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59 German Oral Exam Phrases With Audio

Are you about to take a German oral exam?

You can help prepare with this bank of 59 German oral exam phrases, which will help you talk about yourself, key topics and more.

59 Ready-to-use Phrases to Ace Your German Oral Exam

Introduction phrases and questions, talking about yourself, asking about someone else, phrases and questions for shopping, phrases and questions to ask for help, expressing and asking for opinions, giving a mini-presentation, opening phrases, main points, concluding phrases, important grammatical structures for a smooth german oral exam.

• Partizip 2 (Present Perfect Tense)
• Modalverben (Modal Verbs)
• Trennbare Verben (Separable Verbs)

Konnektoren (Connectors)

How to prepare for a german oral exam, familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, memorize words smarter with word maps, practice in the mirror, watch and listen to native speakers, and one more thing....

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I personally consider Steve Jobs to be one of the greatest oral speakers. His key tip was: rehearse, rehearse and rehearse— with the phrases you want to use in your presentation.

Here are some of my phrase banks for German oral exams, grouped by category. We’ve based these categories largely on the Goethe-Zertifikat oral exam rubrics , but you can mix, match and adapt them to any exam you’re planning to take.

Remember to take note of the different ways of saying “you”. You should use  Sie  for formal situations, such as asking your examiner questions, and du  for informal situations, such as role-playing a conversation with a friend with the examiner. We’ve listed both forms below in all our phrases. 

Ich heiße… / Ich bin… (My name is…/I am…)

Ich komme aus… (I come from…)

Ich wohne in… (I live in…)

Ich bin … Jahre alt. (I am … years old.)

Meine Hobbys sind… (My hobbies are…)

Was machen Sie/machst du gerade? (What are you doing right now?)

Was machen Sie/machst du beruflich? (What do you do professionally?)

Was machen Sie in Ihrer/machst du in deiner Freizeit? (What do you do in your free time?)

Wann haben Sie/hast du frei? (When are you free?)

For many beginner and lower-intermediate German oral exams, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can get by in daily German life. You may be asked to role-play a conversation in a store or some other German public place. These questions and phrases will help.

For the most part you should avoid using the du form in this context, as you would want to speak respectfully and formally with strangers.

Wie viel kostet … ? / Was kostet … ? (How much does … cost?)

Wo kaufen/bekommen Sie…? (Where do you buy/get…?)

Wie sind Ihre/deine Arbeitszeiten? (What are your working hours?)

Wann schließt … ? (When does … close?)

Wann öffnet die Bäckerei/der Supermarkt/die Apotheke? (When does the bakery/supermarket/pharmacy open?)

Ich hätte gern / Ich möchte…  (I would like…)

Ich habe eine Frage. (I have a question/inquiry.)

Könnten Sie/könntest du mir bitte helfen? (Could you please help me?)

Könnten Sie/könntest du bitte mir ein/eine/einen … geben? (Could you please give me a … ?)

Könnten Sie mir sagen… (Could you tell me…)

Ich möchte wissen, ob… (I would like to know whether…)

Vielen Dank für die Informationen/Hilfe. (Thanks a lot for the information/help.)

Was meinen Sie/meinst du dazu? (What do you think about that?)

Meiner Meinung nach… (In my opinion…)

Ich finde, dass… (I find that…)

Ich glaube, dass… (I think that…)

Haben Sie/hast du etwas dazu zu sagen? (Do you have something to say about that?)

Wie denken Sie/denkst du? (What do you think?)

At the intermediate stages and up, you’ll need to prove that you can discuss a topic coherently, support your opinions and address counterarguments. The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 exam , for example, requires a brief presentation about an everyday topic.

Guten Tag, meine Damen und Herren. (Hello, ladies and gentlemen.)

Mein heutiges Thema ist… (Today my topic is…)

Ich spreche über dieses Thema, weil… (I am speaking about this topic because…)

Ich möchte über die folgenden Punkte sprechen… (I would like to speak about the following points…)

Erstens/zweitens/drittens werde ich über … sprechen.  (First/second/third I will be talking about … .)

Ich möchte kurz zusammenfassen. (I would like to shortly conclude.)

Abschließend möchte ich sagen, dass… (In conclusion I would like to say that…)

Vielen Dank für Ihre/deine Aufmerksamkeit. (Thank you for the attention.)

Haben Sie noch Fragen? (Do you have any questions?)

Partizip 2  (Present Perfect Tense)

This tense is particularly useful for question-framing. Of course to use this tense, just be sure you’re familiar with your German participles .

Haben Sie schon etwas gegessen? (Have you eaten something already?)

Wie sind Sie/bist du nach London gefahren? (How did you travel to London?)

Wann hast du Deutsch gelernt? (When did you learn German?)

Modalverben  (Modal Verbs)

German modal verbs are quite handy to use in question-framing or expressing wants, abilities, permissions, etc.:

Könn(t)en Sie Bitte… (Could/Can you please…)

Ich wollte eigentlich… (I actually wanted to…)

Darf ich… ? (May I… ?)

Trennbare Verben  (Separable Verbs)

Many German oral exams will ask you to make plans or negotiate with another German speaker to demonstrate flexible conversation skills . Separable verbs are very useful here.

Kommst du Freitag um neunzehn Uhr mit? (Are you coming along on Friday at 7pm?)

Was bringst du zur Party mit? (What are you bringing along to the party?)

Um wie viel Uhr soll ich dich abholen? (At what time should I pick you up?)

Was ziehst du heute an? (What are you wearing today?)

Das sieht gut aus. (That looks good.)

These work well in expressing opinions , thoughts, conditions and situations.

weil (because):

Remember to place the verb in the second clause at the end.

