By: Isadora Teich
2 min
Image: Shutterstock
About This Quiz
The German language is one of the closest to English, and yet is notoriously hard to learn and pronounce, even for English speakers. Test your rudimentary German knowledge with this fantastich HowStuffWorks quiz!
Danke.
Hello
Goodbye
I'm hungry
Thank you
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
"Danke" translates to "Thank you." Keep this phrase on hand to be polite.
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Ja
No
Yes
Good afternoon
I'm lost
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
"Ja" translates to "Yes." Knowing how to say yes and no are key in any language.
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Hallo!
Hello
Good afternoon
Good day
I'm lost
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Keep it friendly with this German greeting. This is one of the words where you can really tell how closely related English and German are.
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Guten Morgen!
Good morning
Good evening
My name is...
I'm doing well.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This friendly German greeting is morning appropriate. "Guten Abend," on the other hand, means good evening.
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Nein
No
Yes
Where is the bathroom?
I don't care.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Almost every English speaker knows at least one or two German words. This is a common one of those.
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Wo ist die Toilette?
Where is the library?
Where is the bathroom?
Do you speak English?
Is it far away?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This all important phrase is a good one to know in any language. Make sure you know it before venturing into a German-speaking country.
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Ich habe Hunger.
I'm tired.
I'm hungry.
I love you.
Help!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
If you love to eat you'll love this phrase. If you're thirsty instead, say "Ich habe Durst."
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Ich heiße...
I would like a room.
I want breakfast.
My name is...
Where is the hotel?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Introduce yourself in German with this phrase. To complete it, you might say, for example, "Ich heiße Beth."
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Bitte
Thank you
"Please"
"Hello"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
"Bitte" translates to "please." It is important to be polite, regardless of where you are in the world.
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Prost!
Yes
No
Cheers!
God bless you
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
German beer is second to none. Keep this phrase in mind if you have the chance to sample some of the country's world-famous offerings.
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Gerne
No thank you.
Certainly
I would love to.
I'm thirsty
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This German word can come in handy. Used in a sentence "Ich möchte so gerne" translates to "I would love to."
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Ich liebe dich.
Check, please!
I love you.
Good afternoon.
Where is the church?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This romantic phrase is a great way to make any German speaker's heart glow. If you want something a little softer "Ich mag dich" is "I like you."
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Es tut mir leid.
I am hungry.
Where is the hospital?
Hello
I'm sorry.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, especially while traveling or learning a new language. Smooth things over with this phrase.
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Auf Wiedersehen
Hello
How are you
I feel sick
Goodbye
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This German goodbye is longer than the casual "Tschüß." It is one of the more commonly known German words by English-speakers.
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Wie heißen Sie?
How are you?
What's your name?
No
I'm tired.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Be ready to make friends with German speakers around the world when you have this phrase on hand. Get to know the names of those you meet.
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Wie geht's?
Where are you?
Thank you
How are you?
Where is the bathroom?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Small talk is key, wherever you are in the world. Get the conversation started with this phrase.
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Sprechen Sie Englisch?
I am from...
Do you speak English?
Can I have your number?
I am married.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Even with a handful of helpful phrases on hand, finding English speakers abroad can be helpful. Remember this one.
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Ich komme aus...
My name is...
I am from...
How are you?
Good day
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This is how you tell someone where you are from. If you are from America, you might say to finish the phrase: "Ich komme aus den USA."
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Bis später!
How are you?
I'm excited!
You're beautiful!
See you later!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This common German goodbye is a great phrase to have on hand. It's a sure-fire way to seem friendly.
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Ich bin krank.
I am tired.
I need medicine.
I am sick.
Cheers!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
If you don't feel well, this is how to let someone know. Whether you need to go to the hospital or simply lay down for a minute, this can get the conversation about your health started.
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Darf ich mit Bargeld bezahlen?
May I pay with cash?
I would like to order...
How far away is it?
