german essay vocab

German Essay Phrases: 24 Useful Expressions to Write an Essay (For Goethe Exam or Real Life)

As we often think in English first, translating our ideas into useful German phrases can be tricky.

This handy blog post includes 24 essential German essay phrases to help make your writing flow more smoothly and sound more natural. Whether you’re preparing for the Goethe exam, a GCSE test, or just want to improve your written German for real-life situations, these chunks and phrases will help you. Easy German has a great video on useful German expression:

From organizing your thoughts with transitions like “ zudem ” and “ außerdem “, to expressing your opinion with phrases like “ meiner Meinung nach ” and “ ich denke, dass… “, this post has you covered.

Write an essay with German essay phrases: learn how to structure your story

Goethe tests love a clear and logical format. They follow the same structure throughout the different levels. The good news is, when you’re learning a language, you can use these German essay phrases with these structures even in your real-life dialogues. Then, gradually, you can shift your focus to a more natural-sounding speaking.

First, begin with an engaging introduction to get the reader’s attention. This intro paragraph should also include a short thesis statement that outlines the central argument you’ll be taking.

In the body of your essay, organize your thoughts into separate paragraphs. Use transitional phrases like “ außerdem ” (furthermore) and “ zudem ” (moreover) to connect your paragraphs and create a flow.

After that, summarize your main points and restate your thesis. But! Avoid introducing new information. Leave the reader with a compelling final thought or even a call to action that makes your central argument stronger.

If you’re not certain enough, check the following list and learn about the must-have go-to German essay phrases now!

1. Erstens – Firstly

This German essay phrase is used to introduce the first point in your essay.

Erstens werden wir die Hauptargumente diskutieren. [Firstly, we will discuss the main arguments.]

2. Zweitens – Secondly

Normally, this phrase is there for you when you want to introduce the second point in a structured manner.

Zweitens betrachten wir einige Gegenbeispiele. [Secondly, we will look at some counterexamples.]

3. Drittens – Thirdly

Used to signal the third point for clarity in your argument.

Drittens ziehen wir eine Schlussfolgerung. [Thirdly, we will draw a conclusion.]

4. Einleitend muss man sagen… – To begin with, one has to say…

Start your essay with this phrase to introduce your key points.

Einleitend muss man sagen, dass dieses Thema komplex ist. [To begin with, one has to say that this topic is complex.]

5. Man muss … in Betracht ziehen – One needs to take … into consideration

When you want to consider a specific aspect in your discussion.

Man muss den historischen Kontext in Betracht ziehen. [One needs to take the historical context into consideration.]

6. Ein wichtiger Aspekt von X ist … – An important aspect of X is …

To highlight an important part…

Ein wichtiger Aspekt von Nachhaltigkeit ist die Ressourcenschonung. [An important aspect of sustainability is resource conservation.]

7. Man muss erwähnen, dass… – One must mention that …

Used to emphasize a point that need acknowledgement.

Man muss erwähnen, dass es verschiedene Ansichten gibt. [One must mention that there are different viewpoints.]

8. Im Vergleich zu – In comparison to…

To compare different elements in your essay.

Im Vergleich zu konventionellen Autos sind Elektrofahrzeuge umweltfreundlicher. [In comparison to conventional cars, electric vehicles are more eco-friendly.]

9. Im Gegensatz zu – In contrast to…

When you want to present an alternative viewpoint or argument.

Im Gegensatz zu optimistischen Prognosen ist die Realität ernüchternd. [In contrast to optimistic forecasts, reality is sobering.]

10. Auf der einen Seite – On the one hand

To add a new perspective.

Auf der einen Seite gibt es finanzielle Vorteile. [On the one hand, there are financial benefits.]

11. Auf der anderen Seite – On the other hand

Present an alternative viewpoint.

Auf der anderen Seite bestehen ethische Bedenken. [On the other hand, ethical concerns exist.]

12. Gleichzeitig – At the same time

When you want to show a simultaneous relationship between ideas.

Gleichzeitig müssen wir Kompromisse eingehen. [At the same time, we must make compromises.]

13. Angeblich – Supposedly

If you want to add information that is claimed but not confirmed.

Angeblich wurde der Konflikt beigelegt. [Supposedly, the conflict was resolved.]

14. Vermutlich – Presumably

Used when discussing something that is presumed but not certain.

Vermutlich wird sich die Situation verbessern. [Presumably, the situation will improve.]

15. In der Tat – In fact

To add a fact or truth in your essay.

In der Tat sind die Herausforderungen groß. [In fact, the challenges are great.]

16. Tatsächlich – Indeed

Emphasize a point or a fact.

Tatsächlich haben wir Fortschritte gemacht. [Indeed, we have made progress.]

17. Im Allgemeinen – In general

When discussing something in a general context.

Im Allgemeinen ist das System reformbedürftig. [In general, the system needs reform.]

18. Möglicherweise – Possibly

Spice your essay with a possibility or potential scenario.

Möglicherweise finden wir einen Konsens. [Possibly, we will find a consensus.]

19. Eventuell – Possibly

To suggest a potential outcome or situation.

Eventuell müssen wir unsere Strategie überdenken. [Possibly, we need to rethink our strategy.]

20. In jedem Fall / Jedenfalls – In any case

Used to emphasize a point regardless of circumstances.

In jedem Fall müssen wir handeln. [In any case, we must take action.]

21. Das Wichtigste ist – The most important thing is

If you want to highlight the most important thing in your saying.

Das Wichtigste ist, dass wir zusammenarbeiten. [The most important thing is that we cooperate.]

22. Ohne Zweifel – Without a doubt

To introduce a statement that is unquestionably trues.

Ohne Zweifel ist Bildung der Schlüssel zum Erfolg. [Without a doubt, education is the key to success.]

23. Zweifellos – Doubtless

Just as the previous one, when you want say something that is, without a doubt, true.

Zweifellos gibt es noch viel zu tun. [Doubtless, there is still a lot to be done.]

