch frei?	Is there still room here?
Wir möchten bitte bestellen.	We would like to order, please.
Die Speisekarte, bitte.	The menu, please.

Ordering

German	English
Ich hätte gern...	I would like...
Ich möchte...	I would like...
Für mich bitte...	For me please...
Einmal das Schnitzel, bitte.	One Schnitzel, please.
Zweimal Kaffee, bitte.	Two coffees, please.
Ein Bier, bitte.	A beer, please.
Ein Glas Wein, bitte.	A glass of wine, please.
Eine Tasse Kaffee, bitte.	A cup of coffee, please.
Mit Milch, bitte.	With milk, please.
Ohne Zucker, bitte.	Without sugar, please.

During the Meal

German	English
Das schmeckt sehr gut!	That tastes very good!
Guten Appetit!	Enjoy your meal!
Danke, gleichfalls!	Thanks, you too!
Prost! / Zum Wohl!	Cheers!
Kann ich noch etwas Wasser haben?	Can I have some more water?
Das ist sehr lecker.	That is very tasty.

Paying

German	English
Die Rechnung, bitte.	The bill, please.
Zahlen, bitte.	I would like to pay, please.
Zusammen oder getrennt?	Together or separate?
Zusammen, bitte.	Together, please.
Getrennt, bitte.	Separate, please.
Stimmt so.	Keep the change.
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?	Can I pay by card?
Nur Bargeld.	Cash only.

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Shopping (Einkaufen)

Finding Things

German	English
Wo finde ich...?	Where can I find...?
Haben Sie...?	Do you have...?
Ich suche...	I am looking for...
Was kostet das?	How much does that cost?
Wie viel kostet das?	How much does that cost?
Das ist zu teuer.	That is too expensive.
Gibt es das auch in Rot?	Is this also available in red?
Kann ich das anprobieren?	Can I try this on?
Wo ist die Umkleidekabine?	Where is the changing room?

Buying

German	English
Ich nehme das.	I will take that.
Ich möchte das kaufen.	I would like to buy that.
Haben Sie eine Tüte?	Do you have a bag?
Brauchen Sie den Kassenbon?	Do you need the receipt?
Ja, bitte. / Nein, danke.	Yes, please. / No, thanks.

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Getting Around (Unterwegs)

Asking for Directions