German Speaking Cheatsheet: Essential Phrases for Conversations
The core German phrases for real conversations, greetings, keeping a chat going and getting unstuck, in one quick, say-it-out-loud cheatsheet.
You don't need perfect grammar to start speaking German, you need the right handful of phrases. Read each one out loud a few times, they stick far better when you say them.
Greetings and basics
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Hallo / Guten Tag | Hi / Hello |
| Guten Morgen | Good morning |
| Wie geht's? | How are you? |
| Freut mich | Nice to meet you |
| Bitte / Danke | Please / Thank you |
| Ja / Nein / Vielleicht | Yes / No / Maybe |
| Tschüss / Bis später | Bye / See you later |
Keeping a conversation going
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Wie sagt man…? | How do you say…? |
| Was bedeutet…? | What does… mean? |
| Ich mag / Ich mag nicht | I like / I don't like |
| Ich stimme zu | I agree |
| Und du? | And you? |
When you get stuck
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich verstehe nicht | I don't understand |
| Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? | Can you repeat that, please? |
| Langsamer, bitte | Slower, please |
| Wie bitte? | Sorry? / Pardon? |
| Ich lerne noch | I'm still learning |
Say it, don't just read it
A cheatsheet only works when the phrases leave your mouth. Pick five, say them out loud now, and use them in your next conversation.
For the full approach, read how to learn German by speaking, or get a free call and try these with Mira.
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