24. Verständlicherweise – Understandably

If you want to add a thing that is understandable in the given context.

Verständlicherweise sind einige Menschen besorgt. [Understandably, some people are concerned.]

Practice the most important German essay phrases

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Learn the language and more German essay words and sentences with Conversation Based Chunking

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Useful German Essay Words and Phrases

Essay writing in German is in itself already a difficult endeavor. Now writing an essay in a foreign language like German —that’s on a different plane of difficulty.

To make it easier for you, here in this article, we’ve compiled the most useful German essay phrases. Feel free to use these to add a dash of pizzazz into your essays. It will add just the right amount of flourish into your writing—enough to impress whoever comes across your work!

German essay words

These words are very useful to start writing essays in German in academic way.

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Using expressions to organize ideas

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• History & Culture
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If you feel that your German writing assignments sound choppy or stilted, try incorporating some of the following expressions to make your writing flow better. These are all variations of common phrases that we often include in our native language — often without even thinking about it.

Listing and Ordering Facts and Ideas

• First of all, first — zunächst, erstens.
• Secondly, thirdly... — zweitens, drittens...
• besides — außerdem.
• then — dann.
• incidentally — übrigens.
• further — darüber hinaus.
• above all — vor allem.
• lastly, finally — letztendlich, schließlich.

Introducing and Stating Examples

• For example — zum Beispiel (abbreviated as z.B.)
• An example, as in "I would like to give an example" — ich möchte ein Beispiel anführen.
• Referring to point/example… — dabei sei auf Punkt/Beispiel… hingewiesen
• namely — und zwar.

To Clarify a Point

• In other words — Mit anderen Worten, anders ausgedrückt.
• This signifies particularly... — Dies gilt besonders für...
• This means — Dies bedeutet.

Writing a Summary or Conclusion

• In a nutshell — Im Großen und Ganzen.
• In a word — Kurz und gut.
• In conclusion — zum Schluss.
• To conclude, one can say that… — Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass...
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Learn German Home Vocabulary: Essay Writing on Mein Haus

Learning a new language is always an exciting and rewarding experience. When it comes to German, having a strong vocabulary is essential for effective communication. In this article, we will explore some common German vocabulary words that are used to describe a house. We will also provide you with tips on how to write an essay on “ Mein Haus ” (My House) at different proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you are just starting out with German or looking to expand your vocabulary and writing skills, this article will be a valuable resource for you.

In this article, we have provided a list of 50 German vocabulary words related to a house, including their English translations and pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). These words cover a range of features, from basic room types and furniture to outdoor structures and utilities. By learning these words, you will be able to describe your home or ask questions about someone else’s.

We have also included five essay titles that cater to different proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you are just starting out with German or looking to challenge yourself with more complex sentences and vocabulary, there is an essay title for you. Each essay title comes with a minimum word count requirement, which will help you structure your writing and stay focused.

Table of Contents

50 german vocabulary words related to a house (mein haus), including their english translations and pronunciation using the international phonetic alphabet (ipa).

• Haus (house) [haʊs]
• Zimmer (room) [ˈtsɪmɐ]
• Wohnzimmer (living room) [ˈvoːnzɪmɐ]
• Schlafzimmer (bedroom) [ˈʃlaːfˌtsɪmɐ]
• Küche (kitchen) [ˈkʏçə]
• Badezimmer (bathroom) [ˈbaːdəˌtsɪmɐ]
• Garten (garden) [ˈɡaʁtn̩]
• Balkon (balcony) [ˈbalkɔn]
• Terrasse (terrace) [tɛˈrasə]
• Fenster (window) [ˈfɛnstɐ]
• Tür (door) [tyːɐ̯]
• Boden (floor) [ˈboːdn̩]
• Wand (wall) [vand]
• Dach (roof) [dax]
• Treppenhaus (staircase) [ˈtʁɛpənˌhaʊs]
• Treppe (stairs) [ˈtʁɛpə]
• Teppich (carpet) [ˈtɛpɪç]
• Sofa (sofa) [ˈzoːfa]
• Sessel (armchair) [ˈzɛsl̩]
• Bett (bed) [bɛt]
• Schrank (wardrobe) [ʃʁaŋk]
• Regal (bookshelf) [ʁeˈɡaːl]
• Tisch (table) [tɪʃ]
• Stuhl (chair) [ʃtuːl]
• Lampe (lamp) [ˈlampə]
• Steckdose (power outlet) [ˈʃtɛkdozə]
• Spiegel (mirror) [ˈʃpiːɡl̩]
• Waschmaschine (washing machine) [ˈvaʃmasçiːnə]
• Kühlschrank (refrigerator) [ˈkyːlʃraŋk]
• Herd (stove) [hɛrt]
• Ofen (oven) [ˈoːfən]
• Geschirrspüler (dishwasher) [ɡəˈʃɪʁʁʃplyːɐ̯]
• Heizung (heating) [ˈhaɪtsʊŋ]
• Kamin (fireplace) [kaˈmiːn]
• Dusche (shower) [ˈdʊʃə]
• Badewanne (bathtub) [ˈbaːdəˌvanə]
• Handtuch (towel) [ˈhantʊx]
• Decke (blanket) [ˈdɛkə]
• Kissen (pillow) [ˈkɪsn̩]
• Vorhang (curtain) [ˈfoːʁhaŋ]
• Gardine (curtain) [ɡaʁˈdiːnə]
• Rollladen (roller shutter) [ˈʁɔlaːdən]
• Jalousie (blind) [ʒaluˈziː]
• Sonnenschirm (sun umbrella) [ˈzɔnənʃiʁm]
• Rasen (lawn) [ˈʁaːzn̩]
• Zaun (fence) [zaʊn]
• Türklingel (doorbell) [ˈtyːɐ̯klɪŋl̩]
• Briefkasten (mailbox) [ˈbʁiːfkastn̩]
• Hausnummer (house number) [ˈhaʊsˌnʊmɐ]
• Garagen (garage) [ɡaˈʁaːʒən]

5 German Essays on My House: Meine Haus

Beginner level: mein haus.