I love you.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
When shopping or dining, knowing whether or not you can pay in cash is incredibly important. This phrase gets the job done.
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Ich hätte gern…
Check, please!
I would like...
Where is the subway?
Nice to meet you!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
When ordering in a restaurant this is how you get what you want. If you can't pronounce what you would like, try combining this phrase with some pointing at the menu to get the job done.
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Wo ist der...?
Where is the...?
My name is...
To the airport, please.
No thank you
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
You can't always rely on Google maps and may have to ask someone where something is. You can use this phrase to get the job done.
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Wieviel kostet das?
Where is the hospital?
Can you help me?
How much does that cost?
Yes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
If you love to shop or haggle, you will need this phrase during your travels. Always know just how much you spend.
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Wo ist die Bushaltestelle?
Where is the bus stop?
Where is the restaurant?
Can we leave?
I'm on the train.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Europe is well known for its efficient and far-reaching public transportation. If you ever have trouble finding a bus stop, you know just what to say.
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Hilfe!
Help!
Hello!
Maybe
I feel sick.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
If you need help while traveling in German country, whip out this phrase. It will get you the help you need in an emergency.
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Wo ist das Krankenhaus?
Where is the pharmacy?
Can you lend me money?
I'm lost.
Where is the hospital?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
If you've been hurt, or someone you are traveling with has been hurt, this is an important phrase to have on hand. "Wo ist die Apotheke?" is "Where is the pharmacy?"
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Um die Ecke
I'll have one.
Around the corner
Help me!
Good night
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
When asking for directions or where something is, knowing this phrase can be helpful. "Nach links" is "to the left" and "nach rechts" is to the right.
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Es freut mich.
Pleased to meet you.
I'm lost.
Another, please.
Maybe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
First impressions are key. This a great phrase for keeping things friendly with German-speakers.
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Ich bin müde.
I am tired.
I need to leave.
I have it.
I lost my purse.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
At the end of a long day, whether it's of traveling or not, everyone can relate to this phrase. It is pronounced "ikh bin moo-duh.'
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Das verstehe ich nicht.
I'm from America.
No
I don't understand.
Please.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
When traveling or learning a new language, it is inevitable that you will come across this phrase. "Das verstehe ich nicht" translates to "I don't understand."
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Bitteschön
You're welcome
I need to leave
How much?
No
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
"Bitteschön" translates to "You're welcome." If a German speaker thanks you, this is what you say.
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Kann ich helfen?
Do you need anything?
Can I help?
Goodbye
Excuse me
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
While traveling you may need help from time to time and may see others who could use a hand. Offering help can be a great way to make friends abroad.
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Ich habe dich lieb.
I lost my phone.
I'm tired.
I'm very fond of you.
How much does it cost?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This German expression of adoration doesn't have a perfect English translation. It sits somewhere between "I like you" and "I love you" and is commonly used between family members.
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Tschüß
Bye
Hello
Ouch
No
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
This short and sweet goodbye looks a lot harder to pronounce than it is. The Eszett character on the end of the word is pronounced like a sharp "s."
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FAQs
How do you say basic German phrases? ›
- Hello/Good day - Guten Tag (GOOT-en tahk)
- Good morning - Guten Morgen (GOO-ten MOR-gen)
- Good evening – Guten Abend (GOO-ten AH-bent)
- Good night - Gute Nacht (GOO-tuh nahdt)
- Good bye – Auf Wiedersehen (Ouf VEE-der-zane)
- See you later - Bis später (Biss Sch-PAY-ter)
- Informal Good-Bye - Tschüß (t-ch-uice)
- Guten Tag = Good day.
- Hallo = Hello.
- Auf Wiedersehen = Goodbye.
- Bitte = Please.
- Danke = Thanks, Thank you.
- Entschuldigung = Sorry.
- Gesundheit = Bless you (after someone sneezes)
- Ja = Yes.
