How to prepare for your trip to Germany
The language you will hear, the phrases to learn first, money, plugs, emergency numbers and a few local habits, and a way to plan the trip and keep your phrases offline.
Try it free for 14 days.
Photo credit
Photo of Neuschwanstein Castle by Gabriel Tovar (opens in a new tab) on Unsplash, used under the Unsplash License (opens in a new tab).
What you will hear in Germany.
German is spoken everywhere in Germany, with regional accents and dialects. In Berlin and other big cities, and in tourist places, many people speak some English. In smaller towns you will use German more.
Greetings change by region: Moin in the north at any time of day, Grüß Gott and Servus in Bavaria. German is also spoken in Austria and in Switzerland, where people speak Swiss German and write standard German.
Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Dresden, the Black Forest and Bavaria are all in Germany.
Phrases for your first day.
They come from the first lessons. In the app each has audio and a note on when to use it, and you can save it to your phrasebook.
Guten Tag, Frau Becker.
Good day, Mrs Becker.
Entschuldigung, Frau Becker…
Excuse me, Mrs Becker…
Wo ist die Toilette?
Where is the toilet?
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Do you speak English?
Können Sie das wiederholen?
Can you repeat that?
Die Rechnung, bitte.
The bill, please.
Ich möchte einen Kaffee, bitte.
I'd like a coffee, please.
Ich verstehe nicht.
I don't understand.
Germany at a glance.
These are usually right but not always. For anything that matters, check the official advice before you go.
- Euro (€)
- +49
- On the right
- Type C, F · 230 V
- 112, 110
Entry rules, health advice and safety change, so they are not on this page. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office keeps them up to date for UK travellers: UK government travel advice for Germany (opens in a new tab).
Habits worth knowing before you arrive.
Habits, not rules: places and people vary, so each note says where it applies.
From late November, Christmas markets open in many towns and cities and run until about Christmas. Evenings are cold, so dress warmly, and expect crowds at weekends.
Most shops and supermarkets close on Sundays and public holidays, so buy what you need on Saturday. Bakeries, cafés and restaurants often stay open, though hours vary.
Cash is still widely used, and some smaller places do not take cards at all. Carry some euros, and ask before you order if you are unsure.
When you pay in a restaurant, many people say the total they want to pay, tip included, rather than leaving money on the table. Rounding up a little is usual.
Plan the trip to Germany in one place.
Put it on days
Add Germany to a trip, then put places on days with a time and a note. Directions open in your maps app.
Save the videos
Paste the TikTok, Instagram or YouTube link that gave you the idea and attach it to the stop it belongs to.
Take your phrases offline
Download the travel guide on Wi-Fi. The phrasebook, packs, notes and audio work with no signal.
Share the plan
Send a link to the people you are going with. They can read it without an account, and you can invite them to edit.
About a trip to Germany.
Do I need German in Germany?
Many people in cities and tourist places speak some English. German helps in smaller towns, at markets, on trains and with older people.
What is the polite way to say you?
Use "Sie" with strangers, in shops and hotels. "Du" is for friends and younger people. The course shows when each fits.
Will German help in Austria and Switzerland?
Yes. The course teaches standard German, which is understood in both, with notes for each.
Other trip guides
Be ready to speak when you land in Germany.
Create a free account, add the trip, and start with the phrases for your first hour.
Try it free for 14 days.