Ich lebe in einem kleinen Haus in der Stadt. Es ist zweistöckig und hat einen kleinen Garten. Im Erdgeschoss gibt es ein Wohnzimmer, eine Küche und ein Badezimmer. Im ersten Stock gibt es zwei Schlafzimmer und ein weiteres Badezimmer. Mein Zimmer befindet sich im ersten Stock und ich mag es sehr. Es hat eine schöne Aussicht auf den Garten. Ich fühle mich hier sehr wohl.

I live in a small house in the city. It is two-story and has a small garden. On the ground floor, there is a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. On the first floor, there are two bedrooms and another bathroom. My room is on the first floor, and I like it very much. It has a beautiful view of the garden. I feel very comfortable here.

Elementary Level: Mein Haus

Essay Two: 

Mein Traumhaus

Mein Traumhaus ist sehr groß und modern. Es hat drei Stockwerke und einen großen Garten mit einem Pool. Im Erdgeschoss gibt es eine geräumige Küche, ein großes Wohnzimmer und ein Esszimmer. Es gibt auch ein Arbeitszimmer und ein Badezimmer. Im ersten Stock gibt es vier Schlafzimmer und drei Badezimmer. Das Hauptschlafzimmer hat ein eigenes Badezimmer und einen begehbaren Kleiderschrank. Im zweiten Stock gibt es einen Fitnessraum und ein Spielzimmer. Es gibt auch eine Dachterrasse mit einem Whirlpool. Das ist mein Traumhaus.

My Dream House

My dream house is very big and modern. It has three floors and a large garden with a pool. On the ground floor, there is a spacious kitchen, a large living room, and a dining room. There is also a study and a bathroom. On the first floor, there are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master bedroom has its own bathroom and a walk-in closet. On the second floor, there is a gym and a game room. There is also a roof terrace with a hot tub. That is my dream house.

Intermediate Level: Mein Haus

Essay Three: 

Mein Haus und meine Familie

Ich wohne mit meiner Familie in einem Haus am Stadtrand. Es hat vier Schlafzimmer, drei Badezimmer und ein großes Wohnzimmer. Wir haben auch einen Garten mit vielen Blumen und Bäumen. Im Sommer essen wir oft draußen auf der Terrasse. Meine Eltern haben ihr Schlafzimmer im ersten Stock und meine Geschwister und ich haben unsere Zimmer im zweiten Stock. Mein Zimmer ist groß und hat einen Balkon mit Blick auf den Garten. Ich verbringe viel Zeit in meinem Zimmer und lerne auch dort. Ich liebe mein Haus und meine Familie sehr.

My House and My Family

I live with my family in a house on the outskirts of the city. It has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a large living room. We also have a garden with many flowers and trees. In the summer, we often eat outside on the terrace. My parents have their bedroom on the first floor, and my siblings and I have our rooms on the second floor. My room is spacious and has a balcony with a view of the garden. I spend a lot of time in my room and also study there. I love my house and my family very much.

Advanced Level: Mein Haus

Essay Four: 

Mein Haus und die Umgebung

Mein Haus befindet sich in einer ruhigen Gegend am Rande der Stadt. Es ist ein freistehendes Haus mit einem großen Garten. Wir haben eine Garage und einen Abstellraum für unsere Fahrräder und Werkzeuge. In der Umgebung gibt es viele Grünflächen und Spielplätze für Kinder. Es gibt auch eine Bushaltestelle in der Nähe, von der aus wir bequem in die Stadt fahren können. In der Umgebung gibt es auch viele Einkaufsmöglichkeiten und Restaurants. Wir haben Glück, dass wir in einer so schönen und praktischen Gegend wohnen.

My House and the Surroundings

My house is located in a quiet area on the outskirts of the city. It is a detached house with a large garden. We have a garage and a storage room for our bicycles and tools. In the surroundings, there are many green spaces and playgrounds for children. There is also a bus stop nearby from which we can easily travel to the city. In the area, there are also many shopping and dining options. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful and convenient area.

Essay Five:

Mein Traumhaus ist ein modernes Einfamilienhaus am See. Es hat große Fenster und eine Terrasse, die einen atemberaubenden Blick auf den See bietet. Das Haus ist in einem minimalistischen Stil gestaltet, mit klaren Linien und neutralen Farben.

Im Inneren gibt es eine offene Wohnküche mit einem großen Esstisch und modernen Geräten. Die Möbel sind bequem und stilvoll zugleich. Das Wohnzimmer verfügt über einen Kamin und eine gemütliche Couch, auf der ich mich entspannen und ein Buch lesen kann.

Das Haus hat auch ein Arbeitszimmer mit einem Schreibtisch und einem bequemen Stuhl, wo ich in Ruhe arbeiten kann. Das Schlafzimmer ist geräumig und hat ein großes Fenster, durch das ich den Sonnenaufgang über dem See sehen kann. Das Badezimmer ist modern und luxuriös, mit einer großen Badewanne und einer begehbaren Dusche.

Außerhalb des Hauses gibt es einen Garten mit einem Pool und einem Grillbereich, wo ich Freunde und Familie zu einem Barbecue einladen kann. Der See bietet viele Freizeitmöglichkeiten wie Angeln, Schwimmen und Bootfahren.

Mein Traumhaus ist der perfekte Ort, um zur Ruhe zu kommen und die Schönheit der Natur zu genießen.

My dream house is a modern single-family house by the lake. It has large windows and a terrace that offers a breathtaking view of the lake. The house is designed in a minimalist style, with clean lines and neutral colors.

Inside, there is an open-plan living kitchen with a large dining table and modern appliances. The furniture is comfortable and stylish at the same time. The living room has a fireplace and a cozy couch where I can relax and read a book.

The house also has a study with a desk and a comfortable chair where I can work in peace. The bedroom is spacious and has a large window through which I can see the sunrise over the lake. The bathroom is modern and luxurious, with a large bathtub and a walk-in shower.

