Getting by in a new country is already hard enough.
There are already so many cultural differences you have to acclimate to. So when you don't know the language, it can be even harder. While most people abroad do have some working knowledge of the English language, not everyone does. Luckily, I have a functional grasp on German, but I have noticed that while in Germany, it can sometimes be difficult to communicate with someone in English if need be.
It's just unrealistic for everyone to speak English. That's why, no matter where you're going, you should know a few essential phrases. Having lived in Germany for two weeks, it's already become clear which phrases are the most necessary to get by in good ole Deutschland.
Hallo/Guten Tag
Pronounced like ha-low and goo-ten tog
These mean hello and good day respectively. You can use these when someone gets in the elevator with you, when you go up to the cashier at a store, etc. Both can be used pretty interchangeably, depending.
Tschüß
Pronounced like ch-oo-s
This word has the exact opposite meaning: Bye. You can use this in all the aforementioned scenarios, but as you're leaving.
Bitte
Pronounced like bit-a
Bitte is a word of many meanings. You can use it as please, here you go, you're welcome, and go ahead. And, when phrased as a question, it can mean: excuse me, what did you say? A multi-functional word indeed.
Dankeschön/Danke
Pronounced like donk-uh sh-oon and donk-uh
If you want to be a polite tourist in Germany, this phrase is essential. It means thank you, and hopefully, you'll be using it a lot. And if you just so happen to forget this phrase, just think of the iconic song Dankeschön-- which my dad sang like twenty times in the three days he was in Germany.
Wo ist die Toilette?
Pronounced like Vu is-t dee Toy-let-uh?
The most essential phrase in any language: where is the bathroom?
Sprechen Sie Englisch/Können Sie Englisch?
Pronounced like Shhpr-chen Zee Ayn-glish and Ku-nen Zee Ayn-glish
When all else fails, you can just ask people if they speak English. Both phrases translate roughly to Do/can you speak English?
