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Georgian phrasebook

Georgian (ქართული, Kartuli) is the official language of Georgia and the country's most widely spoken language, used on all street signs and in all aspects of everyday life. It was Stalin's native language, and today there are about 4.1 million people who speak Georgian on a daily basis: ~3.9 million living in Georgia and the rest living abroad, notably in Russia. Georgian uses one of the world's 12 unique alphabets, Mkhedruli—"that of the warrior." Georgian is related to three other languages, all spoken within Georgia and Northeastern Turkey: Megreli, Svan, and Laz.

Pronunciation guide
Indeed, Georgian pronunciation is difficult for those coming across the language for the first time, but certainly nowhere near as impossible as its reputation would suggest! Try not to get bogged down by the exotic consonants and tongue-twisting consonant clusters; truly almost nothing will please Georgians more than your efforts to speak their language and they will be very patient with your attempts!

Also on the positive side, there are no capital letters in Georgian; no need to memorize two characters per letter! Moreover, Georgian is phonetically regular— letters are always pronounced exactly as written. Lastly, it is an unstressed language— each syllable receives equal weight. If you are not used to speaking an unstressed language, approximate the sound by placing stress on the first syllable of the word. But don't "stress" out about this— you will be understood!

Vowels
If you are familiar with Spanish, Georgian vowel sounds are very similar.

 * ა ah : like car
 * ე eh : like pet
 * ი ee : like knee
 * ო oh : like doh!
 * უ oo : like boot

Consonants

 * ბ b : like bat
 * გ g : like go
 * დ d : like dog
 * ვ v/w : in between v as in very and w as in weary
 * ზ z : like zoo
 * თ t : like tip
 * კ k' : see Tricky consonants
 * ლ l : like love
 * მ m : like mint
 * ნ n : like nose
 * პ p' : see Tricky consonants
 * ჟ zh : like pleasure
 * რ r : rolled as in Spanish roja
 * ს s : like sad
 * ტ t' : see Tricky consonants
 * ფ p : like poof
 * ქ k : like kick
 * ღ gh : pronounced similar to a French r as in bonjour; alternatively, like a voiced kh
 * ყ q' : see Tricky consonants
 * შ sh : like shoot
 * ჩ ch : like chimp
 * ც ts : like hot sauce
 * ძ dz : foods
 * წ ts' : see Tricky consonants
 * ჭ ch' : see Tricky consonants
 * ხ kh : pronounced like Scottish loch or German Bach
 * ჯ j : like jump
 * ჰ h : like hot

Tricky consonants
Georgian distinguishes between aspirated and non-aspirated (ejective) consonants. An aspirated consonant is accompanied by a puff of air when you say it. In Georgian, there is even more of a "puff" of air for aspirated consonants than you would hear in English.

A non-aspirated consonant in Georgian, however, actually contains no puff of air whatsoever. Georgians close the back of their throat, similar to what you do before you cough or the closed throat moment between uh and oh in "uh-oh." They then pronounce the non-aspirated consonants without any exhalation at all. Don't worry if you have trouble producing this type of sound, though, in context you will be understood! Non-aspirated consonants are marked above with an apostrophe.

Finally, the Georgian letter ყ is difficult for most Westerners to pronounce. It is similar to the Arabic "qaf" (ﻕ). To pronounce this letter, try to pronounce the English letter k, only way down at the bottom of your throat. The Georgian ყ is non-aspirated.

Common diphthongs
Diphthongs do not exist in Georgian—every vowel is given equal weight and every syllable has only one vowel.

Grammar
Unless you intend to seriously study the language, learning Georgian grammar on your trip is not realistic. But it does help to know about the following.

Cases
Georgian has seven grammatical cases.

 * {| class="wikitable"

! style="background: #cedff2; color: #000000" height="17" | Case ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" | Nominative ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" | Ergative ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" | Genitive ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" | Dative ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" | Instrumental ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" | Adverbial ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" | Vocative ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" | Use ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" height="16;" | Example ! style="background: #cedff2; color:#000000;" height="16;" | Translation
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | Marks the subject
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | Marks the subject (certain verbs)
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | Possessive (of)
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | Indirect object (to/for)
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | Instrumental (by/with)
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | Derive adverbs from adjectives
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | Addressee
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | მე ქართველი ვარ
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | პროფესორმა ლექცია დაიწყო
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | სკოლის დირექტორი
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" |
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" |
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" |
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | ოჰ, კაცო!
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | I am Georgian
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | The professor started his lecture.
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | The director of the school.
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" |
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" |
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" |
 * style="background: #faf5ff; color: black;" | Oh man!
 * }

Note: The Vocative is generally used in informal, casual settings.

Verbs
Verbs are the most difficult portion of Georgian grammar. Georgian verbs have no infinitive and have 10 tenses.

Basics

 * Hello. (informal) : გამარჯობა. (gah-mahr-joh-bah)
 * How are you? : როგორა ხართ? (roh-goh-rah khahrt?)
 * How are you? (polite) : როგორ ბრძანდებით? (ro-gor br-dzan-deb-it?)
 * Fine, thank you. : კარგად, გმადლობთ. (k'ahr-gahd, gmahd-lohbt)
 * What is your name? : რა გქვიათ? (rah gkvee-ahd?)
 * Nice to meet you. : ძალიან სასიამოვნოა. (dzah-lee-ahn sah-see-ah-mohv-noh-ah)
 * Please. : თუ შეიძლება. (too sheh-eedz-leh-bah)
 * Thank you. : გმადლობთ. (gmahd-lohbt)
 * Thank you. (informal) : გმადლობ. (gmahd-lohb)
 * Thank you. (more informal) : მადლობა (mahd-loh-bah)
 * Thank you for your help. : გმადლობთ დახმარებისთვის (gmahd-lohbt dah-khmah-reh-bees-tvees)
 * You're welcome. : არაფრის. (ah-rah-prees)
 * Yes (formal). : დიახ. (dee-akh)
 * Yes (neutral). : კი (k'ee)
 * Yes (informal). : ჰო (hoh), ხო (khoh)
 * Ok : კარგი (k'ahr-gee)
 * Ok, no problem. : ყველაფერი რიგზეა (q'vehl-ah-peh-ree reeg-zeh-ah)
 * No. : არა (ah-rah)
 * Maybe : ალბათ (ahl-baht)
 * Right (correct): სწორია (s-ts'ohr-ee-ah)
 * Wrong : არასწორია (ahr-ahs-ts'ohr-ee-ah)
 * Excuse me. (getting attention) : უკაცრავად. (oo-k'ahts-rah-vahd)
 * Excuse me. (begging pardon) : ბოდიში. (boh-dee-shee), მაპატიე (mah-p'aht-ee-yeh)
 * I'm sorry. : ბოდიში. (boh-dee-shee), ვწუხვარ (v-ts'ukh-var)
 * Goodbye : ნახვამდის. (nakh-vahm-dees)
 * I can't speak "Georgian" [well]. : "ქართული ენა" [კარგად] არ   ვიცი. ( kahr-too-lee eh-nah [k'ahr-gahd] ahr vee-tsee)
 * We are Americans. : ჩვენ ამერიკელები ვართ (chvehn ah-mehr-ee-k'eh-leh-bee vahrt)
 * Help! : დამეხმარეთ! (dah-meh-khmah-reht!)
 * Look out! : ფრთხილად! (prtkhilad!)
 * Good morning. : დილა მშვიდობისა. (dee-lah mshvee-doh-bee-sah)
 * Good evening. : საღამო მშვიდობისა. (sah-ghah-moh mshvee-doh-bee-sah)
 * Good night. : ღამე მშვიდობისა. (ghah-meh mshvee-doh-bee-sah)
 * Good night. (to sleep) : ძილი ნებისა. (dzee-lee neh-bee-sah)
 * Now : ახლა (ahkh-lah)
 * Later : მერე (meh-reh)
 * I don't understand. : ვერ გავიგე. (vehr gah-vee-geh)
 * Where is the toilet? : სად არის ტუალეტი? (sahd ah-rees t'oo-ah-leh-t'ee?)
 * I want... : მე მინდა... (meh meen-dah)
 * Repeat it. : გაიმეორე (gah-ee-meh-oh-reh)
 * Speak slowly. : ნელა მელაპარაკეთ (neh-lah meh-lah-pah-rah-keht)

Questions

 * My name is ______ . :  ჩემი სახელია ______ . (cheh-mee sah-kheh-lee-ah _____ .)
 * Do you speak English? : ინგლისური იცით? (eeng-lee-soo-ree ee-tseet?)
 * Do you speak Russian? : რუსული იცით? (roo-soo-lee ee-tseet?)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English? : აქ ვინმე ლაპარაკობს ინგლისურად? ( ahk veen-mee lah-p'ah-rah-kohbs eeng-lee-soo-rahd?)
 * Who? : ვინ (veen)
 * What? : რა (rah)
 * When? : როდის (roh-dees)
 * Where? : სად (sahd)
 * Where is ___ ? : სად არის ___ ? (sahd ah-rees)
 * Why? : რატომ (rah-t'ohm)
 * How? : როგორ (roh-gohr)
 * How much/many? : რამდენი (rahm-deh-nee)
 * Do you have? : inanimate - გაქვთ (gahqvt) animate - გყავთ (gk'ahvt)
 * Do you understand? : გაიგე (gah-ee-geh)

Directions

 * North : ჩრდილოეთი (chrdeel-oh-eh-tee)
 * South : სამხრეთი (sahm-khreh-tee)
 * East : აღმოსავლეთი (ahgh-moh-sahv-leh-tee)
 * West: დასავლეთი (dah-sahv-leh-tee)

 * After/past : შემდეგ (shehm-dehg), მერე (meh-reh)
 * Behind : უკან (oo-k'ahn)
 * Before/in front of : წინ (t'seen)
 * Between : შუა (shoo-ah), შორის (shoh-rees)
 * Near : ახლოს (ahkh-lohs)
 * Straight ahead : პირდაპირ (p'eer-dah-p'eer)
 * Left : მარცხნივ (mahrts-khneev)
 * Right : მარჯვნივ (mahrj-vneev)
 * Is it far? : შორს არის? (shohrs ah-rees?)

Places

 * Beach : ნაპირი (nah-peer-ee), ფლაჟი (plah-zhee)
 * Border : საზღვარი (sahz-ghvah-ree)
 * Bridge : ხიდი (khee-dee)
 * Forest : ტყე (t'q'eh)
 * Hill : ბორცვი (bohrts-vee), გორა (goh-rah)
 * House : სახლი (sahkh-lee)
 * Lake : ტბა (t'bah)
 * Mountain : მთა (mtah)
 * River : მდინარე (mdee-nah-reh)
 * Road : გზა (gzah)
 * Square : მოედანი (moh-eh-dah-nee)
 * Valley : ხეობა (kheh-oh-bah)
 * Village : სოფელი (soh-peh-lee)

Problems

 * Help! : მიშველეთ! (meesh-veh-leht!)
 * Go away! : წადი! (ts'ah-dee!)

Numbers

 * 1 : ერთი (ehr-tee)
 * 2 : ორი (oh-ree)
 * 3 : სამი (sah-mee)
 * 4 : ოთხი (oht-khee)
 * 5 : ხუთი (khoo-tee)
 * 6 : ექვსი (ehk-vsee)
 * 7 : შვიდი (shvee-dee)
 * 8 : რვა (rvah)
 * 9 : ცხრა (tskhrah)
 * 10 : ათი (ah-tee)
 * 11 : თერთმეტი (tehrt-meh-t'ee)
 * 12 : თორმეტი (tohr-meh-t'ee)
 * 13 : ცამეტი (tsah-meh-t'ee)
 * 14 : თოთხმეტი (toht-khmeh-t'ee)
 * 15 : თხუთმეტი (tkhoot-meh-t'ee)
 * 16 : თექვსმეტი (tehk-vsmeh-t'ee)
 * 17 : ჩვიდმეტი (chveed-meh-t'ee)
 * 18 : თრვამეტი (trvah-meh-t'ee)
 * 19 : ცხრამეტი (tskhrah-meh-t'ee)
 * 20 : ოცი (oh-tsee)
 * 21 : ოცდაერთი (ohts-dah-ehr-tee) (lit. one score and one)
 * 22 : ოცდაორი (ohts-dah-oh-ree) (lit. one score and two)
 * 23 : ოცდასამი (ohts-dah-sah-mee) (lit. one score and three)
 * 30 : ოცდაათი (ohts-dah-ah-tee) (lit. one score and ten)
 * 31 : ოცდათერთმეტი (ohts-dah-tehrt-meh-t'ee) (lit. one score and eleven)
 * 40 : ორმოცი (ohr-moh-tsee) (lit. two score)
 * 50 : ორმოცდაათი (ohr-mohts-dah-ah-tee) (lit. two score and ten)
 * 60 : სამოცი (sah-moh-tsee) (lit. three score)
 * 70 : სამოცდაათი (sah-mohts-dah-ah-tee) (lit. three score and ten)
 * 80 : ოთხმოცი (oht-khmoh-tsee) (lit. four score)
 * 90 : ოთხმოცდაათი (oht-khmohts-dah-ah-tee) (lit. four score and ten)
 * 100 : ასი (ah-see)
 * 1000 : ათასი (ah-tah-see)
 * 2000 : ორიათასი (ohree-ah-tah-see)
 * 5000 : ხუთიათასი (khootee-ah-tah-see)
 * 10,000 : ათი ათასი (ah-tee ah-tah-see)
 * 1,000,000 : მილიონი (mee-lee-oh-nee)
 * 1,000,000,000 :
 * Approximately : დაახლოებით (dah-ah-khloh-eh-beet)
 * Plus : პლუსი (p'loo-see)
 * Minus : მინუსი (mee-noo-see)