Outside the house, there is a garden with a pool and a barbecue area where I can invite friends and family for a barbecue. The lake offers many recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating.

My dream house is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

In conclusion, learning German home vocabulary and writing an essay on “ Mein Haus ” is an effective way to improve your language skills. By expanding your vocabulary and practicing your writing, you will gain confidence in expressing yourself in German. We hope that this article has been a valuable resource for you and has inspired you to continue learning and exploring the German language.

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Difference between ein, eine, einen, and einem in the German Language

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GCSE German: Golden phrases for speaking and writing

A GCSE German handout with suggested phrases for students to include in their speaking and writing. It consists of a page of German opinion phrases and connectives plus their English translations.

By using these German essay phrases and spoken expressions, learners will be able to improve the variety and complexity of their language to access higher grades.

The list may also be useful for A-level German.

An extract from this list of useful German phrases:

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189 German Words That Learners Should Memorize ASAP [with Audio]

There are hundreds of thousands (potentially millions) of German words hanging around, just waiting to be learned and used.

But as a newcomer to German vocabulary, you’ll need to prioritize certain ones.

I’ll show you 189 of the most useful German words you should learn first.

I’ve chosen them based on frequency and usefulness. Learn these, and you’ll be much better off in your next German conversation.

Common German Nouns

German prepositions, german pronouns, common german phrases, german verbs, german adjectives, german body parts, german numbers, german time and seasons, common multi-purpose words and phrases, questions and responses, english imports, fun expressions, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

German nouns are gendered and paired with the appropriate pronoun: d er is the masculine pronoun, die is feminine, das is neuter and  die  is also used for plural nouns.

Let’s go over some of the critical ones you should know.

1. der Mann  — man

2. die Frau — woman

3. das Kind — child

4. der Junge — boy

5. das Mädchen — girl

6. der Freund — friend

7. die Leute — people (plural)

8. die Familie — family

9. die Arbeit — work

10. die Stadt — city

11. das Ding — thing

12. das Beispiel — example

13. die Frage — question

14. das Problem — problem

15. das Leben — life

16. das Geld — money

17. das Essen — food

18. das Haus — house

German prepositions take different cases . Some can take on more than one, with a rule of thumb being that the dative is used for stasis or location and the accusative used for describing movement or a change of state.

Be aware that using the wrong case can imply a different meaning!

19. von — by, of, from (dative)

20. um — about, around, at (accusative)

21. zu — to, towards (dative)

22. bis — until, by, up to (accusative)

23. an  — to, on (accusative or dative)

24. auf — on, to, upon (accusative or dative)

25. aus — from, out of (dative)

26. bei — by, at, near, in (dative)

27. seit — since, for (dative)

28. für — for (accusative)

29. vor — before, in front of (dative)

30. nach — after, towards (dative)

31. in — in (accusative or dative)

32. durch  — through (accusative)

33. mit — with (dative)

34. neben — beside, near (dative)

German pronouns  can be a little tricky for learners because they change depending on the case and, at times, gender. We’ll go over the pronouns in their nominative, accusative and dative forms (in that order).

35. ich / mich / mir — I / me

36. du / dich / dir  — you (informal, singular)

37. er / ihn / ihm  — he / him / it (for masculine nouns)

38. sie / sie / ihr — she / her / it (for feminine nouns)

39. es / es / ihm — it (for neuter nouns) 

40. wir / uns / uns — we / us

41. ihr   / euch / euch — you (informal, plural)

42. sie / sie / ihnen  — they / them

43. Sie / Sie / Ihnen  — you (formal, singular and plural)

Few conversations would feel complete without the bare essentials of phrases. These are the basic German phrases and expressions that you’re bound to use in any chat you have, no matter how long or short.

44. Hallo — Hello

45. Guten Morgen  — Good morning

46. Guten Abend  — Good afternoon

47. Gute Nacht — Good night

48. Ich heiße… — My name is…

49. Wie geht’s?  — How are you? (informal)

50. Auf Wiedersehen — Goodbye / See you again

51. Tschüss — Bye

52. Gesundheit — Bless you

53. Ja — Yes

54. Nein — No

55. Vielleicht  — Maybe / Perhaps

56. Bitte — Please / You’re welcome

57. Entschuldigung — Excuse me

58. Danke   — Thanks

59. Es tut mir leid — I’m sorry

60. Genau — Exactly / That’s right

61. Ach so — I see

To get to know more everyday phrases in German, you can watch the videos on FluentU. 

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

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Off to do something? Hopefully you know how to say so in German. Here are some common German verbs that will get you going.

62. sein — to be

63. haben   — to have

64. machen   — to make, do

65. gehen — to go

66. nehmen — to take

67. bringen  — to bring

68. werden   — to become

69. wollen  — to want

70. wissen  — to know (information)

71. kennen  — to know (a person or place)

72. können — can, to be able to

73. mögen  — to like

74. denken  — to think

Luckily, many adjectives in German sound quite similar to their English counterparts. Just don’t forget that in German, adjectives are also conjugated when paired with nouns.

75. gut  — good

76. schlecht — bad

77. klein — small

78. groß  — big, tall

79. schön  — handsome, beautiful, lovely, nice

80. fantastisch  — fantastic

81. traurig — sad

82. müde — tired

83. neu — new

84. alt — old

85. jung — young

86. kalt — cold

87. heiß — hot

88. kurz — short

89. lang — long

90. viel — a lot / very

91. wenig — a little 

Knowing how to describe the body parts in German is essential for beginner learners. Here are some of the crucial body parts you should know right away. 

92. der Körper — body

93. der Kopf — head

94. das Gesicht  — face

95. die Augen  — eyes

96. die Nase — nose

97. der Mund — mouth

98. der Hals — neck

99. die Schulter — shoulder

100. die Brust — chest / breast

101. der Rücken — back

102. der Bauch — stomach

103. der Arm — arm

104. die Hand  — hand

105. das Bein — leg

106. der Fuß — foot

Counting in German is pretty simple, but you’ll of course have to get familiar with the numbers first. No worries—they should be pretty quick to memorize!

