Everyday Spoken German
The German people actually say every day — greetings, reactions and small talk, with the spoken shortcuts textbooks skip.
- 1
Hallo!
Hi!
Tip: Casual hello for anyone, any time of day.
- 2
Wie geht's?
How's it going?
Tip: Friendly opener after hello; expect a short answer.
- 3
Gut, danke – und dir?
Good, thanks — and you?
Tip: Standard reply that bounces the question back.
- 4
Vielen Dank!
Thanks a lot!
Tip: Warm thanks for help, a favour or a gift.
- 5
Gerne!
You're welcome!
Tip: Reply when someone thanks you.
- 6
Entschuldigung!
Sorry!
Tip: To apologise, or to get past someone in a crowd.
- 7
Macht nichts!
No worries! (reply to sorry)
Tip: Reassure someone who just apologised.
- 8
Wie bitte?
Sorry, what did you say?
Tip: When you didn't catch what someone said.
- 9
Kannst du etwas langsamer sprechen?
Could you speak a bit slower?
Tip: Ask natives to slow down — they'll happily do it.
- 10
Das verstehe ich nicht.
I don't understand.
Tip: Say it honestly; people will rephrase.
- 11
Kannst du mir kurz helfen?
Could you help me for a sec?
Tip: Polite way to ask a stranger for a quick hand.
- 12
Echt jetzt?!
Really?!
Tip: Surprised reaction to news or gossip.
- 13
Super!
Great! / Awesome!
Tip: Enthusiastic reaction to good news or a plan.
- 14
Alles klar!
Alright, sounds good!
Tip: Agree to a plan or confirm you understood.
- 15
Einen Kaffee, bitte.
A coffee, please.
Tip: Simplest way to order at a café counter.
- 16
Was kostet das?
How much is it?
Tip: Ask the price in a shop or at a market.
- 17
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?
Can I pay by card?
Tip: Ask at the till before you pay.
- 18
Nein, danke.
No, thanks.
Tip: Politely decline an offer.
- 19
Tschüss!
Bye!
Tip: Casual goodbye to friends, shop staff, anyone.
- 20
Bis später!
See you later!
Tip: Goodbye when you expect to meet again soon.