Time

 * now : ახლა (ahkh-lah)
 * after : შემდეგ (shehm-dehg)
 * before : წინ (tseen)
 * later : მერე (meh-reh)
 * in the morning : დილით (dee-leet)
 * in the afternoon : შუადღით (shoo-ah-dgheet)
 * in the evening: საღამოთი (sah-ghah-moh-tee)
 * at night: ღამით (ghah-meet)

Duration

 * _____ minute : _____ წუთი (ts'oo-tee)
 * _____ hour(s) : _____ საათი (sah-ah-tee)
 * _____ day(s) : _____ დღე (dgheh)
 * _____ week(s) : _____ კვირა (k'vee-rah)
 * _____ month(s) : _____ თვე (tveh)
 * _____ year(s) : _____ წელი (ts'eh-lee)

Days

 * Saturday : შაბათი (shah-bah-tee)
 * Sunday : კვირა (k'vee-rah)
 * Monday : ორშაბათი (ohr-shah-bah-tee)
 * Tuesday : სამშაბათი (sahm-shah-bah-tee)
 * Wednesday : ოთხშაბათი (ohtkh-shah-bah-tee)
 * Thursday : ხუთშაბათი (khoot-shah-bah-tee)
 * Friday : პარასკევი (p'ah-rahs-keh-vee)

Months

 * January : იანვარი (ee-ahn-vah-ree)
 * February : თებერვალი (teh-behr-vah-lee)
 * March : მარტი (mahr-t'ee)
 * April : აპრილი (ah-p'ree-lee)
 * May : მაისი (mah-ee-see)
 * June : ივნისი (eev-nee-see)
 * July : ივლისი (eev-lee-see)
 * August : აგვისტო (ahg-vee-st'oh)
 * September : სექტემბერი (sehq-t'ehm-beh-ree)
 * October : ოქტომბერი (ohq-t'ohm-beh-ree)
 * November : ნოემბერი (noh-ehm-beh-ree)
 * December : დეკემბერი (deh-kehm-beh-ree)

Writing time and date

 * Yesterday : გუშინ (goo-sheen)
 * Today : დღეს (dghehs)
 * Tomorrow : ხვალ (khvahl)
 * Morning : დილა (dee-lah)
 * Noon : შუადღე (shoo-ah-dgheh)
 * Evening : საღამო (sah-ghah-moh)
 * Night : ღამე (ghah-meh)
 * The Day Before Yesterday : გუშინ წინ (goo-sheen ts-een)
 * In ___ days : ___ დღეში (___ dgheh-shee)

Colors

 * black : შავი (shah-vee)
 * white : თეთრი (teh-tree)
 * gray : ნაცრისფერი (nahts-rees-peh-ree)
 * red : წითელი (ts'ee-teh-lee)
 * blue : ლურჯი (loor-jee)
 * yellow : ყვითელი (q'vee-teh-lee)
 * green : მწვანე (mts'vah-neh)
 * orange : ფორთოხალი (pohr-toh-khah-lee)
 * purple : მეწამული (meh-ts'ah-moo-lee)
 * brown : ყავისფერი (q'ah-vees-peh-ree)

Marshrutka

 * Stop (to let me off) : გააჩერეთ (gah-ah-cheh-reht)

Bus and train

 * How much is a ticket to ____? :
 * One ticket to ____, please. :
 * Where does this train/bus go? :
 * Where is the train/bus to ____? :
 * Does this train/bus stop in ____? :
 * When does the train/bus for ____ leave? :
 * When will this train/bus arrive in ____? :

Directions

 * How do I get to ____ :
 * ...the train station? :
 * ...the bus station? :
 * ...the airport? :
 * ...downtown? :
 * ...a youth hostel? :
 * ...the ____ hotel? :
 * Where is ___ : სად არის___(sahd aris...)
 * ...the airport? : ... აეროპორტი? ( aerop'ort'i?)
 * Where are there a lot of... : სადაც ბევრი... (sahd-ahts behv-ree...)
 * ...hotels? : ...სასტუმროები (sahs-t'oom-roh-eh-bee)
 * ...restaurants? : ...რესტორანები? (rehs-t'oh-rah-neh-bee)
 * ...bars? : ...ბარები (bah-reh-bee)
 * ...sites to see? :
 * Can you please show me on the map?
 * street : ქუჩა (koo-chah)
 * Turn left. : შეუხვიე მარცხნივ (sheh-ookh-vee-eh mahrts-khneev)
 * Turn right. : შეუხვიე მარჯვნივ (sheh-ookh-vee-eh mahrj-vneev)
 * left : მარცხნივ (mahrts-khneev)
 * right : მარჯვნივ (mahrj-vneev)
 * straight ahead :
 * towards the ____ :
 * past the ____ :
 * before the ____ :
 * Watch for the ____ :
 * intersection :
 * north :
 * south :
 * east :
 * west :
 * uphill :
 * downhill :

Taxi

 * Taxi! : ტაქსი! (t'ah-ksee)
 * Take me to ____, please. :
 * How much does it cost to get to ____? :
 * Take me there, please. :

Lodging

 * Do you have any rooms available?: გაქვთ თავისუფალი ოთახები
 * How much does it cost per night?: რა ღირს ერთი ღამე

Eating
A very useful and simple sentence structure for asking for anything is simply:

 * _____ please. : _____ თუ შეიძლება (____ too sheh-eedz-leh-bah)

 * Without salt : უმარილო (oo-mah-ree-loh)
 * Without meat : უხორცო (oo-khohr-tsoh)
 * I'm a vegetarian. : ვეგეტარიანელი ვარ (veh-geh-t'ah-ree-ah-neh-lee vahr)
 * I want ____ : მე ____ მინდა (meh ____ meen-dah)
 * chicken : ქათმის ხორცი (kaht-mees khohr-tsee)
 * beef : ძროხის ხორცი (dzroh-khees khohr-tsee)
 * fish : თევზი (tehv-zee)
 * pork : ღორის ხორცი (ghoh-rees khohr-tsee)
 * cheese : ყველი (q'veh-lee)
 * eggs : კვერცხი (k'vehr-tskhee)
 * salad : სალათა (sah-lah-tah)
 * vegetables : ბოსტნეული (bohst'-neh-oo-lee)
 * fruit : ხილი (khee-lee)
 * bread : პური (p'oo-ree)
 * beans : ლობიო (loh-bee-oh)
 * coffee : ყავა (q'ah-vah)
 * Turkish coffee : თურქული ყავა (toork-oo-lee q'ah-vah)
 * tea (drink) : ჩაი (chah-ee)
 * juice : წვენი (ts'veh-nee)
 * water : წყალი (ts'q'ah-lee)
 * beer : ლუდი (loo-dee)
 * red/white wine : წითელი/თეთრი ღვინო (ts'ee-teh-lee/teh-tree ghvee-noh)
 * Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server): უკაცრავად (oo-k'ahts-rah-vahd), ოფიციანტი (oh-pee-tsee-ahn-t'ee)
 * It was delicious. : ძალიან გემრიელი იყო. (dzah-lee-ahn gehm-ree-eh-lee ee-q'oh)
 * The check, please. : ანგარიში, თუ შეიძლება (ahn-gah-ree-shee, too sheh-eedz-leh-bah)

Shopping

 * How much is this? : რა გირს?

Authority

 * What is your name? : რა გქვიათ? (rah gkvee-aht?)
 * What is your date of birth? : დაბადების თარიღი? (dah-bah-deh-bees tah-ree-ghee?)
 * Where are you from? : საიდან ხართ? (sah-ee-dahn khahrt?)
 * What is your nationality? : რა ეროვნების ხართ? (rah eh-rohv-neh-bees khahrt?)
 * Passport : პასპორტი (p'ah-sah-p'ohr-t'ee)
 * Stop! : სდექ! (sdehk)
 * Come with me : წამომყევი (ts'ah-mohm-q'eh-vee)

title: Georgian phrasebook


text:
Gera

Gera is a city in Thuringia in Germany.

By Train
Gera Hauptbahnhof (main station) is situated a 5-10 min walk from the City Centre, but is just served by regional Trains. The trains arrive from several directions. Most connections go to Leipzig, Jena/Weimar/Erfurt, Saalfeld or Chemnitz, where you have access to long-distance traffic. Others serve towns like Altenburg or Greiz; there are sporadic connections to Regensburg or Göttingen.

The tram can be reached directly from the platforms.

By Car
Gera has a direct connection to the west-east motorway (Autobahn) A4 (Frankfurt-Dresden), the interchange with the north-south motorway A9 (Berlin-Munich) is approx 15 km east. To reach the City take the exit Gera-Langenberg, which is approx 4 km in the north of the Center. There is also a gas station and a McDonalds, which is the best meeting point for shared rides and hitchhiking.

Go next

 * Jena
 * Zwickau

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Gera


text:
Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is a beautiful city in the southeastern corner of East Flanders. The city was founded in 1068 by Duke of Flanders Boudewijn IV. The reason of its foundation was because of the strategic position right on the borders of Hainaut and Brabant.

This small city offers various viewpoints. Most of all it is a cosy town embedded in the surrounding hills and countryside.

By train
The is located quite centrally in the town.
 * Direct connections from Brussels and Ghent and Zottegem. Geraardsbergen is 50 minutes away from both Brussels and Ghent.
 * Geraardsbergen is a train ride of 40 minutes away from Aalst with a change in Denderleeuw.

By bus
The Flemish national bus company, De Lijn, has lines to Geraardsbergen from Aalst, Oudenaarde, Ninove and other neighbouring towns. For more information regarding different timetables (unfortunately only available in Dutch): https://www.delijn.be.

Get around
Geraardsbergen is a small town and it is perfectly possible to discover the town on foot. However, if you would like to see the surrounding villages and countryside a bike or car is recommended. The area around the town is quite hilly so be prepared to some intensive physical activity if you are getting out there on a bicycle.

Eat

 * Mattentaarten are the culinary speciality of the town.

Go next

 * Aalst
 * Ath
 * Brussels
 * Oudenaarde
 * Zottegem
 * Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

title: Geraardsbergen


text:
Geraldton

Geraldton is the chief city of the Mid-West region of Western Australia. It's a busy port and coastal resort, and in 2018 had a population of 37,648.

Understand
People have lived in this area for 40,000 years, those since the time of European contact being the Yamatji or Wajarri Aboriginals. In 1848 lead ore was discovered a little way north and the town grew up, being named for Charles Fitzgerald (1791-1887) the State governor. Crucially, Geraldton had a harbour - these are few and far between on this hazardous coastline. Its industries were metal ore mining along with livestock and fishing, and these remain.

Geraldton was transformed in the 1960s when the Brand Highway was sealed (tarmacked) all the way from Perth, so that bumpy dusty 420 km (260 miles) became one day's easy drive. The city's main interest to travellers is therefore as an overnight stopover, but it has a range of tourist attractions in its own right, especially water sports.

Geraldton Visitor Centre is in the Bill Sewell Complex, central in town on Chapman Road. It's open M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-1:30PM.

Get in
That tarmac highway spelt the end of passenger rail services to Geraldton, and of the coastal passenger steamers.

By car

 * Indian Ocean Drive / Highway 60 (423 km from Perth to Geraldton) was upgraded in 2010 and for light vehicles is the shorter, pleasanter route; but fill up on fuel as it can be hard to find along the way. Freeway 2 northbound from Perth leads straight into State Route 60, passing by Pinnacles (Nambung) National Park, Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Lesueur National Park, to join Brand Highway just south of Dongara.
 * Brand Highway 1 (440 km) is the fastest, most direct route. So it has filling stations and is the trucking route, and these huge Road Trains will require your full attention. Much of the highway is only one lane each way, so overtaking these juggernauts or being overtaken by them is hazardous, especially at night.
 * A historic route follows the former Midland Railway, travelling through the small towns of Moora, Three Springs and Watheroo.
 * Driving from the north-west, follow Highway 1, and from inland approach via Mullewa.

By bus
TransWA buses ply 2 or 3 times a day between Perth and Geraldton, taking 6 hours, for a single fare of $70. They run along Hwy 1 past Dongara and Greenough, or via coastal Hwy 60 through Lancelin, Cervantes and Jurien Bay to rejoin Hwy 1 at Dongara. Slower routes swing inland via New Norcia and Moora, or via Northam and Wubin. One bus a day continues from Geraldton to Northampton and Kalbarri. Twice a week a bus runs inland to Mount Magnet and Meekathara on the Great Northern Highway.

Integrity Coaches run three days a week via the coast towns to Geraldton, and continue to Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Port Hedland and Broome.

hasn't seen a train since 1975, but it's where the buses bring you.

Get around
The main sights of Geraldton are fairly central, and easy to reach on foot, especially once the sea breeze gets up to offset the heat.

There are eight local bus routes, which you might take for the outlying beaches. Bus 800 circles downtown every 30 min, the others run roughly hourly daytime:
 * Buses 850 and 851 go north up Chapman Rd to Spalding and Sunset Beach.
 * Bus 853 goes east to the racecourse.
 * Buses 854 and 855 go south to Tarcoola Beach and Wandina.
 * Bus 856 goes to the West End, Beachlands and Lighthouse.