107. null   — zero

108. eins — one

109. zwei   — two

110. drei — three

111. vier  — four

112. fünf  — five

113. sechs  — six

114. sieben  — seven

115. acht  — eight

116. neun  — nine

117. zehn  — ten

118. elf  — eleven

119. zwölf  — twelve

120. dreizehn  — thirteen

121. vierzehn  — fourteen

122. fünfzehn  — fifteen

123. sechzehn  — sixteen

124. siebzehn  — seventeen

125. achtzehn — eighteen

126. neunzehn  — nineteen

127. zwanzig — twenty

128. dreißig  — thirty

129. vierzig — forty

130. fünfzig — fifty

131. sechzig — sixty

132. siebzig — seventy

133. achtzig — eighty

134. neunzig  — ninety

135. hundert  — one hundred

136. tausend  — one thousand

Words associated with time in German and the time of year are also one of the first things on the beginner learner’s agenda. So make sure to start learning these!

137. die Zeit  — time

138. früh  — early

139. spät  — late

140. die Uhr  — clock / o’clock (pronoun removed)

141. die Stunde  — hour

142. die Minute — minute

143. der Tag  — day

144. die Woche  — week

145. der Monat  — month

146. das Jahr — year

147. der Winter  — winter

148. der Frühling  — spring

149. der Herbst  — fall

150. der Sommer — summer

The words in this section are multi-purpose words that you’ll hear often, with definitions broad enough to apply in a variety of contexts—it’s handy to have these guys around.

151. Stimmt   — agreed / right / true

It is often used to affirm a comment someone else has made. 

152. Stimmt das?   —  Is that right?

153 . Das stimmt nicht — That’s not right

154. Stimmt so! —  Keep the change (handy in restaurants/cafes if you’re feeling generous)

155. Genau — exactly

It serves as something of a filler or sentence connector when you’ve paused between statements, similar to the way you use “so” in English. 

156. Genau hier — Right here

157. Genau wie — Exactly like

158. Also — well/so

159. Also! Fangen wir an? — Well, shall we get started? (Expression of enthusiasm)

160. Also…ich weiß es nicht — Well…I don’t know. (Expression of uncertainty)

161 . Äh — the German version of “um”

162. Oder — or / right / isn’t it?

163 . Einen schönen Abend / Tag noch — a lovely evening/day still

This phrase is used for polite leave-taking, usually between strangers or acquaintances. It is basically the equivalent of “have a nice day.” 

164. Schönes Wochenende — have a nice weekend

165. Gleichfalls! — likewise / same to you

You can say this in reply to a polite leave-taking phrase such as the above. It’s the appropriate catch-all response to all manner of well wishing.

166. Wie, bitte? — pardon?

The polite way of asking someone to repeat themselves, if you haven’t heard or understood.

167 . Was geht? — what’s up? / what’s going on?

This is how you’d informally say “what’s up?” or “what’s going on?” to a friend.

168. Was ist los? — What’s wrong?

169. Hast du was (etwas)? — Is something wrong?

170. Warum? — Why?

171. Echt? — Really?

172. Geil! — Cool!

173. Ach, so! — Aha!

It’s also a good idea to brush up on your  Umgangsprache   (slang)  here .

It’s reassuring to know that you’re going to regularly come across many German words that you recognize. A growing number of German words are direct imports from English.

Take these verbs:

174. skypen — Skype

175. downloaden — to download

176. checken — to check

177. chatten — to chat

178. bloggen — to blog 

These have all been effectively adapted from English to the German grammatical structure. As you can see, many come from relatively recent developments in digital technology. But you’ll also find:

179. surfen — to surf (on the net as well as at the beach)

180. joggen — to jog

181. pushen — to push

182 . flirten — to flirt

183. babysitten — to babysit 

184. smalltalken — to small talk 

And, increasingly:

185. sorry — sorry (is it really surprising when  Entschuldigung   is such a mouthful?)

Finally, here’s a fairly exhaustive  list of English loanwords in German .

You’ll need to have a giggle from time to time. Lucky for you, German has plenty of  amusing yet functional  words to offer. Here’s a few that might make you smile.

186. Quatsch — rubbish

For example:

Das ist Quatsch (that’s rubbish) or quatschen   (to talk rubbish)

187. Blöd — stupid

188. Lust — passion or inclination

If someone asks you if you have  Lust auf Schockolade ,  they’re not prompting you to expose your burning desire for the stuff, but rather whether you feel like eating it.

Similarly,  ich habe keine Lust darauf   simply means “I don’t feel like it.”

189. Jein — yes and no

It’s used to express a divided opinion. 

189 words sounds like a lot, but remember, these are just the tip of the German language iceberg! Our complete guide on how  to learn German vocabulary is here .

Once you’re confident with the essentials, you can plow forward and indulge in all the other fun and quirky words unique to German!

Want to know the key to learning German effectively?

It's using the right content and tools, like FluentU has to offer ! Browse hundreds of videos, take endless quizzes and master the German language faster than you've ever imagine!

Watching a fun video, but having trouble understanding it? FluentU brings native videos within reach with interactive subtitles.

You can tap on any word to look it up instantly. Every definition has examples that have been written to help you understand how the word is used. If you see an interesting word you don't know, you can add it to a vocabulary list.

And FluentU isn't just for watching videos. It's a complete platform for learning. It's designed to effectively teach you all the vocabulary from any video. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you're on.

