Useful Phrases

1. Ich habe diese App gemacht

   I made this app

   Usage

   Use when introducing the app

   Grammar Note

   German perfect tense uses "haben/sein + past participle". In speech, the perfect is preferred over the simple past

2. Diese App ist kostenlos

   This app is free

   Usage

   Explain the app is free

   Grammar Note

   "Kosten" (costs) + "-los" (without) = "kostenlos" (free). German compound word formation

3. Versuchen Sie, es herunterzuladen

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Politely encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Herunterladen" is a separable verb: "herunter" (down) + "laden" (load) = download

4. Ich bin Japaner

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Introduce your nationality. Women say "Japanerin"

   Grammar Note

   German omits the article with nationalities. Female form adds "-in": "Japanerin"

5. Ich bin ein Reisender

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Identify as a traveler. Women say "eine Reisende"

   Grammar Note

   "Reisender" is a nominalized present participle from "reisen" (to travel). Gender changes apply

6. Ich reise allein

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Tell others you are traveling solo

   Grammar Note

   "Allein" is a German adverb/adjective meaning "alone"

7. Es ist mein erstes Mal hier

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Express that this is your first visit

   Grammar Note

   "Das erste Mal" is the fixed expression for "first time". "Mal" means "time/occasion"

8. Darf ich ein Foto machen?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Ask for permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Darf" is the first-person singular of "dürfen" (may/be allowed). Questions use V1 order

9. Können wir zusammen ein Foto machen?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Zusammen" = together. "Können" expresses ability and suggestions

10. Bitte scannen Sie den QR-Code

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Ask someone to scan the QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Bitte" can appear at the beginning or end of a sentence. "Sie" is the formal "you"

11. Hören Sie auf, mich zu betrügen!

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    A strong protest when overcharged or scammed in a tourist area

    Grammar Note

    "Betrügen" means to cheat/defraud. Informal: "Leg mich nicht rein!" (don't take me for a ride)

12. Unterschätzen Sie mich nicht!

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when you feel disrespected or underestimated

    Grammar Note

    Negation in imperatives places "nicht" at the end. An idiom: "don't take me lightly"

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