Local buses don't reach nearby towns such as Greenough, Dongara or Northampton; for these take the TransWA coach.

Car hire is available from Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty and others. You need wheels to explore Kalbarri or get up to Shark Bay / Monkey Mia.

Geraldton Associated Taxis are on +61 131008.

Bike hire is available from Revolutions at 268 Marine Terrace. Geraldton Bikes at 164 Chapman Rd don't hire but are excellent for spares and repairs.

See

 * is a breakwater, a pleasant stroll for views back to town. If there's a stench of fish, the sea lions are hauled out on the rocks.
 * is atop Mount Scott, a hillock overlooking town, access east side from Gummer Ave. HMAS Sydney was a light cruiser that served with distinction during World War II in the Mediterranean, before returning to duties around Australia. In Nov 1941 she was sunk with the loss of all 645 men after a battle with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran. Not until 2008 were the two wrecks located, some 100 km west of Dirk Hartog Island WA.
 * Old Geraldton Gaol is now a craft centre, but the cells have been preserved and you can look around. It's at 84 Chapman Rd, open M-F 10AM-3:30PM, Sa 9AM-noon.
 * was built from 1877, though the first attempt was bungled and they had to start over. It's a 35 m candy-stripe metal tower, made in Birmingham, England and shipped out in sections for local assembly. It was automated in 1975 and remains in use, with a range of 42.6 km. No public access, but lighthouse and keepers' artefacts are in the museum.
 * was built from 1877, though the first attempt was bungled and they had to start over. It's a 35 m candy-stripe metal tower, made in Birmingham, England and shipped out in sections for local assembly. It was automated in 1975 and remains in use, with a range of 42.6 km. No public access, but lighthouse and keepers' artefacts are in the museum.
 * was built from 1877, though the first attempt was bungled and they had to start over. It's a 35 m candy-stripe metal tower, made in Birmingham, England and shipped out in sections for local assembly. It was automated in 1975 and remains in use, with a range of 42.6 km. No public access, but lighthouse and keepers' artefacts are in the museum.
 * was built from 1877, though the first attempt was bungled and they had to start over. It's a 35 m candy-stripe metal tower, made in Birmingham, England and shipped out in sections for local assembly. It was automated in 1975 and remains in use, with a range of 42.6 km. No public access, but lighthouse and keepers' artefacts are in the museum.

Do

 * What's on? Read Geraldton Guardian or Midwest Times. Or listen to ABC on 828 AM or Triple M (formerly Spirit) on 98.1 FM.
 * Wind surfing: the main spots are Point Moore and St Georges Beach 4 km north. Winds are light in the morning and build during the day, and Nov-April they reach gale-force.
 * Surfing: most popular is Back Beach south side of town. Lots of others from the Point up to St Geeorges.
 * Water sports outlets often cover a range of activities, with lessons and equipment hire, sale and repair. They include Glassy Day, Willocks, Corner Surf, Midwest Surf School and Kitewest.
 * Water Park is on the foreshore at the end of Cathedral Ave. It's the wet section of a tots playground.
 * Aquarena is a public swimming pool on Pass St north side of the golf course. In 2022 it's closed for rebuilding.
 * Scuba diving: Batavia Coast Dive Academy are at 118 NW Coastal Highway, open M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-1PM.
 * Skate Parks are at Cape Burney, Maitland Park, Wonthella, Strathalbyn, Tarcoola Beach, Forrester and Drummond Cove.
 * this does not work Cinema: Orana{{Dead link|date=September 2023 is at 229 Marine Terrace by the Esplanade.
 * Queens Park Theatre is within the civic centre at 75 Cathedral Ave.
 * Golf: Geraldton GC is east side of town on Pass St beyond the NW Coastal Hwy. Spalding Park GC is 5 km north in Bluff Point.
 * Horse racing: Utakarra Racecourse has flat-racing Oct-April. Attendance is free except for the biggest events, such as the Gold Cup at Easter. It's 2 km east of town, far side of the golf course, on Utukarra Rd.
 * Houtman Abrolhos Islands are an archipelago 70 km off the coast, with protected wildlife and flora. Snorkelling and diving trips by boat or light aircraft usually start from Geraldton. You can land on some of the islands but can't stay overnight.

Buy

 * If you're heading north or inland, buy any supplies here. As the region's chief city, Gero has best choice and prices. Folk from as far away as Carnarvon, Exmouth and Meekatharra have to make occasional shopping expeditions here. The main store is Woolworths in the Stirling Complex off Durlacher St, open M-Sa 8AM-9PM, Su 11AM-5PM.
 * Markets in town are Saturdays at Maitland Park, Sunday mornings at the Old Railway Station on Chapman Rd, and the first and last Sunday of the month on Marine Terrace.
 * The art of the Yamaji people is in a distinctive pointillist style. Find their wares, amongst other outlets, at 205 Marine Terrace.

Eat

 * RT's at 82 Marine Terrace is Australian fare. They have a way with a roo tail.
 * Hog's Breath is a chain steakhouse at 3/30 Chapman Rd, open daily 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5-8:30PM.
 * Murchison Tavern is at 20 Chapman Rd, open daily 11AM-9:30PM.
 * Smokin' Grill is a burger place at 2/52 Durlacher St, open M-Th 4:30-9PM, F-Su 11:30AM-9PM.
 * Mad Mexican is at 79 Durlacher St, open Tu-Sa 11:30AM-2PM, 4:30-9PM.
 * Tanti's is Thai at 174 Marine Terrace, open W-M 5-9PM.
 * L'Italiano at 204 Marine Terrace is open W-Su 5-8:30PM.
 * Hog's Breath is a chain steakhouse at 3/30 Chapman Rd, open daily 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5-8:30PM.
 * Murchison Tavern is at 20 Chapman Rd, open daily 11AM-9:30PM.
 * Smokin' Grill is a burger place at 2/52 Durlacher St, open M-Th 4:30-9PM, F-Su 11:30AM-9PM.
 * Mad Mexican is at 79 Durlacher St, open Tu-Sa 11:30AM-2PM, 4:30-9PM.
 * Tanti's is Thai at 174 Marine Terrace, open W-M 5-9PM.
 * L'Italiano at 204 Marine Terrace is open W-Su 5-8:30PM.

Drink

 * Cutler & Smith are at 41 Chapman Rd, open Th-Sa 4Pm-midnight.
 * Vibe is the only nightclub, at 38 Fitzgerald St.
 * Distillery: Copperhead Road make rum in Greenough.
 * Vibe is the only nightclub, at 38 Fitzgerald St.
 * Distillery: Copperhead Road make rum in Greenough.

Sleep

 * Broadwater Mariner Resort is a mid-range place next to Nesuto.
 * Broadwater Mariner Resort is a mid-range place next to Nesuto.
 * Broadwater Mariner Resort is a mid-range place next to Nesuto.
 * Broadwater Mariner Resort is a mid-range place next to Nesuto.
 * Broadwater Mariner Resort is a mid-range place next to Nesuto.
 * Broadwater Mariner Resort is a mid-range place next to Nesuto.

Connect
As of April 2022, Geraldton has 4G from all Australian carriers, but it's patchy and doesn't extend beyond town. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next
North along the NW Coastal Highway brings you to:
 * Kalbarri National Park, turn off at Northampton or Ajana.
 * Shark Bay and Monkey Mia for water sports and dolphins.
 * Carnarvon, a good stopover on the way further north towards Coral Bay and Exmouth.

East on Highway 123 snakes inland through Mullewa and Mount Magnet to join the Great Northern Highway, for Port Hedland and Broome.

South on Brand Highway 1 goes through Greenough, a preserved 19th century settlement, and with trees bent at right angles by the winds. Continue south to Dongara, then towards Perth by either the Brand or NW Coastal Highway.

title: Geraldton


text:
Gering

Gering, the seat of Scottsbluff county, is a relatively small city south of Scottsbluff. Gering is the oldest of the Scottsbluff/Gering/Terrytown Triplets.

Understand
Developed in 1887 on the North Platte River with the extension of the Oregon Trail, Gering retains most of it's "old feel" despite much modern building and renovations. As of 2020, Gering was home to about 8500 people.

History
In 1887, Gering was laid out southeast of the Scottsbluff National Monument when the Oregon Trail crossed the North Platte River, and then the Western Pacific Railroad crossed the area, providing really easy access to the area.

In 1922, the Oregon Trail Days began their annual celebration in Gering, a well known West Nebraska tradition.

By plane
The closest available airport is the | Western Nebraska Regional Airport that provides local access to Cheyenne and Denver, as well as Casper

By car
The Scottsbluff micro-politan area is deemed the 5th largest in the Continental United States not to be served by an interstate, behind Fresno, Bakersfield, Palmdale, and Lancaster.

 * From the south, travel north on Highway 71, take the Gering exit, turn right onto M street
 * or, from the north-west use US 26 and turn onto Highway 71, take the Old Highway 92 ramp.

By bus
The goes between Scottsbluff, Cheyenne, and Denver daily, the station is more in Gering than Scottsbluff, making it a walk in the park!

Get around
For about 2.5 x 2 miles of space that Gering grew up in, everything can be reached by walking except in winter, when the snow can make the city hard to get around in, and driving is preferred. But other than that, walk!

By car
Take your car for convenience for 1/2 mile drives.

On foot
Walk to see Downtown; sidewalks are in fair condition.

By public transportation

 * Gering is supported by a local bus system, known as the Tri-city roadrunner, which is headquartered in Scottsbluff, but serves the entire area. Two routes run at an hourly basis, so it is a good idea to pick up a schedule and thoroughly plan your route.

 * There are a few handibus systems available, such as the Panhandle Partnership.

By taxi
Taxis have to be called; don't expect to hail them on the street.

By train
The Western Pacific runs through town. You don't want to hit it at the wrong time, as you will have to wait over 15 minutes for a slow train.

Connect
There are no internet cafes in Gering or Terrytown, however most businesses and all hotels have WiFi to connect. Below is other ways to connect.

Stay safe
The Gering/Terrytown area is considered safe.

Go next

 * Scottsbluff
 * Scotts Bluff National Monument

title: Gering


text:
Central Hill Country

Central Hill Country is in central Texas.

Cities

 * , Texas' state capital, lies on the eastern edge of the region.
 * , Nestled at the edge of the spectacular Texas Hill Country about 50 miles northwest of Austin, in the Highland Lakes.
 * - The heart of the German country.
 * - Home of one of the country's largest folk festivals.
 * - An affluent suburb of Austin.
 * - Small town with a rich musical heritage.
 * - This town is best known for its German culture and heritage, not to mention the Schlitterbahn, persistent in being voted the world's best waterpark.
 * - A popular riverside destination, this town is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.
 * - The heart of the German country.
 * - Home of one of the country's largest folk festivals.
 * - An affluent suburb of Austin.
 * - Small town with a rich musical heritage.
 * - This town is best known for its German culture and heritage, not to mention the Schlitterbahn, persistent in being voted the world's best waterpark.
 * - A popular riverside destination, this town is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.
 * - Small town with a rich musical heritage.
 * - This town is best known for its German culture and heritage, not to mention the Schlitterbahn, persistent in being voted the world's best waterpark.
 * - A popular riverside destination, this town is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.
 * - A popular riverside destination, this town is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.
 * - A popular riverside destination, this town is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.
 * - A popular riverside destination, this town is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.

Other destinations

 * , near Blanco, +1 830 833 4333.
 * , +1 325 628 3240. Features the beautiful Gorman Falls.
 * , 16710 Ranch Road 965, near Fredericksburg, +1 830 685 3636. Extremely popular hiking spot, easily a day-trip from Austin. The park centers on a large 425-foot pink granite dome which rises above the surrounding landscape.
 * , +1 830 438 2656.
 * , near Burnet, +1 512 793 2223. A manmade lake dating from the 1930s which offers fantastic boating, canoeing, and fishing.
 * , near Burnet, +1 830 598 8829. Cool cave with a 1-1/4 mile tour.
 * , near Stonewall, +1 830 644 2252. Includes the ranch and one-room schoolhouse from the former president's youth, as well as the Sauer-Beckman Living Farm, which recreates Hill Country farm life as it was at the turn of the century.
 * , 5808 Mckinney Falls Parkway, +1 512 243 1643. 13 miles south of Austin.
 * , 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, +1 830 868-7304. Offers picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, tubing, fishing, and bird watching.

Talk
Despite the location in the "German" hill country of Texas, you do not need German to communicate. On the other hand, German speakers will find Gesprechpartners in Fredericksburg, Walburg, and other smaller communities, especially among older persons. Many school systems offer (or in some cases, require) 12 years in instruction in the German language.

Itineraries

 * Canoeing the San Marcos River

Do
The German Hill County is justly famous for its spring wildflowers. Miles of bluebonnets flank roads in late March to mid April, and cactus bloom in May. Since the brilliance of the display depends on autumn rains the year before, it helps to call the Texas Department of Transportation information line at (800) 452 9292 to find the best viewing spots.

