Common Phrases
Learn 40 essential German phrases for everyday conversations
Formal goodbye, literally means 'until we see each other again'
Common response:
Auf Wiedersehen!
Used to apologize or get someone's attention politely
Common response:
Kein Problem or Das ist okay
Said when going to bed or saying goodbye late at night
Common response:
Gute Nacht!
When you don't understand something
Common response:
Repetition or slower speech
More formal way to introduce yourself
Common response:
Mein Name ist... / Freut mich
Asking for the location of something
Common response:
...ist... (location/direction)
Asking someone their origin or where they come from
Common response:
Ich komme aus...
When you'll see the person again later the same day
Common response:
Bis später!
Use this phrase when entering a restaurant and requesting a table. This is a standard way to ask for seating.
Common response:
Ja, folgen Sie mir bitte
Said before eating, like 'bon appétit'
Common response:
Danke, gleichfalls / Danke, dir auch
Asking if someone speaks English
Common response:
Ja, ein bisschen / Nein, leider nicht
When you didn't hear or understand something
Common response:
Repetition of what was said
Formal way to ask how someone is doing
Common response:
Gut, danke. Und Ihnen?
Asking someone their name formally
Common response:
Ich heiße... / Mein Name ist...
Formal way to ask someone where they're from
Common response:
Ich komme aus...
Used in restaurants, cafes, shops, and other service situations when politely requesting something
Well wishes, can be used for birthdays or goodbyes
Common response:
Danke, dir auch
Expressing genuine apology or sympathy
Common response:
Das ist okay / Kein Problem
When you need someone to speak slower
Common response:
Ja, natürlich (followed by slower speech)