Flying from Australia to Germany — What to Expect
The flight from Australia to Germany is one of the longest in the world — typically 20 to 24 hours with one stop, usually in Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Hong Kong. Most Australians arrive at Frankfurt Airport (Flughafen Frankfurt, FRA) or Munich Airport (Flughafen München, MUC), both of which are major international hubs with extensive English signage and multilingual staff.
At the major international airports, you will rarely need German — English is effectively a working language of European aviation. But the moment you leave the international terminal, or if you are connecting to a smaller regional airport, or if something goes wrong and you need to communicate quickly, German becomes invaluable.
This guide covers every stage of the airport experience — check-in, security, boarding, landing, baggage and connections — with the German phrases and vocabulary you need for each.
Key German Airport Vocabulary
| German | English |
|---|---|
| der Flughafen | airport |
| der Flug | flight |
| der Abflug | departure |
| die Ankunft | arrival |
| das Gate | gate |
| der Check-in | check-in |
| das Handgepäck | carry-on / hand luggage |
| das aufgegebene Gepäck | checked luggage |
| der Reisepass | passport |
| die Bordkarte | boarding pass |
| die Sicherheitskontrolle | security check |
| der Zoll | customs |
| die Passkontrolle | passport control |
| das Gepäckband | baggage carousel |
| der Ausgang | exit |
| der Eingang | entrance |
| die Verspätung | delay |
| der Umstieg / die Verbindung | connection / transfer |
Check-In Phrases
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich möchte einchecken. | I would like to check in. |
| Hier ist mein Reisepass. | Here is my passport. |
| Ich habe ein Gepäckstück. | I have one piece of luggage. |
| Kann ich einen Fensterplatz haben? | Can I have a window seat? |
| Einen Gangplatz bitte. | An aisle seat please. |
| Mein Gepäck ist zu schwer? | My luggage is overweight? |
| Wie viel kostet das Übergepäck? | How much does excess baggage cost? |
Security and Passport Control
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Bitte legen Sie Ihre Schuhe ab. | Please remove your shoes. |
| Laptops mĂĽssen herausgenommen werden. | Laptops must be taken out. |
| Haben Sie etwas zu verzollen? | Do you have anything to declare? |
| Nein, nichts zu verzollen. | No, nothing to declare. |
| Ich bin auf der Durchreise. | I am in transit. |
| Ich bin Tourist / Touristin. | I am a tourist. |
| Mein Visum ist gĂĽltig bis... | My visa is valid until... |
Boarding and On the Plane
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Das Boarding fĂĽr Flug [Nummer] beginnt jetzt. | Boarding for flight [number] now begins. |
| Bitte begeben Sie sich zum Gate. | Please proceed to the gate. |
| Wo ist mein Platz? | Where is my seat? |
| Kann ich mein Handgepäck hier verstauen? | Can I store my hand luggage here? |
| Können Sie mir eine Decke geben? | Can you give me a blanket? |
| Mir ist nicht gut. | I am not feeling well. |
Baggage Claim and Arrivals
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Wo ist die Gepäckausgabe? | Where is the baggage claim? |
| Mein Koffer ist nicht angekommen. | My suitcase has not arrived. |
| Mein Gepäck ist beschädigt. | My luggage is damaged. |
| Wo ist der Taxistand? | Where is the taxi rank? |
| Wie komme ich in die Stadt? | How do I get to the city? |
| Wo ist der Zug zum Hauptbahnhof? | Where is the train to the main station? |
Germany's Major Airports — What Australians Need to Know
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) — Germany's Largest
Frankfurt Airport is Germany's largest and Europe's third busiest. Most long-haul flights from Australia land here. The airport has two terminals connected by the SkyLine train. To reach Frankfurt city centre, take the S-Bahn (S8 or S9) — about 15 minutes — or the high-speed ICE train directly from the airport train station. English is used throughout but German airport vocabulary helps with self-service machines and regional connections.
Munich Airport (MUC) — Germany's Second Largest
Munich Airport is consistently rated one of the world's best airports. It has excellent connections into Bavaria and the Alps. To reach Munich city centre, take the S-Bahn S1 or S8 — approximately 40 minutes. The airport has an excellent beer garden (yes, a real one) in the terminal — Ein Bier bitte is your first German airport phrase to use.
Vienna Airport (VIE) — Gateway to Austria
Vienna International Airport is 18km from the city centre. The City Airport Train (CAT) takes 16 minutes to Wien Mitte. The S-Bahn is slower but cheaper. Vienna Airport staff are highly multilingual but Austrian German phrases (GrĂĽĂź Gott) will be appreciated.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) — Switzerland's Main Hub
Zurich Airport is consistently rated one of Europe's best and most efficient. Trains from the airport reach Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station) in 10 minutes. Note that Switzerland is not in the EU — you will go through customs on arrival from Australia, and Swiss prices are significantly higher than Germany or Austria.
Airport German — FAQs for Australians
Do I need a visa to enter Germany as an Australian?
Australians can enter Germany and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism and short stays. From 2025, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required — a pre-travel authorisation similar to Australia's own ETA. For longer stays, study or work, a specific visa is required. → German Visa Guide for Australians
How long is the flight from Australia to Germany?
Sydney to Frankfurt is approximately 22–24 hours with one stop. Melbourne to Munich is similar. Most common connection points are Singapore (SQ), Dubai (EK), Abu Dhabi (EY), Doha (QR) and Hong Kong (CX). Direct flights do not currently operate between Australia and Germany.
What should I know about arriving at Frankfurt Airport?
Frankfurt is a huge airport — allow at least 90 minutes for connections if you are transiting. If arriving from outside the Schengen Area (i.e. directly from Australia), you will go through EU immigration. Australian passport holders use the non-EU/EEA lane. The airport is very well signed in English throughout.
Can I use Australian dollars in Germany?
No — Germany uses the Euro. You can exchange Australian dollars at the airport (poor rates) or use your Australian debit card at German ATMs (Geldautomaten) for much better rates. Check with your bank about international transaction fees before you go. The Wise or Revolut travel cards are popular with Australian travellers to Europe.