Eat
Texas Hill Country cuisine is heavy on the meat, potatoes, and bread, and there is excellent barbecue and locally produced sausage in most communities. In Texas, barbecue is smoked, rather than sauced, meat. Well-known eateries include Cooper's in Llano, where you walk up to the barbecue pit, point to the piece of meat you want to eat, and the cashier retrieves and weighs it, takes you money, and hands it to you on a piece of waxed paper with several slices of white bread. Other barbecue establishments offer beans, potatoes, and salads. Vegan travelers will find Austin offers far more opportunities than the smaller communities of the Hill Country.

Drink
Although the official drink of Texas may be beer (Shiner or Lone Star, in particular), the Hill Country is known for its wineries. At least 24 Hill Country wineries welcome visitors. Highway 290 east of Fredericksburg is the place to find at least 5 wineries, with others southwest of Lampasas on FM 1478 and on state highway 27 near Comfort.

Stay safe
The two major health hazards for visitors to the German Hill Country both involve water, too much of it and too little of it. Flash floods can cover roads with up to 10 feet of water during especially severe thunderstorms. Low spots are signed to indicate the depth of water over the road. Never drive into running water. Every year some motorists die because they drive into a flood.

In the summer, be sure to stay hydrated. The most severe effects of dehydration usually hit those in the best athletic condition. Remember to drink cool, not ice-cold water regularly, and to protect against the sun.

title: Central Hill Country


text:
German phrasebook

 * For a phrasebook specifically about the German dialect spoken in Switzerland, see Swiss-German phrasebook

German (Deutsch) is a Germanic language spoken by over 100 million people worldwide. It is the official and main language of Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. It is also an official language of Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium, and a national language in Namibia. German is also spoken by minorities in the French regions of Alsace and Lorraine, in the northern Italian province of South Tyrol, and in a small part of southern Denmark.

Standard German (Hochdeutsch, or High German) is also generally spoken by many as a second language in much of Central Europe, with small groups of native speakers as well due to the historical influence of Austria (the former Austro-Hungarian Empire) and Germany over the region. Small isolated communities can be found elsewhere in the world, though their language may be far from standard German and interspersed with loanwords from other languages.

Dialects
There are very strong accentual and dialectic differences in German-speaking countries. Despite forty years of East–West partition, virtually all important distinguishing marks between dialects scale from North to South rather than from East to West and isoglosses (lines separating different ways of saying the same word) are almost always aligned with parallels rather than meridians. A German from the north and one from the south of the country can have great difficulty understanding each other's dialects. A particularly striking mark of standard German and Southern dialects is the "High German consonant shift" that marks High German separate from all other Germanic languages, giving rise to words like "Apfel" (Appel in Low German, apple in English) "Pfirsich" (peach) "Kirche" (church), "machen" (maken in Low German, make in English) or "Kind" (child, pronounced with a hint of "ch" between the K and the i in the extreme South) that sound similar in Low German and all other Germanic languages but different in High German. Standard German, or Hochdeutsch, is universally known and taught, and although not everyone speaks it well, it can be understood by most German speakers. "Broad" dialect has faced a lot of stigma in much of Germany throughout the twentieth century and with increasing media exposure, social and geographic mobility, many people haven't been taught any nonstandard dialect by their parents and hardly picked anything up from their peers. Slightly "colored" German however is still common and the expert will be able to pinpoint the region of origin even though communication isn't usually hindered by these aspects. Generally, the further south one travels, the broader the influence of dialect on standard speech, with the Main River as a rough "border" between the northern and southern German speaking cultural worlds. In Switzerland a (slightly adjusted for local needs) standard form of High German was kept, but the local dialects have retained much ground - even the evening news might conduct an interview in Swiss German - that some Swiss fear a loss of standard German proficiency not the "death of dialect" bemoaned in Germany. Austria is in a middle position with a slightly divergent standard and dialectal usage that is closer to the standard than in Switzerland but further from it than in Germany.

As a rule, one should not expect all people one encounters (especially in the rural areas) of Alsace, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Austria, South Tyrol and Switzerland to speak standard German well, but a dialect instead. In Alsace most people prefer to speak French with outsiders, and do NOT consider their dialect to be German as such! Dialect, where still spoken, is very much for family and home. People in Alsace are often reluctant to speak High German with Germans! They are often less put off speaking their dialect to someone from Switzerland or Baden, due to the fact they are pretty much mutually intelligible.

In the north of Germany, some people speak a related Germanic language called Plattdüütsch or Low German ("Plattdeutsch" in German). It is very similar to Dutch in particular. Nearly all Platt speakers also speak German.

The German spoken in Switzerland is referred to as Schwiizertüütsch (Swiss German). There are various varieties of Swiss German depending on the region and it is even widely used in the media, though news broadcasts are in standard German. Dialects are not usually used in the media in Germany, Austria or Liechtenstein except for regional programming. Thus, this is rare in the German speaking world, as "Hochdeutsch" is more or less the sole language of media outside Switzerland. Nevertheless, all German-speaking Swiss learn standard German in school, and usually write in standard German, so unless you approach somebody really old who has never been to school, you'll be fine with standard German. The German dialects spoken in Vorarlberg (Austria), Baden-Württemberg (Germany) and Alsace (France) are related to Swiss German.

Swiss Standard German (Schweizer Hochdeutsch) is not the same as Swiss German, but a variant of standard German used for writing and formal speech in Switzerland. It has a few spelling and vocabulary quirks, but is otherwise only recognizable as distinct from Austrian or German standard German to the trained eye. The ß is absent in both Swiss German and Swiss Standard German; being replaced with "ss".

Formal German in what was then East Germany also diverged in some points from West German, though never to the extent that Korean between the two Koreas diverged (North Korea and South Korea even use different terms for "Korea" in their official long form names) and many of the "East German" words fell out of use after reunification due to the thing they describe not existing or having been replaced by the Western counterpart. While dialects, particularly Saxon and Berlin-Brandenburgish still color East German speech, the GDR coinings are now mostly unused and unknown to the younger generation.

In the Italian South Tyrol, like in most of Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and southern Germany, most people speak a local dialect. However, standard German and Italian are both taught in the schools. The German spoken in South Tyrol is very similar to that of neighboring Austria and Bavaria to the north.

Outside Europe, a dialect of German known as Pennsylvania Dutch is spoken by the Amish community in the United States. A dialect of German is also spoken by the ethnic German community in Namibia.

Pronunciation guide
German pronunciation is relatively straightforward, although spelling is somewhat more involved.

Length of Vowels
A vowel is shortened when followed by a double consonant.

A vowel is lengthened by a subsequent 'h', or by a double vowel, depending on the word. An exception is 'i', which is lengthened by a following 'e' or 'eh'.

Examples: the h in Hahn makes the a long; the aa in Haar is also long, the e in Tier makes the i long. (See below for "Diphthongs".)

In the Austrian and Bavarian dialect, vowel pronunciations are slightly longer and more pronounced.

Consonants
Consonants are pronounced quite strongly (except perhaps the 'r').

Common diphthongs and other digraphs
Note: these combinations are not always used as diphthongs. At syllable boundaries and sometimes even in a syllable, they are spoken as separate vowels (e.g. soeben — zoh-AY-ben)

 * au : like 'ow' in "how"
 * ae : transcription for 'ä' if not available on a keyboard or in URLs
 * ah : like 'a' in "bar", longer than 'a'.
 * äu : like 'oy' in "boy"

 * ei : like 'i' in "wine"
 * eu : like 'oy' in "boy" (with some exceptions, such as the German words Museum and Eureka, in which all vowels are pronounced separately)
 * eh : long 'e'
 * r between vowels or after consonants: like 'r' in French Paris, soft 'r'.
 * r after consonant e or a: like in German spelled 'ea' or long 'a'.
 * ie : like 'ee' in "week", longer than 'i'.
 * ieh : like 'ee' in "week", longer than 'i', fundamentally no difference to 'ie'.

 * oe : transcription for 'ö' if not available on a keyboard or in URLs
 * oh : similar to "oo" in "floor"

 * ue : transcription for 'ü' or 'y' if not available on a keyboard or in URLs
 * uh : like 'ou' in "youth" (without any hint of the "y" sound), longer than 'u'.

 * ch after 'a', 'o' and 'u' : like 'ch' in Scottish "loch", spoken in the throat, like 'j' in Spanish
 * ch after 'i', 'e' and consonants : like 'h' in "huge" - many Germans do not perceive the two "ch" sounds to be different, but there is a difference between the "h" sound and the "ch" sound(s)

 * ch at the beginning of a word: like 'ch' in "character"; in the North it is often pronounced like "sh" (e.g. China is /keena/ in Bavaria and /sheena/ in Hamburg)
 * ck : like 'ck' in "blocking"; though some words have a long vowel preceding the ck - e.g. Mecklenburg is properly pronounced with a long e
 * ng : like 'ng' in "singing", never like 'ng' in "finger"
 * ph : like 'f' in "fish"
 * sch : like 'sh' in "sheep"
 * sp at the beginning of a word : like 'shp' in "fish pool" ; in the extreme north: like sp in sports
 * ss : like 'ss' in "sass"; in contrast to 'ß', makes the preceding vowel shorter. Also used as transcription for 'ß' in URL or on foreign keyboards.
 * st at the beginning of a word : like 'sht' in "ashtray" ; in the extreme north like "st" in stand

Grammar
Many languages in northern Europe belong to the Germanic language family, although German grammar itself retains many conjugations and declensions from proto-Germanic that have since been lost by other language relatives such as English. This also means that speakers of another conservative Germanic language like Icelandic will find many aspects of German grammar familiar.

In common with many other European languages, German has two "you" verb forms which denote the relationship the speaker has to someone else. To express familiarity, one uses the du form; for formality, the Sie form. As a general rule the Sie form is used when one might address someone as "Madam" or "Sir". If on first name terms, one uses the du form. However, last name and "du" and first name and "Sie" are not entirely unheard of, especially in the context of certain professions. Unless the person you talk to allows you to use "du" (duzen), use "Sie" - Germans as a whole are more cautious with friendly terms of address than - say - Americans and some people still address each other with "Sie" despite 20 years or more of working in the same office.

German nouns are divided into 3 different genders: masculine, feminine and neuter. The article of a noun depends on the gender: der (m), die (f) and das (n). Unlike in English, inanimate objects frequently have, often arbitrarily, genders assigned to them; for example, Tisch (table) is male, Tür (door) is female, while Tor (gate) is neuter. While the gender nouns denoting a person usually correspond to their natural gender (for example Mutter (mother) is female and Vater (father) is male), there are some exceptions. A grammatical rule that overrides this includes the diminutive -chen noun ending which will result in a neuter. (for example Mädchen (girl) is actually neuter, and not female as you'd expect).

Third-person pronouns also depend on the grammatical gender of the subject: er (m), sie (f) and es (n). However, you will generally be understood if you use the wrong gender as there are only a few (obscure) nouns which mean different things depending on gender, and their correct meaning will always be clear from the context. Furthermore, German nouns are declined. There are four grammatical cases: nominative (subject), accusative (direct object), genitive (possessive), and dative (indirect object). Each varies depending on the noun's gender and whether it is singular or plural.

In an example,
 * Ich gebe dem Mann den Apfel der Frau.
 * "I give the man the woman's apple."

The Dativ article is invoked in the noun Mann to signify to whom I give the apple, while the Akkusativ article is invoked in the noun Apfel to signify what I am giving, and the genitive article is invoked in the noun Frau to signify whose apple I give.

In common speech, particularly in certain dialects, the cases - particularly the Genitiv - have a tendency to "disappear" or be rendered in ways that would be seen as "wrong" from the standpoint of prescriptivist linguistics. A particularly common phenomenon is replacing the Genitiv with Dativ and "sein" (in this case a possessive meaning "his" or "its") or "ihr" (a possessive meaning "her"). A famous work on the (supposed or real) decline of the German language has thus been titled "Der Dativ ist dem Genitiv sein Tod" - which could be rendered "The dative is the genitive his death" in English.

All nouns, alongside the word Sie for you, always begin with a capital letter, even in the middle of a sentence. This is an important way to distinguish between some verbs and objects. It also arguably makes reading easier, though writing is somewhat complicated by the need to find out whether a verb or adjective is used in a substantivized form.

Statement sentences generally follow the subject-verb-object structure alongside many other rules which are similar to English. Present tense and present continuous however, are not differentiated by default; one must add the word gerade or jetzt to specifically indicate that the action is happening now.

 * Ich esse (nicht) den roten Apfel
 * "I am (not) eating the red apple."

In question sentences, the structure would typically be (question word)-verb-subject-noun.
 * Was essen Sie?
 * What are you eating?

 * Essen Sie den roten Apfel?
 * Are you eating the red apple?

Addressing people
By default, addressing adult strangers and superiors requires Sie, unless they explicitly use du when talking to you. The latter is commonly reserved for close friends, children and family members, and people of younger age.

 * Herr (pl., Herren): for men (equivalent to Mister in English). Note that this word also means "master, owner, ruler, gentleman, sir" and is also a form of address for the Christian God (English equivalent: Lord).
 * Frau (pl., Frauen): for women (equivalent to Ms. and Mrs. in English). Note that this word also means "woman" and "wife."
 * Dame (pl. Damen) (DAH-me, NOT deim): the polite German word for women/female. The salutation "Ladies and Gentlemen" would be translated to "meine Damen und Herren".

The term Fräulein which literally means Miss in English, is now deprecated and even considered condescending.

