Yes, no and the essentials in German
The small words that carry half of every conversation, and the ones that rescue it. Play the ten German words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 German phrases in this lesson
- JaYAH
- Yes
- NeinNINE
- No
- Okayoh-KAY
- Okay
- Ich verstehe nichtikh fer-SHTAY-eh nikht
- I don't understand
- Sprechen Sie Englisch?SHPREKH-en zee ENG-lish
- Do you speak English?
- Können Sie das wiederholen?KUR-nen zee das vee-der-HOH-len
- Can you repeat that?
- Langsamer, bitteLAHNG-zah-mer, BIT-teh
- Slowly, please
- Was ist das?vas IST das
- What is this?
- Ich brauche...ikh BROW-kheh
- I need...
- Können Sie mir helfen?KUR-nen zee meer HEL-fen
- Can you help me?
Simple and clear. In casual speech Germans often say "Jap" or "Genau" (exactly) to signal agreement more enthusiastically.
Direct and unambiguous. Germans generally appreciate directness, so saying "Nein, danke" (no thank you) is perfectly polite and not rude.
Widely used in everyday German, just as in English. "Alles klar" (all clear) is the more native equivalent, meaning everything is understood.
Say this clearly and most Germans will slow down or rephrase. You can also add "Können Sie das wiederholen?" (Could you repeat that?) to ask them to say it again.
Uses the formal "Sie" form, which is appropriate with strangers. Many Germans speak excellent English and will appreciate the attempt to start in German first.
Literally "slower, please".
"Ich brauche einen Arzt", I need a doctor.