Basic Words

1. Ja

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Nein

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Bitte

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Danke

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Entschuldigung

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   The standard way to get attention; "Entschuldigen Sie bitte" is more formal

6. Es tut mir leid

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   A fuller apology than "Entschuldigung"

7. Alles in Ordnung

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

   Grammar Note

   Colloquially shortened to "Alles gut"

8. Ich verstehe nicht

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Ich verstehe

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Ich bin fertig

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    "Fertig" means both "finished" and "ready"

11. Warten Sie bitte

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    The "Sie" imperative; use "Warte bitte" with friends

12. Einen Moment

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Einen Erwachsenen, bitte

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

    Grammar Note

    "Erwachsener" is an adjectival noun, so its ending shifts with the article

14. Ich habe keine Reservierung

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    Negation before a noun uses "kein-", not "nicht"

15. Ich habe eine Reservierung

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Helfen Sie mir bitte

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Hilfe!"

17. Noch einmal, bitte

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Sprechen Sie bitte langsam

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

    Grammar Note

    A polite "Sie" request; "bitte" keeps it friendly

19. Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    Say it early and people will slow down

20. Sprechen Sie Englisch?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    The polite "Sie" form — always use it with strangers

21. das hier

    This one

    Usage

    Point at something within reach and show this to mean "this one"

22. das da

    That one

    Usage

    Point at something a short distance away and show this to mean "that one"

    Grammar Note

    Use "das da" as a fixed unit; "da" on its own can read as either "there" or "here"

23. das dort drüben

    That one over there

    Usage

    Point at something far off and show this to mean "that one over there"

24. hier

    Here

    Usage

    Show this for the place you are standing, e.g. next to a map in a taxi

25. dort

    There

    Usage

    Show this for a place a short distance away

    Grammar Note

    The synonym "da" is ambiguous and can also mean "here", so "dort" is the safer card

26. dort drüben

    Over there

    Usage

    Show this for a place far off

27. ich

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself with this to mean "me", e.g. when confirming who or how many

28. Sie

    You (polite)

    Usage

    Point at the other person with this; use this form with strangers

29. zusammen

    Together

    Usage

    Show this to say you want to go or sit together

    Grammar Note

    At a till the same word means paying in one bill (see "alles zusammen" in the money category); showing it while talking about travel or seating avoids the mix-up

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