German Travel Phrases

Why Learn German Travel Phrases Before You Go

Germany, Austria and Switzerland are among the most visited destinations by Australians in Europe. The cities are safe, the public transport is exceptional, the food and beer culture is world-class, and the history and scenery are extraordinary. English is widely spoken in major German cities — you will not struggle to get by without any German at all.

But here is what changes when you know even basic German phrases: you get treated differently. Germans are known for their directness and reserve with strangers, but they respond warmly — sometimes surprisingly warmly — when a foreigner makes the effort to speak their language. A Guten Morgen to your hotel receptionist, a Danke schön to a shopkeeper, an attempt to order in German at a restaurant — these small gestures open doors that staying in English keeps shut.

Beyond social warmth, knowing travel phrases keeps you safe and independent. If you miss your train connection in a small Bavarian town where English is sparse, if you need a pharmacy at 10pm, if something goes wrong at the airport — German phrases are your backup system. This guide gives you everything you need.

The 20 Most Essential German Travel Phrases

If you only have time to learn a handful of phrases before your trip, learn these. They cover the situations that come up constantly for any traveller in a German-speaking country.

Getting Around Germany by Train

Germany has one of the best rail networks in the world. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) connects every major city and most smaller towns. Understanding basic train vocabulary is essential for independent travel — even if the apps and ticket machines have English options, staff at smaller stations may not speak English.

Tip for Australians: Download the DB Navigator app before you leave Australia. It works with English, shows live train times and lets you buy tickets on your phone. However, having the German phrases above means you can ask for help at the counter or from other passengers when technology fails.

Asking for Directions in German

Even with Google Maps, there will be moments when you need to ask a local for directions — your phone battery dies, you lose signal in the U-Bahn, or you just want the authentic experience of interacting with locals. Here is everything you need.

Shopping in Germany — Useful Phrases

Germany has excellent shopping — from high-end department stores like KaDeWe in Berlin to weekly markets (Wochenmärkte) in every town. Knowing the right phrases makes shopping far more enjoyable and helps you avoid awkward silences at the checkout.

Important note for Australians: Germany is still heavily cash-based compared to Australia. Many smaller shops, cafés, market stalls and even some restaurants only accept cash. Always have Euros in your wallet. The phrase Nur Barzahlung (cash only) will appear frequently.

German Phrases by City — Regional Tips

Berlin

Berlin is the most international and English-friendly German city. Even so, locals appreciate German attempts. Berliners have their own dialect (Berlinerisch) but standard German is universally understood. The city is massive — learn the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (suburban rail) system before you go.

Munich (München)

Bavaria has its own dialect and culture. In Munich, you will hear Grüß Gott instead of Guten Tag and Servus for both hello and goodbye. Oktoberfest aside, Munich is Germany's most expensive city. Key phrase: Eine Maß Bier bitte — one litre of beer please.

Hamburg

Germany's gateway to the world — Hamburg is a port city with a cosmopolitan feel. The Fischmarkt (fish market) on Sunday mornings is a must. Locals are proud Hamburgers — calling it Hansestadt (Hanseatic city) will win you points.

Vienna (Wien), Austria

Austrian German is slightly different from German German. Grüß Gott is the standard greeting, Bitte is used as a response to almost everything (including "you're welcome"), and Servus is the casual farewell. Coffee culture in Vienna is legendary — learn Einen Kaffee, bitte and you will be fine.

Switzerland

Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) is so different from standard German that even German-native speakers struggle with it. The written language is standard German, but spoken Swiss German will sound completely foreign. Do not panic — Swiss people always have standard German available when needed. Grüezi is the standard Swiss German greeting.

Useful German Phrases for Common Travel Problems

Cultural Tips for Australians Travelling in Germany

• Greet shopkeepers when you enter and leave. In Germany it is customary to say Guten Tag when entering a small shop and Tschüss or Auf Wiedersehen when leaving. Australians who walk in and out silently can come across as rude — not intentionally, but culturally.
• Do not jaywalk. Germans take pedestrian crossing signals seriously. Crossing on a red light — even with no cars in sight — will earn you disapproving looks from locals, particularly if children are watching.
• Sundays are quiet. Most shops in Germany are closed on Sundays by law. Stock up on Saturday. Restaurants and bakeries open, and tourist attractions are open, but supermarkets and most retail are shut.
• Tipping is different. You tip in Germany, but less than in Australia. Round up to the nearest euro or add 5–10% for good service. You tell the server the total you want to pay (Stimmt so means "keep the change") rather than leaving money on the table.
• Cash is king. Mentioned above but worth repeating. Many German establishments are cash-only. Always have at least €50 in cash on you.
• Recycling is serious. Germany has an excellent recycling system. Most plastic bottles and cans have a deposit (Pfand) that you can return at supermarket machines for €0.25. Separate your rubbish correctly — Germans take this seriously.

German Travel Phrases — FAQs for Australians

Do I need to speak German to travel in Germany?

No — English is widely spoken in major German cities, tourist attractions, airports and hotels. However, basic German phrases significantly enhance your experience and are essential for smaller towns, rural areas and situations where English is not available. Even a handful of phrases makes a real difference to how locals respond to you.

Are Australians welcome in Germany?

Absolutely. Australians are generally very well-regarded in Germany — the German-Australian relationship is warm, and Germans tend to find Australian accents and friendliness charming. The Working Holiday Agreement between Australia and Germany also means many Australians live and work in German cities, so encountering Australians is not unusual for Germans.

What currency do they use in Germany and Austria?

Both Germany and Austria use the Euro (€). Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) — note that Swiss prices are significantly higher than Germany or Austria. As of 2025, the Australian dollar exchanges at approximately €0.58–0.62 per AUD, so multiply prices by about 1.65–1.70 to get the rough AUD equivalent.

Is it safe to travel alone in Germany as an Australian?

Germany is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travellers. Crime rates are low, the public transport system is reliable and well-lit, and English is available in emergencies. Standard travel precautions apply — keep valuables secure, be aware in crowded tourist areas (pickpocketing exists in Berlin and Munich), and always have a copy of your passport details stored separately from your passport.

What is the best time of year for Australians to visit Germany?

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are generally ideal — comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds than summer peak, and the famous Oktoberfest runs from late September into early October. Christmas markets (mid-November to December) are also spectacular. Note that German school holiday periods (particularly July–August) bring significant domestic tourism.

Continue Your German Travel Preparation

• → Airport German — Phrases for Flying to Germany
• → Hotel German — Check In and Get What You Need
• → Restaurant German — Order Food and Drink Confidently
• → Emergency German Phrases — Safety Essentials
• → German for Beginners — Build Your Foundation
• → German Exams — Prove Your Level Officially