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The Environment: German Vocab & Reading Posted by Constanze on Apr 29, 2019 in Culture , Language

Guten Tag! Today we’re going to talk about die Umwelt (the environment). Each year on April 22nd, the world celebrates der Tag der Erde (Earth Day). This is a day where events are held and awareness is raised about protecting unser Planet (our planet) and the environment. This post will provide you with plenty of vocabulary on the environment, and related posts from this blog about Germany and the environment.

all images: pixabay

Earth Day – der Tag der Erde

Earth – die Erde

environment – die Umwelt

environmentally-friendly – umweltfreundlich

pollution – die Umweltverschmutzung (sometimes shortened to die Verschmutzung )

climate change – der Klimawandel

global warming – die globale Erwärmung

greenhouse effect – der Treibhauseffekt

renewable energy – die erneuerbare Energie

solar panel – der Sonnenkollektor (‘sun collector’!)

recycling – das Recycling / die Wiederverwertung

to recycle – recyceln / wieder verwerten

to reduce – reduzieren

to reuse – wieder verwenden

waste – der Abfall / der Müll

to waste – verschwenden

zero waste – null-Abfall / null-Müll

extreme weather – das extremes Wetter (also called ‘das Unwetter’ )

eco-system – das Ökosystem

deforestation – die Abholzung

over-fishing – die Überfischung

agriculture – die Landwirtschaft

meat consumption – der Fleischkonsum

plastic – das Plastik / der Kunststoff

straw – der Strohhalm

plastic bag – die Plastiktüte

paper bag – die Papiertüte

sea – das Meer

ocean – der Ozean

lake – der See

forest – der Wald

volcano – der Vulkan

iceberg — der Eisberg

fresh air – die frische Luft

Here is a selection of posts on this blog that talk about environmental topics in Germany:

Rettet die Bienen! This post discusses attempts in Germany to save the bees.

Diesel-Fahrverbot The first section of this post talks about the banning of diesel cars in Germany.

Der Blaue Engel This post talks about a German stamp that signifies a product is environmentally friendly.

Mülltrennung This post talks about how waste gets separated in Germany.

Bottle deposits (Pfand) The second part of this post talks about the bottle deposit (Pfand) system in Germany.

Heißzeit This post talks about the 2018 German ‘Word Of The Year’, which references the extremely hot weather Germany had that year.

Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.

About the Author: Constanze

Servus! I'm Constanze and I live in the UK. I'm half English and half German, and have been writing about German language and culture on this blog since 2014. I am also a fitness instructor & personal trainer.

Gerhild West:

This information about the earth is just great for my advanced group. Thank you very much

Newton Peart:

I loved in Berlin many years ago am now living in Jamaica very difficult to find German speakers,these blogs help keep up to date.

Mit freundlichen grüssen

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StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

92 Basic German Phrases To Survive Your First Conversation With A Native

Have you ever wanted to learn German?

Or are you planning a trip to a German-speaking country?

To get started and have your first basic conversations in German, you're going to need to learn some words!

In this post, you'll learn 92 basic German phrases and words that will help you on your travels or just at home. 

To make it easier for you, I've divided the phrases into different categories.

German Greetings & Introductions

• “I do not understand!” – Getting Out Of Sticky Situations

Numbers In German

Visiting a german restaurant, transport – getting around in germany.

• Asking For Directions
• Shopping In German
• Dealing with Medical Emergencies
• Finding Hidden Gems

Whether you're going to Germany or Austria or Switzerland, chances are you can get by in English.  But if you learn basic German too, you'll be able to connect more with German speakers. 

Having a few common German phrases will make you experience these countries in a completely different way.

And even at home , learning German will allow you to learn more about German culture and connect with native German speakers in your local community.

You don't need to have a natural flair for language learning. Learning a few key phrases and being able to use them is a great start. And German isn't as hard as its reputation suggests, especially for native English speakers. 

You never know, maybe learning these phrases will motivate you to go on and learn to speak German fluently.

Note:  Want to go beyond basic German phrases and learn German with confidence and fluency? The best way to do so is by working through a comprehensive and well designed course.

My top recommendation is   German Uncovered , my in-depth online German course for beginners that teaches you through the power of story. If you’re ready to get started,  click here for a 7-day FREE trial.

If you want to make a good impression with German speakers, you'll need a few basic phrases to meet and greet people.

After all, you're going to use greetings every time you have a conversation in German!

These phrases are simple, easy to remember and will help you make new German friends. 

#1 Hallo – Hello [any time of day]

#2 Hallo, wie geht’s? – Hello, how are you?

#3 Guten Morgen  – Good morning

#4 Guten Tag [lit. good day] – Good afternoon

#5 Guten Abend  – Good evening

#6 Gute Nacht  – Good night

#7 Vielen Dank  – Thank you very much

#8 Ich danke Ihnen auch –  Thank you, too [in reply to “thank you” from someone else else]

#9 Tschüss, bis zum nächsten Mal  – Goodbye, see you next time

#10 Schönes Wetter heute, nicht wahr? – It's lovely weather today, is not it?

#11 Mein Name ist _  – My name is _____

#12 Ich bin Amerikaner, Kanadier, Engländer (male)  – I'm American / Canadian / English

#13 Ich bin Amerikanerin, Kanadierin, Engländerin (female)  – I'm American / Canadian / English

#14 Woher kommen Sie? – Where are you from?

#15 Freut mich  – Nice to meet you!

⬑ Jump back to the contents

“I Do Not Understand!” – Getting Out Of Sticky Situations

It might seem a little intimidating to speak German, especially if you're new to the language. German people will be understanding if you're struggling to get your message across or catch what they say .

At the same time, don't hesitate to use these expressions to help the conversation run smoothly if you don't understand something or need a little help.

#16 Es tut mir leid, aber ich verstehe nicht  – I'm sorry, but I do not understand

#17  Ich spreche nicht gut Deutsch  – I do not speak German very well

#18 Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? – Could you say that again please?

#19 Können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen? – Could you say that more slowly please?

#20  Schreiben Sie das bitte für mich auf – Please write that down for me

#21 Was bedeutet das? – What does that mean?

#22 Sprechen Sie Englisch? – Do you speak English?

#23  Es tut mir leid – I'm sorry

#24  Ich weiß nicht – I do not know

#25 In Ordnung  – All right

#26  Macht nichts – never mind

Whether you're at the supermarket, ordering in a restaurant, or just having a normal conversation, it's essential to know how to use numbers in German. Eins, zwei, drei….l et's get to it!