As Germans are particularly fond of their academic degrees, a Schmidt with a doctoral degree or as a doctor would be called Herr Doctor Schmidt. While this usage is more common in writing a letter than speaking, it is expected in a meeting with someone of a superior position if they introduce themselves or are introduced as such.

Phrase list
The following phrases are for Standard German, and will generally be well understood across the German-speaking world. A local variation of words (such as those limited to Austria or specific regions of Germany) are indicated where necessary. See the Swiss-German phrasebook for the local variety spoken in Switzerland.

Basics

 * Good day (formal) : Guten Tag. (GOO-ten tahk)
 * Hello (informal) :Hallo NOTE: In Northern Germany, locals greet each other with Moin, Moin (MOH-een MOH-een). In Bavaria and Austria, they use Servus (S-AIR-vus) or Grüß Gott (GREW-SS gaw-t). In Switzerland, they use Grüezi (GREW-tsee).
 * How are you? (informal): Wie geht's? (vee GATES?) used as a real question, not a form of greeting.
 * How are you? (formal): Wie geht es Ihnen? ("Vee gate s eenen?)
 * Fine, thank you. : Gut, danke. (goot, DAN-keh)
 * What is your name? (formal) : Wie heißen Sie? (vee HIGH-sun zee?)
 * What is your name? (informal) : Wie heißt du? (vee HIGHST doo?)
 * My name is ______ . : Ich heiße ______ . (eekh HIGH-suh):Mein Name ist _____ . (mine NAM-uh ist)
 * Nice to meet you. (formal) : Nett, Sie kennen zu lernen. (net zee KEN-en tsoo LER-nen)
 * Nice to meet you. (informal) : Nett, dich kennen zu lernen. (net deech KEN-en tsoo LER-nen)
 * Please. : Bitte. (BEE-tuh)
 * Thank you. : Danke schön. (DAN-kuh shurn)
 * Thanks. : Danke. (DAN-kuh)
 * You're welcome. : Bitte schön! (BIH-tuh shurn)
 * Yes. : Ja. (yah)
 * No. : Nein. (nine)
 * Excuse me. (getting attention) : Entschuldigen Sie. (en-TSHOOL-dee-gun zee)
 * Excuse me. (begging pardon) : Entschuldigung. (en-TSHOOL-dee-goong)
 * I'm sorry. :Es tut mir leid. (es toot meer lite) Lit: It does sorrow to me.
 * Goodbye : Auf Wiedersehen. (owf VEE-dur-zane)
 * Goodbye (informal): Tschüss (CHUS)
 * I love you (familial/platonic): Ich habe dich lieb. (eekh hab-uh deech leeb)
 * I love you (romantic): Ich liebe dich. (eekh leeb-uh deech)
 * I can't speak German (well). :Ich kann nicht [so gut] Deutsch sprechen. (eekh kahn nikht [zo goot] doi-ch shprekhen) better: Ich spreche kein Deutsch (eekh spreh-khuh kine doi-ch)
 * Do you speak English? (formal) :Sprechen Sie Englisch? (shprekhun zee ENG-leesh)
 * Do you speak English? (formal) :Sprechen Sie Englisch? (shprekhun zee ENG-leesh)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English? :Gibt es hier jemanden, der Englisch spricht? (geept es heer yeh-MAHN-dun dare ENG-leesh shprikht)
 * Help! : Hilfe! (HEEL-fuh)
 * Good morning. : Guten Morgen. (GOO-tun MOR-gun)
 * Good evening. : Guten Abend. (GOO-tun AH-bunt)
 * Good night. : Schönen Abend noch. (shur-nun AH-bunt nokh)
 * Good night (to sleep) : Gute Nacht. (GOO-tuh nakht)
 * I don't understand. : Ich verstehe das nicht. (eekh fur-SHTAY-uh dahs nikht)
 * Where is the toilet, please? : Wo ist die Toilette, bitte? (voh eest dee twah-LET-uh BEE-tuh)
 * With pleasure. : Gerne (GERR-nuh)
 * Do you know where ... is?. (formal) : Wissen Sie, wo ... ist? (VEE-sun zee voh ... ist)

Problems

 * Leave me alone. :Lass / Lassen Sie mich in Ruhe. (LAHS(-un) zee meech een ROO-uh)
 * Don't touch me! : Fass / Fassen Sie mich nicht an! (FAHS(-un) zee meech neekt AHN!)
 * I'll call the police. : Ich rufe die Polizei. (eekh ROO-fuh dee poh-lee-TSIGH)
 * Police! : Polizei! (poh-lee-TSIGH!)
 * Stop! Thief! : Halt! Ein Dieb! (HAHLT! ighn DEEB!)
 * I need your help. : Ich brauche deine/Ihre Hilfe. (eekh BROW-khuh DIGH-nuh/EE-ruh HEEL-fuh)
 * It's an emergency. : Das ist ein Notfall. (dahs eest ighn NOHT-fahl)
 * I'm lost. : Ich habe mich verirrt. (eekh HAH-buh meesh fer-EERT)
 * I lost my bag. : Ich habe meine Tasche verloren. (eekh HAH-buh migh-nuh TAH-shuh fer-LOH-run)
 * I lost my wallet. : Ich habe meinen Geldbeutel verloren. (eekh HAH-buh mighn geh-ld-boy-tehl fer-LOH-run), or in Austria: Ich habe meine Geldtasche verloren. (eekh HAH-buh miney geh-ld-ta-chee fer-LOH-run)
 * I'm sick. : Ich bin krank. (eekh been krahnk)
 * I've been injured. : Ich bin verletzt. (eesh been fer-LETST)
 * I need a doctor. : Ich brauche einen Arzt. (eekh BROW-khuh IGH-nuh ARTST)
 * Can I use your phone? : Kann ich dein/Ihr Telefon benutzen? (kahn eekh dighn/eer tay-lay-FOHN buh-NOOT-sun?)
 * Can I use your mobile? : Kann ich dein/Ihr Handy benutzen? (kahn eekh dighn/eer handy buh-NOOT-sun?)

At the doctor

 * Doctor : (m) Arzt (AHRTST), (f) Ärztin (ERTS-tin)
 * Nurse : Krankenschwester (KRAHNK-en-shwe-ster)
 * Hospital: Krankenhaus (KRAHNK-en-haus)
 * Medicine: Medizin (ME-di-tsin)
 * Emergency room (ER)/Accident and Emergency (A&E): Notaufnahme (NOT-auf-nah-me)
 * Pharmacy/drugstore/chemists: Apotheke (Ah-po-TE-ke)
 * I am sick. :Ich bin krank. (eekh BEEN krahnk)
 * I am hurt. : Ich bin verletzt. (eekh been fer-LETST)
 * I feel hot/cold: Mir ist heiß/kalt (MEER ist HAISS/KALT) NOTE: Lit: To me it is hot/cold. Simply saying Ich bin heiß/kalt means you are a hot or cold person in personality.
 * My _____ hurts: Mein(e) ____ tut weh. (MAYN(ne) ____ toot weh)
 * Painful : schmerzhaft (SHMERts-hahft)

 * Sick/uncomfortable : krank (KRAHNK)
 * Itchy/ticklish : juckend (YUK-end)
 * Swollen : geschwollen (ge-SHWOL-len)
 * Sore : wund (WOOND)
 * Bleeding : blutend (BLOO-tend)
 * Dizzy : schwindelig (SHUIN-de-lig)
 * Swallowed : verschlucken (ver-SCHLUK-ken)
 * Fever : Fieber (FEE-ber)
 * Cough : husten (HOOS-ten)
 * Sneeze : niesen (NEE-zen)
 * Diarrhea : Durchfall (DOO-eekh-fall)
 * Vomiting : brechen (BREKH-hen)
 * Cold/flu : Grippe (GREEP-pe)
 * Cut/wound: Wunde (WOON-de)
 * Burn: Brandwunde (BRAND-woon-de)
 * Bone fracture: Knochenbruch (K ' NO-khen-brookh)

Numbers
In German, the roles of dot and comma are swapped compared to their English counterparts. The grouping separator in big numbers is a dot (.), not a comma; the separator between decimal fractions and integer is a comma, not a dot (.).

Numbers above twenty are said "backwards". Twenty-one (einundzwanzig) is literally spoken as "one-and-twenty". This takes a bit of getting used to, especially in higher regions. Eg. 53,426 (dreiundfünfzigtausendvierhundertsechsundzwanzig) is spoken as "three-and-fifty-thousand-four-hundred-six-and-twenty". Native English speakers may note that the nursery rhyme 'Four and twenty blackbirds' as well as some older literature (Sherlock Holmes for example) uses this convention from medieval English. It's also helpful in learning the number system in the German language by listening to "Eins, Twei, Polizei" by Mo-Do.

Unlike English, German uses the long scale for larger numbers, so eine Billion and eine Trillion are not the same as the English "one billion" and "one trillion".

 * 0 : null (null)
 * 1 :eins (Loudspeaker.svg [//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/De-eins.ogg ighnss])
 * 2 : zwei (tsvigh) or zwo (tsuoo) to distinguish with drei for three.
 * 3 : drei (drigh – sounds a bit like the English word dry)
 * 4 : vier (fear – sounds like the English word fear)
 * 5 : fünf (fuunf)
 * 6 : sechs (zekhs)
 * 7 : sieben (ZEE-ben)
 * 8 : acht (ahkht)
 * 9 : neun (noyn)
 * 10 : zehn (tsayn)
 * 11 : elf (elf)
 * 12 : zwölf (tsvoolf)
 * 13 : dreizehn (DRIGH-tsayn)
 * 14 : vierzehn (FEER-tsayn)
 * 15 : fünfzehn (FUUNF-tsayn)
 * 16 : sechzehn (ZEKH-tsayn)
 * 17 : siebzehn (ZEEP-tsayn)
 * 18 : achtzehn (AHKH-tsayn)
 * 19 : neunzehn (NOYN-tsayn)
 * 20 : zwanzig (TSVAHN-tsig)
 * 21 : einundzwanzig (IGHN-oont-tsvahn-tsig)
 * 22 : zweiundzwanzig (TSVIGH-oont-tsvahn-tsig)
 * 23 : dreiundzwanzig (DRIGH-oont-tsvahn-tsig)
 * 30 : dreißig (DRIGH-sig)
 * 40 : vierzig (FEER-tsig)
 * 50 : fünfzig (FUUNF-tsig)
 * 60 : sechzig (ZEKH-tsig)
 * 70 : siebzig (ZEEP-tsig)
 * 80 : achtzig (AHKH-tsig)
 * 90 : neunzig (NOYN-tsig)
 * 100 : (ein)hundert ([ighn]-HOON-dert)
 * 121 : (ein)hunderteinundzwanzig ([ighn]-HOON-dert-IGHN-oont-tsvahn-tsig
 * 200 : zweihundert (TSVIGH-hoon-dert)
 * 300 : dreihundert (DRIGH-hoon-dert)
 * 1000
 * (ein)tausend ([ighn]-TOW-zent)

 * 2000 : zweitausend (TSVIGH-tow-zent)
 * 1,000,000 : eine Million (igh-nuh mill-YOHN). Also shortened to 1 Mio.
 * 1,000,000,000 : eine Milliarde (igh-nuh mill-YAR-duh) Also shortened to 1 Mrd.
 * 1,000,000,000,000 : eine Billion (igh-nuh bill-YOHN)
 * number _____ (train, bus, etc.) : Nummer/Linie _____ (NOO-mer/LEE-nee-uh)
 * half : halb (hahlp)
 * the half : die Hälfte (dee HELF-tuh)
 * less : weniger (VAY-nihg-er)
 * more : mehr (mayr)

Ordinal Numbers
Notation for ordinal numbers are the number followed by a period and then the noun. All numbers from 1 to 19 use the suffix -te. All numbers above 19 end with -ste; numbers that end with 01 to 19 will still use the aforementioned rule.
 * first : erste / 1. (ayr-sta)
 * second : zweite / 2. (tsvigh-ta)
 * third : dritte / 3. (dri-ta)
 * fourth : vierte / 4. (feer-ta)
 * fifth : fünfte / 5. (fuunf-ta)
 * tenth : zehnte / 10. (TSAYN-ta)
 * eleventh : elfte / 11. (ELF-ta)
 * twentieth : zwanzigste / 20. (TSVAHN-tsikhs-ta)

Time

 * now : jetzt (yetst)
 * later : später (SHPET-er)
 * before : vor (for)
 * morning : Morgen (MOR-gen)
 * in the morning : morgens (MOR-genss)
 * tomorrow morning : morgen früh (MOR-gen FRUU)
 * afternoon : Nachmittag (NAHKH-mit-tahk)
 * in the afternoon : nachmittags (NAHKH-mit-tahks)
 * evening : Abend (AH-bent)
 * in the evening : abends (AH-bents)
 * night : Nacht (nahkht)
 * in the night : nachts (nahkhts)

Clock time
In German speaking countries as in many other European countries, it's usual to use a 24 hour clock, ranging from 0.00 to 24.00. Okay, 24.00 is actually the same as 0.00, but one day later. In conversation however, a 12-hour format is also commonly used, as long as one understands the context of which time of day it is.

