10 Basic German Phrases You’ll Actually Use Every Day (and How to Remember Them)

When learning German, many beginners get stuck memorizing long word lists or grammar rules without feeling like they can actually use the language in real life. The secret? Start with short, practical phrases you can use every day — in conversation, online, or even just talking to yourself.

Here are 10 Basic German phrases you’ll actually say, plus tips to remember them:

1. Wie geht’s? – How are you?

Example: Hallo! Wie geht’s dir heute? – Hello! How are you today?

💡 Memory tip: Think of “gate” in English. Imagine you’re at a gate asking someone how they are before letting them through.

2. Danke schön – Thank you very much

Example: Danke schön für deine Hilfe! – Thank you very much for your help!

💡 Memory tip: Picture someone giving you a “shiny” (schön) medal for saying thanks.

3. Kein Problem – No problem

Example: Kein Problem, ich helfe dir gern. – No problem, I’m happy to help.

💡 Memory tip: “Kein” sounds like “kind.” Be the kind of person who says “no problem” with a smile.

4. Ich verstehe nicht – I don’t understand

Example: Entschuldigung, ich verstehe nicht. – Sorry, I don’t understand.

💡 Memory tip: Imagine a big “not” (nicht) sign over a brain — your way to politely signal confusion.

5. Was kostet das? – How much does this cost?

Example: Entschuldigung, was kostet das T-Shirt? – Excuse me, how much is this T-shirt?

💡 Memory tip: Think of “cost” and “kostet” as cousins — both ask about the price.

6. Entschuldigung – Excuse me / Sorry

Example: Entschuldigung, können Sie mir helfen? – Excuse me, can you help me?

💡 Memory tip: Break it into ent (like “end”) + schuld (guilt) — “end my guilt” by apologizing.

7. Ich hätte gern… – I would like…

Example: Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee, bitte. – I’d like a coffee, please.

💡 Memory tip: Picture “having” something in your hands (hätte) before you even order it.

8. Wo ist…? – Where is…?

Example: Wo ist der Bahnhof? – Where is the train station?

💡 Memory tip: Think “woah” — you’re lost and suddenly realize you need directions.

9. Alles klar – All right / Got it

Example: Okay, alles klar, wir treffen uns um acht. – All right, we’ll meet at eight.

💡 Memory tip: Imagine everything becoming clear, like a fog lifting.

10. Bis später – See you later

Example: Tschüss, bis später! – Bye, see you later!

💡 Memory tip: “Später” sounds like “spat-er” — picture spitting out the time until later (weird, but it sticks!).

How to Remember and Use These Phrases

• One per day rule: Focus on one phrase each day, repeat it to yourself in different situations.

• Phone wallpaper: Write the phrase on a sticky note or make it your phone background for 24 hours.

• Mini-conversations: Combine today’s phrase with yesterday’s to slowly build real dialogues.

Final tip: Don’t wait until you “know enough German” to speak — start with these 10 basic German phrases, use them daily, and you’ll already sound more confident.

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