• null – zero
• eins – one
• zwei – two
• drei – three
• vier – four
• fünf  – five
• sechs  – six
• sieben – seven
• acht – eight
• neun – nine
• zehn – ten
• elf – eleven
• zwölf – twelve
• dreizehn – thirteen
• vierzehn – fourteen
• fünfzehn – fifteen
• sechzehn – sixteen
• siebzehn – seventeen
• achtzehn – eighteen
• neunzehn – nineteen
• zwanzig  – twenty
• einundzwanzig – twenty-one
• zweiundzwanzig – twenty-two
• dreiundzwanzig   – twenty-three
• vierundzwanzig – twenty-four
• fünfundzwanzig – twenty-five
• sechsundzwanzig – twenty-six
• siebenundzwanzig   – twenty-seven
• achtundzwanzig – twenty-eight
• neunundzwanzig – twenty-nine
• dreißig – thirty
• einunddreißig – thirty-one
• zweiunddreißig – thirty-two
• vierzig – forty
• fünfzig – fifty
• sechzig – sixty
• siebzig – seventy
• achtzig – eighty
• neunzig – ninety
• hundert  – one hundred
• zweihundertfünfzig – two hundred and fifty
• fünfhundert – five hundred
• siebenhundertdreiundachtzig – seven hundred and eighty three
• tausend – one thousand

One of the most enjoyable cultural experiences you can have in a German-speaking country is visiting a restaurant and trying out some of the delicious local dishes.

The following phrases cover all the questions and statements you need to make when eating out, from asking for a table to paying the bill!

#27 Ein Tisch für eine Person bitte  – A table for one, please

#28 Ein Tisch für zwei Personen, bitte  – A table for two, please

#29 Haben Sie schon auf? – Are you open yet?

#30 Können wir (auf einen Tisch) warten? – Can we wait (for a table)?

#31 Können wir dort sitzen? – Can we sit over there?

#32 Entschuldigung! – Excuse me! [Calling a waiter]

#33 Was empfehlen Sie? – What do you recommend?

#34 Was ist das beliebteste Gericht? – What's your most popular dish?

#35 Was ist das? – What is this?

#36 Was für Bier haben Sie?  – What type of beer do you have?

#37 Ein kleines Bier bitte  – A small beer, please

#38 Ein großes Bier bitte  – A large beer, please

#39 Bringen Sie mir bitte eine Auswahl von leckeren Sachen  – Please bring me a selection of nice things

#40 Bitte wählen Sie etwas  – It's up to you / You can decide

#41 Die Rechnung, bitte  – The bill, please

#42 Kann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben? – Can I have the menu, please?

By the way, if you're interested in food and drink as it relates to German culture, take a look at this post about Oktoberfest, the world-famous Bavarian beer festival. 

There are lots of practicalities to consider when taking a trip to Germany, including finding your way around. Finding the right train or bus on time isn’t always easy and you don’t want to end up being the ‘foreigner’ who is holding up the ticket queue!

In this section, you’ll learn some key transport phrases that will help you quickly and easily navigate your way around any German-speaking city or country.

#43 Ich möchte nach _____  – I want to go to

#44 Wann fährt der nächste Zug / Bus nach _____? – What time is the next train/bus to __ ?

#45 Was kostet das? – How much is it?

#46 Einmal/ zweimal (nach _____), bitte – 1 ticket / 2 tickets (to _____), please

#47 Wie lange dauert das? – How long does it take?

#48 Wohin muss ich jetzt gehen? – Where should I go now?

#49 Wann fährt er ab? – When does it leave?

#50 Wie spät ist es (jetzt)? – What time is it (now)?

#51 Hält der Zug/ Bus in _ ? – Does this train/bus stop in _____?

#52 Entschuldigen Sie, ist dies _____? – Excuse me, is this _____ ? [Useful when you're on the bus / train and are not sure when to get off]

#53 Können Sie das bitte für mich aufschreiben? – Can you write that down for me?

#54 Zeigen Sie mir das bitte auf der Karte? – Can you show me on the map?

#55 Wo ist _____ auf der Karte? – Where is _____  on the map?

Asking For Directions In German 

Public transport in Germany is notoriously excellent, but there are some places you'll need to walk or drive to yourself. And for most of us, that means occasionally getting lost and asking for directions!

Here are the phrases you need to ask and receive directions in German:

#56 Entschuldigung, darf ich Sie etwas fragen? –  Excuse me, could I ask you something?

#57  Ich möchte nach _____  – I want to go to _ [If you know the name of your destination]

#58  Ich möchte dahin  – I want to go here [Pointing to your destination on the map]

#59 Ich habe mich verlaufen  – I'm lost (on foot)

#60 Ich habe mich verfahren  – I'm lost (by car)

#61 Wie komme ich dahin? – How can I get there?

#62 Geht es hier lang? – Is it this way? [Useful for checking if you're walking in the right direction]

#63 Zeigen Sie mir das bitte auf der Karte? – Can you show me on the map?

#64 Wo ist __? – Where is _ ?

Shopping And Grabbing A Bargain In German

Whether you're at the supermarket, the shopping centre or the local farmer's market you're going to buy things at some point or another!

And even haggle a bit –  just like you would in English. Grab a bargain in German with these sentences. 

#65  Das gefällt mir  – I like this

#66 Was kostet das? – How much is this?

#67 Bitte wiederholen Sie das  – Can you say that again please?

#68 Schreiben Sie das bitte für mich auf? – Can you write that down for me?

#69 Und wenn ich das alles kaufe? – If I buy these together? [A useful way to knock the price down]

#70 Das ist mir zu teuer  – it's too expensive for me

#71 Geben Sie mir einen Rabatt? – Can you give me a discount?