 * one o'clock AM (01 : 00): ein Uhr (IGHN oor)
 * two o'clock AM (02 : 00): zwei Uhr (TSVIGH oor)
 * noon (12 : 00): zwölf Uhr or Mittag (TSVOOLF oor or MIT-tahk)
 * one o'clock PM (13 : 00): dreizehn Uhr (DRIGH-tsayn oor)
 * two o'clock PM (14 : 00): vierzehn Uhr (FEER-tsayn oor)
 * midnight (00 : 00 or 24 : 00): Mitternacht or null Uhr or vierundzwanzig Uhr (MIT-er-nahkht or NOOL oor or FEER-oont-TSVAHN-tsikh oor)

Mentioning the time with the hour and minute is not unlike the English convention. See exceptions below.
 * eight oh one AM or one past eight AM (08 : 01): acht Uhr eins (AKHT oor IGHNS) or eins nach acht (IGHNS nakh AKHT)
 * Seven fifty nine PM or one to eight PM (19 : 59): neunzehn Uhr neunundfünfzig (noin-ZEEN oor Fünf-und-noin-TSIG) or eins vor acht (IGHNS for TSVAN-tsig) ("eins vor zwanzig" sounds unidiomatic)

Expressing "fractional hours" differs slightly among various regions. The "normal" way of doing it is:

 * Quarter past one (01 : 15) - Viertel nach eins or Viertel zwei
 * Half past one (01 : 30) - Halb zwei (half two)
 * A quarter to two (01 : 45) - Viertel vor zwei or Dreiviertel zwei

The latter form is common in Eastern Germany, Bavaria, and Austria, although the former is universally understood but not without causing cringes. Outside these regions, many have trouble understanding the latter form. Usually Germans who don't understand you will ask and saying the number (11:45 "elf Uhr fünfundvierzig") is sure to get the confusion out of the way, though it may sound somewhat stilted and bureaucratic.

To ask for time:
 * What time is it?
 * Wie spät ist es? (Wee SPAET ist es?) Wie viel Uhr ist es? (Wee VEEL Ur ist es?)

Duration

 * _____ minute(s) : _____ Minute(n) (mih-NOO-tuh [mih-NOO-ten])
 * _____ hour(s) : _____ Stunde(n) (SHTOON-duh [SHTOON-den)
 * _____ day(s) : _____ Tag(e) (TAHK [TAH-guh])
 * _____ week(s) : _____ Woche(n) (VOKH-uh [VOKH-en])
 * _____ month(s) : _____ Monat(e) (MOH-naht [moh-NAH-tuh])
 * _____ year(s) : _____ Jahr(e) (YAHR[-uh])
 * in _____ : Im Jahr _____ (im YAHR _____) (also: _____ (the year without any further qualifiers)) Sometimes the old dative ending is used making it "im Jahre..." which sounds somewhat antiquated and quaint

Days

 * today : heute (HOY-tuh)
 * the day before yesterday : vorgestern (FOR-gess-tern)
 * yesterday : gestern (GESS-tern)
 * tomorrow : morgen (MOR-gen)
 * the day after tomorrow : übermorgen (uuber-MOR-gen)
 * this week : diese Woche (DEE-zuh VOH-khuh)
 * last week : letzte Woche (LETS-tuh VOH-khuh)
 * the week before last week : vorletzte Woche (for-LETS-tuh VOH-khuh)
 * next week : nächste Woche (NEX-tuh VOH-khuh)
 * the week after next week : übernächste Woche (uuber-NEX-tuh VOH-khuh)

The week is considered starting on Monday in Germany.

 * Monday : Montag (MON-tahk)
 * Tuesday : Dienstag (DEENS-tahk)
 * Wednesday : Mittwoch (MIT-vokh)
 * Thursday : Donnerstag (DON-ers-tahk)
 * Friday : Freitag (FRIGH-tahk)
 * Saturday : Samstag (ZAMS-tahk), in some regions, especially the North, "Sonnabend" (ZON-ah-bent)
 * Sunday : Sonntag (ZON-tahk)

Months

 * January : Januar (YAH-noo-ahr), in Austria "Jänner" (YEH-nna)
 * February : Februar (FAY-broo-ahr.), in Austria "Feber" (FAY-ber)
 * March : März (mehrts)
 * April : April (ah-PRILL)
 * May : Mai (migh)
 * June : Juni (YOO-nee)
 * July : Juli (YOO-lee)
 * August : August (ow-GOOST)
 * September : September (zep-TEM-ber)
 * October : Oktober (ok-TOH-ber)
 * November : November (noh-VEM-ber)
 * December : Dezember (day-TSEM-ber)

Time and Date Format
In the clock time, hours and minutes are separated by a '.' instead of ':', though the latter is also widely used. Another way is to write the minutes raised like an exponent.

The date is always written in the order day, month, year, e.g.: 12/10/2003 is in German 10.12.2003. 10th of December 2003 is in German 10. Dezember 2003.

Years prior to 2000 are pronounced like this example: 1957 neunzehn-hundert-sieben-und-fünfzig (the - are only here for clarity, it would be written as one word, when written down, a literal translation would be nineteen-hundred-seven-and-fifty) So far years after 2000 are pronounced like this example: 2014 zwei-tausend-vierzehn (again, written as one word, a literal translation would be two-thousand-fourteen)

Dates are always read like an ordinal number. When it stands alone, add the suffix -r at the ordinal number; Germans will also often mention the months in numbers (i.e. 1st of January= erster erster or der erste erste). When the date is used as part of a sentence (e.g. We fly on the 1st of May), a dativ case is invoked, in which you must add the suffix -n after the ordinal number (i.e. Wir fliegen am ersten Mai).

Colors

 * black : schwarz (shvahrts)
 * white : weiß (vice) - as in "miami vice"
 * gray : grau (grou) - rhymes with "cow"
 * red : rot (roht)
 * blue : blau (blou) - rhymes with "cow"
 * yellow : gelb (gelp)
 * green : grün (gruun)
 * orange : orange (oh-RAHNGSH)
 * purple : purpurrot (PURR-purr-rhot), violett (veeo-lett) or lila (LEE-lah)
 * pink : rosa (ROH-zah) or rosarot (ROH-zah-roht)
 * brown : braun (brown)
 * silver : silber (zsil-bur)
 * gold : gold (gold)
 * light - : hell- (hell) as in hellblau
 * dark - : dunkel- (dune-kel) as in dunkelblau

Bus and Train

 * How much is a ticket to _____? (bus, train) : Was kostet eine Fahrkarte nach _____? (vass KOSS-tet igh-nuh FAHR-kahr-tuh nahkh _____?)
 * How much is a ticket to _____? (airplane) : Was kostet ein Ticket nach _____? (vass KOSS-tet ighn TICK-et nahkh _____?)
 * One ticket to _____, please. (bus, train) : Bitte eine Fahrkarte nach _____. (BIT-tuh IGH-nuh FAHR-kahr-tuh nahkh _____)
 * One ticket to _____, please. (airplane) : Bitte ein Ticket nach _____. (BIT-tuh ighn TICK-et nahkh _____)
 * Where does this train/bus go? : Wohin fährt dieser Zug/Bus? (voh-hin FEHRT dee-zer TSOOK/BOOSS?)
 * Where is the train/bus to _____? : Wo ist der Zug/Bus nach _____? (VOH ist dayr TSOOK/BOOSS nahkh _____?)
 * Does this train/bus stop in/at _____? : Hält dieser Zug/Bus in/bei_____? (helt DEE-zer TSOOK/BOOSS in/by _____?)
 * When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : Wann fährt der Zug/Bus nach _____ ab? (VAHN FEHRT der tsook/booss nahkh _____ ap?)
 * When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : Wann kommt dieser Zug/Bus in _____ an? (vahn KOMT dee-zer TSOOK/BOOSS in _____ ahn?)
 * On which platform is the bus/train to _____ departing from? : Auf welchem Gleis fährt der Zug/Bus nach _____ ab? (auf VEL-khem GLAIS fehrt der tsook/booss nahkh _____ ap?)

Directions

 * How do I get to _____ ? (cities) : Wie komme ich nach _____ ? (vee KOM-muh ikh nahkh _____?)
 * How do I get to _____ ? (places, streets) : Wie komme ich zum/zur _____ ? (vee KOM-muh ikh tsoom/tsoor _____?)
 * ...the train station? : ...zum Bahnhof? (tsoom BAHN-hohf?)
 * ...the bus station / bus stop? : ...zum Busbahnhof / zur Bushaltestelle? (tsoom BOOSS-BAHN-hohf/tsoor BOOSS-hahl-tuh-shteh-luh?)
 * ...the airport? : ...zum Flughafen? (tsoom FLOOG-hah-fen?)
 * ...downtown? : ...zur Stadtmitte? (tsoor SHTUT-mit-tuh)
 * ...the youth hostel? : ...zur Jugendherberge? (tsoor YOO-gent-hayr-bayr-guh)
 * ...the _____ hotel? : ...zum _____ Hotel? (tsoom _____ hoh-TELL)
 * ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate? : ...zum amerikanischen/kanadischen/australischen/britischen Konsulat? (tsoom ah-mayr-ih-KAHN-ish-en/kah-NAH-dish-en/ous-TRAH-lish-en/BRIT-ish-en kon-zoo-LAHT?)
 * Where are there a lot of... : Wo gibt es viele... (?) (VOU gipt ess FEE-luh...)
 * ...hotels? : ...Hotels? (hoh-TELLSS)
 * ...restaurants? : ...Restaurants? (rest-oh-RAHNTS?)
 * ...Bars?: (bahrss?)
 * ...bars? (pub): ...Kneipen? (KNIGH-pen?) (pronounce the K)
 * ...sites to see? : ...Sehenswürdigkeiten? (ZAY-ens-vuur-dikh-kigh-ten?)
 * Can you show me on the map? : Kannst du/Können Sie mir das auf der Karte zeigen? (kahnst doo/KOON-en zee meer dahss ouf dayr KAHR-tuh TSIGH-gen?)
 * street, road : Straße (SHTRAH-suh)
 * left : links (links)
 * right : rechts (rekhts)
 * Turn left. : Links abbiegen. (LINKS AHP-bee-gen)
 * Turn right. : Rechts abbiegen. (REKHTS AHP-bee-gen)
 * straight ahead : geradeaus (guh-RAH-duh-OWSS)
 * towards the _____ : Richtung _____ (RIKH-toong)
 * past the _____ : nach dem(m)/der(f)/dem(n) _____ (nahkh daym/dayr/daym _____)
 * through the _____ : durch den(m)/die(f)/das(n) _____ (DUIKH dayn/dee/dahss _____)
 * before the _____ : vor dem(m)/der(f)/dem(n) _____ (for daym/dayr/daym _____)
 * Watch for the _____. : Achte/Achten Sie auf den(m)/die(f)/das(n) _____. (AHKH-tuh/AHKH-ten zee ouf dayn/dee/dahss _____)
 * intersection : Kreuzung (KROY-tsoong)
 * north : Norden (NOR-den)
 * south : Süden (ZUU-den)
 * east : Osten (OST-en)
 * west : Westen (VEST-en)
 * uphill : bergauf (bayrk-OUF)
 * downhill : bergab (bayrk-AHP)
 * opposite : gegenüber (gay-gen-UEH-ber)
 * along : entlang (ENT-lang)
 * Taxi!: (TAHK-see)
 * Take me to _____, please. : Bitte bringen Sie mich zum/zur/nach _____. (BIT-tuh BRING-en zee mikh tsoom/tsoor/nahkh _____) Note: Use 'zu(m,r)' for streets and places and 'nach' for cities and villages.
 * How much does it cost to get to _____? : Wie viel kostet es bis zum/zur/nach _____? (vee feel KOSS-tet ess biss tsoom/tsoor/nahkh _____?)
 * Take me there, please. : Bringen Sie mich bitte dahin. (BRING-en zee mikh BIT-tuh dah-HIN)

Lodging
Note: It's not a good idea to say this, as it may be taken in an insulting manner. Try saying "Gibt es hier in der Nähe ein Reisebüro?" ("Is there a tourist agency nearby?") instead.
 * Do you have any rooms available? : Sind noch Zimmer frei? (ZINT nokh TSIM-mer FRIGH?)
 * How much is a room for one person/two people? : Wie viel kostet ein Einzelzimmer/Doppelzimmer? (vee-feel KOSS-tet ighn IGHN-tsel-tsim-mer/DOP-pel-tsim-mer?)
 * Does the room come with... : Hat das Zimmer... (HAHT dahss TSIM-mer...)
 * ...bedsheets? : ...Bettlaken? (...BET-lahk-en?)
 * ...a bathroom? (toilet): ...eine Toilette? (igh-nuh to-ah-LET-tuh?)
 * ...a bathroom? (with cleaning facilities): ...ein Badezimmer? (igh-n BAH-duh-tsim-er?)
 * ...a telephone? : ...ein Telefon? (ighn tell-eh-FOHN?)
 * ...a TV? : ...einen Fernseher? (igh-nen FAYRN-zay-er?)
 * May I see the room first? : Kann ich das Zimmer erstmal sehen? (kahn ikh dahs TSIM-mer ayrst-mahl ZAY-en?)
 * Do you have anything quieter? :Haben Sie etwas ruhigeres? (HAH-ben zee ET-vahs ROO-ig-er-ess?)
 * ...bigger? : ...größeres? (GROO-ser-ess?)
 * ...cheaper? : ...billigeres? (BILL-ig-er-ess?)
 * OK, I'll take it. : OK, ich nehme es. (OH-kay, ikh NAY-muh ess)
 * I will stay for _____ night(s). : Ich bleibe eine Nacht (_____ Nächte). (ihk BLIGH-buh IGH-nuh nahkht/_____ NEKH-tuh) Note: The plural of 'Nacht' is 'Nächte' .
 * Can you suggest another hotel? : Können Sie mir ein anderes Hotel empfehlen? (KOON-en zee meer ign AHN-der-ess ho-TELL emp-FAY-len?)
 * Do you have a safe? : Haben Sie einen Safe? (HAH-ben zee IGH-nen SAYF?)
 * ...lockers? : ...Schließfächer? (SHLEESS-fekh-er?)
 * Is breakfast/supper included? : Ist Frühstück/Abendessen inklusive? (ist FRUU-shtuuk/AH-bent-ess-en in-kloo-ZEE-vuh?)

