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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