#72  Ich suche nach _____  – I'm looking for a _____

#73  Ich schaue mich nur um – I'm just looking around

#74 Danke, ich suche noch weiter  – Thank you, I'll keep looking [if you're getting hassled to buy something]

#75 Moment, bitte  – Just a moment

#76 Ja, bitte  – Yes, please

#77 Nein, danke  – No, thanks

Dealing With Medical Emergencies In German 

Hopefully, you'll never need the phrases in this section! Nonetheless, it's always good to know some basic medical vocabulary so that you can handle an emergency if you're unwell or have an accident.

#78 Können Sie mir bitte helfen? – Can you help me, please?

#79 Ich brauche einen Arzt  – I need to see a doctor

#80  Es geht mir nicht gut – I do not feel well

#81  Es geht ihm/ihr nicht gut – he / she does not feel well

#82 Gibt es ein Krankenhaus in der Nähe? – Is there a hospital near here?

#83 Fahren Sie mich bitte zum Krankenhaus  – Take me to the hospital [To a taxi driver]

#84 Es tut hier weh  – It hurts here [pointing to body part]

#85 Ich brauche Medizin  – I need some medicine

Finding Hidden Gems In German-Speaking Countries 

I've included a couple of questions you can ask the locals, so you can find the hidden gems in their cities and have a more authentic German experience!

#86 Es tut mir leid, Sie zu stören, aber…  – I'm sorry to bother you, but …

#87 Kann ich Sie schnell etwas fragen? – Could I ask you something quickly?

#88 Ich suche ein Restaurant mit gutem Essen hier in der Nähe  – I'm looking for a place with good food around here

#89  Ich suche ein nettes Café in der Nähe  – I'm looking for a nice cafe in the area

#90 Wissen Sie etwas über _____?  – Do you know anything about _____ ?

#91 Gibt es hier in der Nähe etwas Interessantes zu sehen? – Is there anything interesting to see in this area?

#92 Trotzdem danke  – Thank you anyway [if the person can not help you]

Your Next Steps In German

So there you have it: a collection of German expressions to help you get started on your new adventure!

With these phrases in your back pocket, you'll soon find yourself having your first basic conversations and getting excited about continuing to improve your German .

So now that you've learned the basics, are you ready to take the next step in your German adventure?

I'm a big believer in the power of story to enable you to learn a language . That's why I've created an entire beginner course to help you learn German online by immersing yourself in a compelling story.

It's my German Uncovered course, and it's designed to take you from beginner to B1 Intermediate level.

Click here for more information on the course and how it'll help you.

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How to Express Your Daily Routine in German

by  fredo21  

January 27, 2021

0  Comments

When you get up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do? Have coffee, brush your teeth, turn your computer on? Can you say it in German?

This article will explain the most-used German verbs for talking about your daily routine. You use them to tell someone how your day was or explain to your spouse why you were late from work. What is more, our German vocabulary for daily routine carries important grammar lessons that can improve your language skills.

Divisible Verbs

Our first choices are both divisible verbs, which play a key role in describing the beginning of your day.

Examples 

Both verbs express a transition from one state to another (ex. from asleep to awake, from lying to standing), which is why they both take the auxiliary verb sein in the past tense:

Reflexive Verbs 

Our list goes on with reflexive verbs. These verbs act on the subject itself. They always have sich in the infinitive form. Sich rasieren (to shave oneself) is another common daily routine verb that’s reflexive. In English, we wouldn’t say, “Shave yourself!” to someone, only “shave!” but in German, it would be “Rasiere dich!” 

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Let’s go back to “sich die Zähne putzen” for a second because it’s slightly different.

While the infinitive also has sich , the reflexive verb takes the dative in the first and second person singular. These are the only exceptions.

When there is a direct object, the verb takes the dative in the first and second person singular. When there isn’t, it takes the accusative.

In addition, waschen takes the umlaut in the second and third person singular:

This verb is extra-hard because it is both divisible and reflexive. Other than that, it’s just like our previous example.

Same rule: when there is a direct object, the verb takes the dative in the first and second person singular. When there isn’t, it takes the accusative. It doesn’t matter what clothing item or accessory you use.

Quite a few reflexive verbs offer much needed convenience, for example fernsehen – to watch TV. You don’t need to use the word for television because the verb expresses the entire action of watching television.Enter your text here...

In keeping with the rule, the verb sehen (to see) takes second position. The most common prefixes in divisible verbs are: an-, auf-, mit-, vor–, zu-, aus–, ab-, and ein-.

Another example is frühstücken (frue-shtuek-en) - to have breakfast. Like with fernsehen , you don’t need to use the word for breakfast (das Fruhstuck ) to express the action. Unlike fernsehen , this verb is not divisible.

Many daily routine verbs are a mix of reflexive and divisible verbs, such as sich ausruhen (to relax). It is not reflexive in English (few English verbs are), but it is in German.

Other Common Daily Routine Vocab

Example , weekend and free time vocab .

Das Wochenende (the weekend) is the time to relax ( sich entspannen , sich ausruhen ) for people who work a lot during the week. It’s also the time when they have more things to do around the house or other chores. The following is a list of some typical activities and chores people do at the weekend. 

Quiet Time and Other Laws 

The laws in Germany are pretty strict when it comes to stores’ business hours. Most stores close up Saturday afternoon and don’t reopen until Monday morning. This means you need to stock up for that extra day. Only gas stations are open on Sundays and they have a limited food product range, mostly junk food, which is overpriced to make up for being open on Sunday.

After doing some chores and shopping on Saturday morning, some Germans enjoy cycling ( Fahrrad fahren ), taking a Spaziergang or spazieren gehen (walk), or joggen (going jogging).

Traditionally, people rest on Sundays. Many go to church and socialize. Families enjoy a home-cooked meal at noon, after which they might go for a stroll. In the afternoon, people share Kaffee and Kuchen (coffee and cake) or a slice of delicious Apfelstrudel (apple pie). 

You are not allowed to partake in loud activities like playing music loudly, mowing your lawn, vacuuming, or doing any home improvement on Sundays and holidays and between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.

There you have it, a list of German words and phrases for daily routine. What about you? Can you write your routine in German and share it with us in the comments?

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