 * What time is breakfast/supper? : Wann gibt es Frühstück/Abendessen? (VAHN gipt ess FRUU-shtuuk/AH-bent-ess-en?)
 * Please clean my room. : Würden Sie bitte mein Zimmer saubermachen? (VUUR-den zee BIT-tuh mign TSIM-mer ZOW-ber-MAHKH-en?)
 * Can you wake me at _____? : Können Sie mich um _____ Uhr wecken? (KOON-en zee mikh oom _____ oor VECK-en?)
 * I would like to check out. : Ich möchte auschecken. (ikh MOOKH-tuh ows-check-en)

Money

 * Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? : Nehmen Sie US-Dollar/australische/kanadische Dollar an? (NAY-men zee OOH-ESS DOLL-ahr/ouss-TRAHL-ish-uh/kah-NAH-dish-uh DOLL-ahr?)
 * Do you accept British pounds? : Nehmen Sie britische Pfund an? (NAY-men zee BRIT-ish-uh PFOOND?)
 * Do you accept credit cards? : Kann ich mit Kreditkarte zahlen? (kahn ikh mit kray-DEET-kahr-tuh TSAH-len?)
 * Can you change money for me? : Können Sie mir Geld wechseln? (KOON-en zee meer GELT WEKHS-eln?)
 * Where can I get money changed? : Wo kann ich Geld wechseln? (voh kahn ikh GELT WEKHS-eln?)
 * Can you change a traveller's check for me? : Kann ich hier Travellerschecks einlösen? (kahn ikh heer TREV-el-er-shecks IGHN-loo-zen?)
 * Where can I get a traveler's check changed? : Wo kann ich Travellerschecks tauschen? (voh kahn ikh TREV-el-er-shecks TOW-shen?) (TOW rhymes with "cow")
 * What is the exchange rate? : Wie ist der Wechselkurs? (vee ist dayr VEK-sel-koorss?)
 * Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : Wo ist ein Geldautomat? (voh ist ign GELT-ow-toh-maht?)

Eating

 * A table for one person/two people, please. : Ein Tisch für eine Person/zwei Personen, bitte. (ighn TISH fuur IGHN-uh payr-ZOHN/TSVIGH payr-ZOHN-nen, BIT-tuh)
 * Can I have the meal as a takeaway?: Könnte ich das Essen mitnehmen? (KOUN-nte ikh das Es-sen mit-ne-men?)
 * Can I look at the menu, please? : Ich hätte gerne die Speisekarte. (ikh HET-tuh GAYR-nuh dee SHPIGH-zuh-kahr-tuh)
 * Is there a house specialty? : Gibt es eine Spezialität des Hauses? (gipt ess igh-nuh shpeh-tsyah-lee-TAYT dess HOW-zess?)
 * Is there a local specialty? : Gibt es eine Spezialität aus dieser Gegend? (gipt ess igh-nuh shpeh-tsyah-lee-TAYT owss DEE-zer GAY-gent?)
 * I am (severely) allergic to milk/eggs/fish/shellfish/tree nuts/peanuts/wheat/soy. :Ich bin [stark] allergisch gegen Milch/Eier/Fisch/Schalentiere/Nüsse/Erdnüsse/Weizen/Soja. (ikh bin [shtark] al-LER-gish gay-gent)
 * I'm a vegetarian. : (men) Ich bin Vegetarier. (ikh bin vay-gay-TAH-ree-er) (women) Ich bin Vegetarierin (vay-gay-TAH-ree-er-een)
 * I'm a vegan. : (men) Ich bin Veganer. (ikh bin vay-GAHN-er) (women) Ich bin Veganerin (vay-GAHN-er-een)
 * I don't eat pork. : Ich esse kein Schweinefleisch. (ikh ESS-uh kign SHVIGN-uh-flighsh)
 * I only eat kosher food. : Ich esse nur koscher. (ikh ESS-uh noor KOH-sher) Note: outside major cities and some explicitly kosher restaurants true kosher food is not available. If you are not particularly observant "halal", sometimes spelled "helal" is similar enough if you avoid mixing milk and meat.
 * Can you make it "light", please? (less oil/butter/lard) : Könnten Sie es bitte nicht so fettig machen? (KOON-ten zee ess BIT-tuh nikht zo fett MAHKH-en?)
 * fixed-price meal : Tagesessen (TAHG-ess-ess-en) / Menü (meh-NUU) Note: While "Tagesessen" should be used in pubs and taverns, "Menü" is the correct word in classic restaurants.
 * Without, e.g. I would like spaghetti without cheese : Ich möchte die Spaghetti, ohne Käse (Ikh merkhte dee schpagetti, ohna kayze), "Ohne" being the key word here.
 * à la carte : a la carte (ah lah KAHRT)
 * breakfast : Frühstück (FRUU-shtuuk) | Switzerland: Zmorge (TSH-mor-geh) or Morgenässe (MOR-gen-aess-e)
 * lunch : Mittagessen (mit-TAHK-ess-en) | Switzerland: Zmittag (TSH-mit-tag) or Mittagässe (mit-TAHK-aess-e)
 * tea (meal) : Kaffee (kah-FAY)
 * supper : Abendessen or Abendbrot (AH-bent-ess-en or AH-bent-broht) | Switzerland: Znacht (TSH-nakht) or Nachtässe (NAKHT-aess-e) Note: "Abendbrot" is mainly used in rural areas. Most Germans, even the non-English speaking, understand dinner as well.
 * I would like _____. : Ich möchte _____. (ikh MERKH-tuh)
 * I would like a dish containing ____ : Ich möchte etwas mit ____ (ikh MOOKH-tuh ett-vahss mit _____)
 * Literally means "I want something with ____"

 * chicken : Hähnchen (HAEN-chen) Austria: Händel (HAEN-del)
 * beef : Rindfleisch (RINT-flighsh)
 * fish : Fisch (fish)
 * ham : Schinken (SHINK-en)
 * sausage : Wurst (voorst)
 * pickled cabbage : Sauerkraut (ZAU-er-kraut) (lit. sour cabbage)
 * cheese : Käse (KAY-zuh)
 * eggs : Eier (IGH-er)
 * salad : Salat (zah-LAHT)
 * potatoes : Kartoffeln (kar-TOH-phel'n) | Austria: Erdapfel (ERD-ah-phel)
 * asparagus : Spargel (SHPAR-gel)
 * (fresh) vegetables : (frisches) Gemüse ([FRISH-ess] guh-MUU-zuh)
 * tomato : Tomate (to-MAH-te) | Austria: Paradaiser (pa-ra-da-IH-ser)
 * (fresh) fruit : (frisches) Obst ([FRISH-ess] OWPST)
 * bread : Brot (broht)
 * toast : Toast (tohst)
 * rolls : Brötchen (BRUHT-chen)
 * noodles : Nudeln (NOO-deln)
 * rice : Reis (raighss)
 * beans : Bohnen (BOH-nen)
 * cake: Kuchen (KOO-khen)
 * May I have a glass of _____? : Könnte ich ein Glas _____ haben? (KOON-tuh ikh ighn glahss _____ HAH-ben?)
 * May I have a cup of _____? : Könnte ich eine Tasse _____ haben? (KOON-tuh ikh IGH-nuh TAH-suh _____ HAH-ben?)
 * May I have a bottle of _____? : Könnte ich eine Flasche _____ haben? (KOON-tuh ikh IGH-nuh FLAH-shuh _____ HAH-ben?)
 * coffee : Kaffee (kah-FAY)
 * tea (drink) : Tee (tay)
 * juice : Saft (zahft)
 * (bubbly) water : Mineralwasser or Sprudel(-wasser) (mee-ne-RAHL-wah-ser or SHPROO-del-[wah-ser])
 * water (tap) : Leitungswasser (LIGH-toongs-wah-ser)
 * Note: Tap water is quite uncommon in German restaurants; if you ask for it, they may bring you a small cup of room-temperature water, on the assumption that you need to take your medicine with the meal, but you'll really be drinking something else. Plain bottled water without bubbles or extra minerals is called Stilleswasser (SHTILL-ess-wah-ser); the famous French brand Evian is an example of Stilleswasser.

 * beer : Bier (beer) Note: At least in Germany and Austria, you should say what kind of beer you want. There are: Export (EKS-port), known as 'Helles' (HELL-as) in Bavaria and as 'Lager' (LAH-ger) in Switzerland; Pils (pilss); Hefeweizen (HAY-fuh-vigh-tsen), known as 'Weißbier' (VIGHSS-beer) in Bavaria; dunkles Hefeweizen (DOONK-less HAY-fuh-vigh-tsen); Alt (ahlt) in the Düsseldorf region; Kölsch (koolsh) in Cologne and probably most of the rest of the Rhineland; Bockbier (BOCK-beer) sometimes in the South of Germany. If you only say beer, you will usually get a Pils.
 * red/white wine : Rot-/Weißwein (ROHT-/VIGHSS-vighn)
 * May I have some _____? : Kann ich etwas _____ haben? (kahn ikh ET-vahss _____ HAH-ben?)
 * salt : Salz (zahlts)
 * black pepper : Pfeffer (PFEF-er)
 * butter : Butter (BOO-ter)
 * Excuse me, waiter! (getting attention of server) : Entschuldigung! (ent-SHOOL-dih-goong)
 * I'm finished. : Ich bin fertig. (ikh bin FAYR-tikh)
 * It was (not) delicious. :Es war (nicht) lecker. (ess vahr (neekh) LEK-ker) or Es schmeckt (nicht). (ess SHMEKT (neekh))
 * Please clear the plates. : Würden Sie bitte abräumen? (VUUR-den zee BIT-tuh ahb-ROY-men?)
 * The check, please. : Zahlen, bitte. (TSAH-len, BIT-tuh)
 * Keep the change : Stimmt so! (STEEMT zo!) (Lit: Tally it like so)

Bars

 * Do you serve alcohol? : Haben Sie alkoholische Getränke? (HAH-ben zee ahl-koh-HOHL-ish-uh guh-TRENG-kuh?)
 * Is there table service? : Kommt eine Bedienung zum Tisch? (kommt IGH-nuh buh-DEE-noong tsoom TISH?)
 * A beer/two beers, please. : Ein Bier/zwei Bier, bitte. (ighn beer/tsvigh beer, BIT-tuh) See note in previous section.
 * A glass of red/white wine, please. : Ein Glas Rot-/Weißwein, bitte. (ighn glahss ROHT-/VIGHSS-vign, BIT-tuh)
 * A quarter/eighth of red wine, please. : Ein Viertel/Achtel Rotwein, bitte. (ign FEER-tel/AHKH-tel ROHT-vign, BIT-tuh) Note: It's usual to order wine by quarters or eighths (of a liter).
 * A little/big beer, please. : Ein kleines/großes Bier, bitte. (ighn KLIGH-ness/GROH-sess beer, BIT-tuh)
 * Half a liter, please. (of beer) : Eine Halbe, bitte. (IGH-nuh HAHL-buh, BIT-tuh) Note: This probably won't be understood in the North of Germany.
 * A bottle, please. : Eine Flasche, bitte. (IGH-nuh FLAH-shuh, BIT-tuh)
 * Rum and coke, please. : Bitte eine Cola mit Rum. (BIT-tuh IGH-nuh KOH-lah mit ROOM) Note: In German, the mixer comes first. In common parlance some drinks are just named after a list of their ingredients with the alcoholic part mentioned first (e.g. Wodka [red] Bull)
 * whiskey : Whiskey (VIS-kee)
 * vodka : Wodka (VOT-kah)
 * rum : Rum (ROOM)
 * water : Wasser (VAH-ser)
 * club soda : Mineralwasser (Mee-ne-RAWL-vas-ser)
 * tonic water : Tonicwater or simply Tonic
 * orange juice : Orangensaft or simply O-Saft (oh-RAHN-gehn-zahft or OH-zahft)
 * Coke (soda) : Cola (KOH-lah), though "coke" is understood and will get you the brand from Atlanta more likely than not
 * Do you have (any) bar snacks? : Haben Sie (irgendwelche) Snacks? (HAH-ben zee EER-gent-VELL-khe SNEKS?)
 * One more, please. : Noch einen(m)/eine(f)/eins(n), bitte. (nokh IGH-nen/IGH-nuh/IGHNS, BIT-tuh)
 * Another round, please. : Noch eine Runde, bitte. (nokh IGH-nuh ROON-duh, BIT-tuh)
 * When is closing time? : Wann schließen Sie? (vahn SHLEE-sen zee?)
 * Cheers! : Prost! or Zum Wohl! (zoom wole) Note: "Prost" comes from Latin "prosit" which can be translated as "may it be good/beneficial" and is still understood though somewhat antiquated