Certain sentences and phrases can help you start a conversation. These include greetings like hallo (hello) or guten Tag (good day), questions like Wie geht's? (How are you?), Wie heißt du? (What's your name?), Wie findest du...? (How do you like...?) or Kannst du mir helfen? (Can you help me).
What is a German thing to say? ›| German | English |
|---|---|
| Einen Moment, bitte. | One moment, please. |
| Nein, danke. | No, thank you. |
| Ja, bitte! or Gerne! | Yes, please! |
| Vielen Dank! | Thank you! |
- Hallo (Hello)
- Tschüss (Bye)
- Bitte (Please)
- Danke (Thanks)
- Entschuldigung (Excuse me)
- Sorry (Sorry)
- Formal: Können Sie mir helfen?; informal: Kannst du mir helfen? (Can you help me?)
- Formal: Sprechen Sie English?; informal: In Sprichst du Englisch? (Do you speak English?)
In regular German word order, German follows the rule of Subject - Verb - Object, which means, the subject usually comes first, then the verb describing what the subject is doing, then the object that is being "verbed". This is the same in English.
What is the cutest German word? ›- Schatz (treasure) Let's start with an old classic. ...
- Maus (mouse) ...
- Bӓrchen (little bear) ...
- Knuddelbӓr (cuddle bear) ...
- Schnecke (snail) ...
- Perle (pearl) ...
- Hase (bunny) ...
- Schnucki (darling / sweetie pie)
A simple sorry is enough to acknowledge the mistake. In German, you can say “Entschuldigung” or use the more informal abbreviation “'Tschuldigung”. The English word “Sorry” works, too. You'll hear it a lot, especially among younger people.
What is the most aggressive German word? ›- Quatsch!
- Schleich dich!
- Hau ab!
- Ich bin sauer.
- Ich bin wütend.
- Halt deinen Mund.
- Geh mir aus den Augen!
- Leck mich!
The most common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact. Men usually greet women first and wait for them to extend their hand. Close friends may hug to greet and younger people may kiss one another on the cheek. "Guten Tag" (Good day) or “Hallo” (Hello) are the most common verbal greetings used in Germany.
What is the easiest German accent to understand? ›
The Swiss German accent is generally considered to be a little simpler than the Standard German as in the Swiss dialect, there are only two verb tenses: the past (perfect) and the present. The Swiss dialect also doesn't have a genitive case. Swiss German is clear and easy to understand.
What is the most famous German swear word? ›Scheiße. One of the most common bad words in German, scheiße, has several creative constructions that mirror the English use of “sh*t.” Oh Scheiße!
What is the German word for rude? ›[ruːd] adjective (+er) 1. (= impolite, bad-mannered) unhöflich ; (stronger) unverschämt ; (= rough, uncouth) grob.
How do Germans say yes? ›"Ja" Is the German "Yes"
You may have heard it before, but "ja" is the short and simple word in German for "yes." As in most languages, in German, there are multiple ways to say it.
Ordnung muss sein (reformed) or Ordnung muß sein (traditional) is a German proverbial expression which translates as "there must be order". The idea of "order" is generally recognized as a key cliche for describing German culture.
What does shiza mean German? ›Scheiße, or misspelled as shiza, can be exclaimed in numerous situations, from when you stub a toe to when you miss the bus. It's also quite versatile, as you can use it as a replacement for the adjective “stupid” or to express that something sucks.
What is a common German greeting? ›"Guten Tag" (Good day) or “Hallo” (Hello) are the most common verbal greetings used in Germany. In the South, some people may say “Grüß Gott” (literally translating as 'Greet God'). In formal situations, one should address another person with their title and last name, “Herr” (Mr.) for men and “Frau” (Mrs.) for women.
What are the 3 ways of saying the in German? ›In German, not so much. All nouns — from tree, to dishtowel, to mansion, to unicycle — all have an assigned gender. This is what der, die, das is about. It is three different ways of saying 'the' depending on the gender of the noun.