Shopping

 * Do you have this in my size? : Haben Sie das in meiner Größe? (HAH-ben zee dahs in MIGH-ner GROO-suh?)
 * How much is this? : Was kostet das? (vahss KOSS-tet dahss?) or Wie viel kostet das? (vee FEEL koss-tet dahss)
 * That's too expensive. : Das ist zu teuer. (dahss ist tsoo TOY-er)
 * Would you take _____? : Würden Sie es für ___ verkaufen? (VUUR-den zee as fyr _____ vayr-COW-fan?)
 * expensive : teuer (TOY-er)
 * cheap : billig / günstig (BILL-ikh/GUUN-stikh) (Note: "Billig" also can mean "not good/low quality")
 * free : kostenlos / gratis (KOS-ten-los/GRAH-tees)
 * I (don't) like it. :Das gefällt mir (nicht). (Das ge-PHAELT meer nikth) Lit: It is (not) pleasing to me.
 * I can't afford it. : Ich kann es mir nicht leisten. (ikh kahn ess meer nikth LIGH-sten)
 * I don't want it. : Ich will es nicht. (ikh vill ess nikht)
 * I know that this is not the regular price. : Ich weiß, dass das nicht der normale Preis ist. (ikh vighss, dahss dahss nikht dayr nor-MAH-luh PRIGHSS ist)
 * You're cheating me. : Sie wollen mich abzocken. (zee VOLL-en mikh AHP-tsock-en) Note: Actually, the translation would be: Sie betrügen mich. But that sounds too hard. The word abzocken is a rather familiar use of language.
 * I'm not interested. : Ich habe kein Interesse. (ikh hah-buh kighn in-ter-ES-se)
 * OK, I'll take it. : OK, ich nehme es. (oh-kay, ikh NAY-muh ess)
 * Can I have a bag? : Kann ich eine Tüte haben? (kahn ikh IGH-nuh TUU-tuh HAH-ben?)
 * Do you ship (overseas)? : Versenden Sie auch (ins Ausland)? (fayr-ZEN-den zee owkh [ins AUS-land]?)
 * I need... : Ich brauche... (ikh BROW-khuh...) (BROW rhymes with cow)
 * ...toothpaste. : ...Zahnpaste. (TSAHN-pahs-teh)
 * ...a toothbrush. : ...eine Zahnbürste. (IGH-nuh TSAHN-buur-stuh)
 * ...tampons. : ...Tampons. (TAHM-pohns)
 * ...soap. : ...Seife. (ZIGH-fuh)
 * ...shampoo. : ...Shampoo. (SHAHM-poo)
 * ...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen) : ...Schmerzmittel. (SHMAYRTS-mit-tel) Note: You will get medicine in pharmacies ("Apotheke", with big red A-Sign) only, not in normal stores
 * ...cold medicine. : ...etwas gegen Erkältung. (ET-vahs GAY-gen ayr-KELT-oong)
 * ...stomach medicine. : ....Magentabletten (MAH-gen-tah-BLET-ten)
 * ...a razor. : ...einen Rasierer. (IGH-nen rah-ZEER-er)
 * ...a razor (blade): ...eine Rasierklinge. (IGH-ne rah-ZEER-kling-uh)
 * ...an umbrella. : ...einen Regenschirm. (IGH-nen RAY-gen-sheerm)
 * ...sunblock lotion. : ...Sonnencreme. (ZON-nen-kraym)
 * ...a postcard. : ...eine Postkarte. (IGH-nuh POST-kahr-tuh)
 * ...postage stamps. : ...Briefmarken. (BREEF-mahr-ken)
 * ...batteries. : ...Batterien. (baht-uh-REE-en)
 * ...writing paper. : ...Schreibpapier. (SHRIGHP-pah-peer)
 * ...a pen. : ...einen Stift. (igh-nen SHTIFT)
 * ...English-language books. : ...englischsprachige Bücher. (ENG-lish-shprahkh-ig-uh BUUKH-er)
 * ...English-language magazines. : ...englischsprachige Zeitschriften. (ENG-lish-shprahkh-ig-uh TSIGHT-shrift-en)
 * ...an English-language newspaper. : ...eine englischsprachige Zeitung. (IGH-nuh ENG-lish-shprahkh-ig-uh TSIGH-toong)
 * ...an English-German dictionary. : ...ein Englisch-Deutsch-Wörterbuch. (ighn ENG-lish-DOYTCH woor-ter-bookh)

Driving

 * I want to rent a car. : Ich möchte ein Auto mieten. (ikh MOOKH-tuh ighn OW-toh mee-ten)
 * Can I get insurance? : Kann ich es versichern lassen? (kahn ikh es fayr-ZIKH-ern LAH-sen?)
 * stop (on a street sign) : stop (SHTOP)
 * one way : Einbahnstraße (IGHN-bahn-shtrah-suh)
 * yield : Vorfahrt gewähren (FOR-fahrt guh-VEHR-ren)
 * freeway: Autobahn (AU-toh-ban)
 * exit (on highway) : Ausfahrt (OWS-fahrt)
 * no parking : Parkverbot (PAHRK-fayr-boht)
 * speed limit : Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung (guh-SHVIN-dikh-kights-buh-SHRENG-koong) (a compound noun made from "Geschwindigkeit" = speed and "Beschränkung" = limit)
 * gas (petrol) station : Tankstelle (TAHNK-shtel-luh)
 * petrol : Benzin (ben-TSEEN)
 * unleaded petrol: Benzin bleifrei (ben-TSEEN bly-FRY)
 * diesel : Diesel (DEE-zel)
 * toll : Maut (MOWT)

Authority
Most police officers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will speak functional English. Even if you have some capability in German, you may still want to stick to English just in case you make a mistake.

 * I haven't done anything. : Ich habe nichts getan. (eesh HAH-buh nikhts guh-TAHN)
 * It was a misunderstanding. : Das war ein Missverständnis. (dahs vahr ighn MEES-fayr-shtand-nees)
 * Where are you taking me? : Wohin bringen Sie mich? (VOH-hin BRING-uhn zee meekh?)
 * Am I under arrest? : Bin ich verhaftet? (been eekh fayr-HAHF-tut?)
 * I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. : Ich bin amerikanischer/australischer/britischer/kanadischer Staatsbürger. (eekh been ah-may-ree-KAH-neesh-er / owss-TRAH-leesh-er / BREET-eesh-er / kah-NAH-deesh-er SHTAHTS-buur-gurr) or, if female, amerikanische/australische/britische/kanadische Staatsbürgerin (ah-may-ree-KAH-neesh-uh / owss-TRAH-leesh-uh / BREET-eesh-uh / kah-NAH-deesh-uh SHTAHTS-buur-gurr-een))
 * I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. : Ich will mit der/dem amerikanischen/australischen/britischen/kanadischen Botschaft/Konsulat sprechen. (eekh veel meet dayr/dame ah-may-ree-KAHn-eesh-uhn / ows-TRAH-leesh-uhn / BREE-teesh-uhn / kah-NAH-deesh-uhn BOHT-shahft / kohn-zoo-LAHT SHPREKH-uhn)
 * I want to talk to a lawyer. : Ich will mit einem Anwalt sprechen. (eekh veel meet IGH-nem AHN-vahlt SHPREKH-uhn)
 * Can I just pay a fine now? : Kann ich jetzt einfach eine Strafe zahlen? (kahn eekh yetst IGHN-fakh igh-nuh SHTRAH-fe TSAH-len?)
 * Note: Be sure that it is clear from the context that you aren't offering a bribe. Trying to bribe an official will get you into real trouble.

Country and territory names
Names of countries in general retain their official name or equivalent to English words, with subtle adaptations suitable for German speakers. Some country names which end with -a are either adapted into -en (e.g.: Egypt to Ägypten, India to Indien, Romania to Rumänien) or retained (e.g.: Malaysia, Nigeria, Panama). Some countries also take a definite article of either "der" (e.g.: der Irak, der Iran, der Libanon) or "die" in singular (e.g.: die Schweiz, die Ukraine, die Türkei, die Mongolei, die Slowakei, all countries ending with -ei, countries containing the name Republik) or plural form (e.g.: die Niederlande, die USA, die VAE (the UAE), all countries of plural form in English).

Countries with significant spelling and pronunciation differences compared to English are listed below.

In general there has been a tendency since about the 1950s to move away from "Germanized" pronunciations and spellings towards more Anglophone or more akin to the local name ones. A somewhat dicey subject are German names for formerly German places (e.g. Wroclaw) which will be understood but might be seen as a revanchist statement by some. Similarly in some country names the c used to be replaced with a k but isn't any more (e.g. "Nikaragua" is hardly used any more) whereas for "Mexiko" and "Kolumbien" the k form is standard.

For indicating the nationality of a person, add the suffix -er at the end or replacing the -en suffix if the country has the suffix. Leave it as it is for male or add -in for female.

 * Germany: Deutschland (DOIT-ch-land)
 * France: Frankreich (FRANK-raikh) however a citizen of France is a "Franzose" (men) "Französin" (women)
 * Czech Republic: Tschechische Republik (CHE-his-che REh-puh-blik) you may also hear the short form "Tschechien"
 * Cote dIvore: Elfenbeinküste however a citizen of said country is an "Ivorer"
 * Switzerland: die Schweiz (di shu-WAITS)
 * Austria: Österreich (OEST-ter-raikh)
 * The UK/Great Britain: Vereinigtes Königreich (ver-REIN-ni-tes KOE-nig-raikh)/Großbritannien (GROSS-bree-TAN-ni-en). The latter is used informally.
 * England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland: England (ENG-land), Wales (wales), Schottland (SHOT-land), Nordirland (Nor-DIR-land), Irland (IR-land)
 * Hungary
 * Ungarn (UNG-garn)

 * Spain: Spanien (SHPA-ni-en)
 * Greece: Griechenland (GREE-khen-land)
 * Cyprus: Zypern (TSEE-pern)
 * Norway: Norwegen (nor-WÉH-en)
 * Estonia: Estland (Ést-land)
 * Latvia: Lettland (LETT-land)
 * Lithuania: Litauen (LI-tau-en)
 * Belarus: Weißrussland (WAISS-russ-land)
 * Russia: Russland (RUSS-land)
 * Moldova: Republik Moldau (MOL-daw) or Moldawien
 * Turkey: die Türkei (di TUER-kai)
 * Azerbaijan: Aserbaidschan (ah-ser-bai-JAN)
 * Maldives: Malediven (MA-lé-DI-ven)
 * China: China (KHEE-nah) pronounced with a "hard k" in the south and "sh" in the north.
 * Japan: Japan (YAH-pan)
 * New Zealand: Neuseeland (NOY-see-land)
 * Fiji: Fidschi (FID-shi)
 * Morocco: Marokko (MA-rok-ko)
 * Djibouti: Dschibuti (ji-BU-ti)
 * USA: Vereinigte Staaten (ver-RAIN-ni-te STA-ah-ten) or die USA (dee UH-ES-AH) in colloquial parlance a citizen of the U.S. will often be called "Ami" for either gender.

Learning more

 * Duolingo
 * Course for A1-B2 levels with grammar, dictionary, media library and forum
 * Deutsche Welle A1-C courses

title: German phrasebook


text:
Germantown

Germantown is an unincorporated city in the Capital Region of Maryland.

Understand
Germantown is a suburb of Washington DC and has a population of approximately 90,000 people. According the 2010 census, the population is 36% white, 22% African-American, 20% Asian, and 18% Hispanic.

Even though its early settlers were generally English and Scottish, the area got its name from several German-owned shops that were in the area in the 1840s.

George Atzerodt, a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, fled to his cousin's farm in Germantown instead of carrying out his assigned task of assassinating Vice President Andrew Johnson.

Baseball player Walter Perry Johnson lived in Germantown between 1935 and his death in 1946.

By plane
Baltimore-Washington International Airport is a 45 minute drive from Germantown. It is also accessible via ICC Bus 201.

Washington Reagan National Airport is a 40 minute drive from Germantown.

Washington Dulles International Airport is a 40 minute drive from Germantown.

By MARC Train
MARC Train, Brunswick line, offers service to/from Union Station in Washington, D.C., as well as service to/from Rockville, Gaithersburg, Frederick, and Harpers Ferry. is located at the corner of Liberty Mill Road and Mateny Hill Road

By bus
RideOn Bus operates service between Germantown and other locations in Montgomery County, including Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. These buses also can be used to get to/from the Metrorail stations with service to Washington DC.

By car
From D.C. and the south or west, take the Capital Beltway (I-495) to Interstate 270 North. The main exit near the city center and Montgomery College is exit 15 for MD-118 Germantown Rd, with exit 16 MD-27 (Father Hurley Blvd) to the north and exit 13 Middlebrook Rd to the south. The other major road leading north from Gaithersburg is MD-355 (Frederick Rd).

Get around
A car is best used to get around the city. The county public bus system, RideOn Bus, can be used if traveling the major roads.

Go next

 * South on I-270 leads south to Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Bethesda towards Washington, D.C.. Going north leads to Frederick.
 * Rural Montgomery County, just northwest of Germantown, includes some good outdoor attractions, especially Sugarloaf Mountain—the Maryland Capital Region's favorite climb, with great views over the surrounding farmland, as well as Little Bennett Regional Park, which has tent campgrounds.

title: Germantown