Das ist so, weil… (That is so, because…)

Ich denke so, weil… (I think so, because…)

Ich habe keine Zeit, weil… (I have no time because…)

Ich brauche es, weil… (I need it because….)

Ich habe es so gemacht, weil… (I did it that way because…)

dass (that):

This connector is used to reinforce facts and express direct speech as indirect. It’s very handy when you want to express your personal opinion. This again displaces the verb in the second clause to the end.

Mir ist es klar, dass… (It is clear that…)

Ich meine, dass… (I mean to say that…)

Das zeigt uns, dass… (It shows us that…)

obwohl (although):

This could either be placed in the first clause or the second.

Obwohl ich das gesagt habe, glaube ich… (Although I said this, I think…)

Ich bin überhaupt nicht müde, obwohl ich die ganze Nacht nicht geschlafen habe. (I’m not tired at all, even though I didn’t sleep all night.)

Now that you’ve learned 59 key German oral exam phrases, it’s time to see how you can prepare for your exam.

This is the first step to ensuring that you’ll be calm and confident on test day . You’ll know what to expect, how to present yourself and, most importantly, your preparation will be focused and relevant .

If you’re taking an oral exam in an academic setting , your teacher or professor will likely explain the scope of the test, even if it’s just the basics. When you’re studying, be sure to adhere to that structure—time yourself, discuss certain topics in the order your professor specified, leave your notes somewhere hard to reach—anything to imitate what you’ll actually be experiencing on test day.

With official German language tests, you may need to do a little bit of research to know the test structure. However, it’ll be easy to find.

For example, there’s tons of information about the popular Goethe-Zertifikat  exam online. You’ll see that the A1 (beginner) level exam has a basic question-and-answer format, and you’ll need to speak for about 15 minutes. However, the C2 (advanced) level exam requires you to deliver a presentation and respond to counterarguments, also within 15 minutes.

Once you know the format of the test, you’ll know what vocabulary topics would be best for you to study. Word maps are an incredible tool to  avoid those long, uncomfortable pauses while speaking .

That’s because word maps make it easy to memorize a lot of related words at once. That way, you can be fully prepared for any topic you need to discuss in your German oral exam and handle anything that’s thrown at you during the test.

They’ll also help you get more use out of the phrases you’ll be preparing to use in your oral exam. If you have a wide range of nouns , verbs and adjectives to work with, you can easily swap them in and out of your German phrases, adapting them to specific situations.

The beauty of this technique is that you can be creative within a framework. Check out my examples below, where you’ll see that I’ve organized words both by theme (work) and part of speech.

• verdienen (to earn)
• ausgeben (to spend)
• sparen (to save)
• ausgleichen (to balance)
• die Motivation (motivation)
• das Engagement (dedication)
• das Berufsleben (work life)
• die Berufswelt (vocational world)
• das Gehalt (salary)

Adjectives:

• wenig (little)
• viel (a lot)
• erst (first)
• noch (still)

With the above word list, I can churn out the following sentence, for example:

Ich verdiene viel, weil mein Gehalt hoch ist. Aber ich gebe viel zu viel Geld aus. Manchmal denke ich, dass ich wenig verdiene. Aber das Problem ist, dass ich kaum Geld spare. (I earn a lot, because my salary is high. But I also spend a lot. Sometimes I think that I earn less. But the problem is that I don’t save a lot.)

Success in a German oral exam isn’t just about the words and phrases you use. It’s also about your body language, eye contact and overall demeanor. These are key aspects of your speaking skills.

That’s why it’s important to practice speaking German in front of a mirror. Here’s what to look for:

• A confident posture , sitting up straight but calm and relaxed.
• Hands folded on your lap, not in your pockets .
• Eye contact with the examiner. Eye contact is a big deal in general in German culture , and more so in German oral exams. Not looking at the examiner and speaking while looking down is considered a mark of low self-confidence.

When practicing for the exam, listening to native speakers can continually improve your skills. You can listen to the phrases listed in this post in action by looking for them on audio resources like YouTube and podcasts , as well as learning programs like FluentU . 

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

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

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The more you listen to and practice your phrases, the more easily they’ll come to you when you’re speaking.

With these German oral exam phrases, you can walk into your test feeling more prepared.

Want to know the key to learning German effectively?

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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.

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The best part is that FluentU keeps track of the vocabulary that you're learning, and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It'll even remind you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned.

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Related posts:

8 Key German Gestures

How to Say “Congratulations” in German

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Speeches HQ

6 Opening Ceremony Speech Samples

You’re standing at the podium, about to deliver an opening ceremony speech. The air buzzes with anticipation as all eyes focus on you. Your words will set the tone for the entire event, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. But how do you craft a speech that captivates, inspires, and energizes?

Whether you’re starting a corporate conference, launching a new product, or welcoming guests to a grand opening, the right speech can make all the difference. This article presents six diverse opening ceremony speech samples to help you nail your next big moment. Ready to learn about creating a memorable opening address? Let’s begin!

Opening Ceremony Speech Samples

These sample speeches cover various events and styles, giving you a range of ideas to draw from for your next opening ceremony.

1. Short and Sweet: Tech Startup Launch

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the launch of TechNova!

Today marks the beginning of a journey that will change the way we interact with technology. Our team has poured their hearts and souls into creating a platform that will make your digital life smoother, faster, and more intuitive than ever before.

We’re not another tech company. We’re your partners in handling the digital landscape. With TechNova, you’ll discover new ways to connect, create, and thrive in our increasingly online world.

As we unveil our groundbreaking software today, I invite you to join us in shaping the future of technology. Together, we’ll push boundaries, overcome challenges, and unlock possibilities you never thought existed.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an exhilarating ride. The future starts now, and it starts with TechNova. Thank you all for being here to witness the dawn of a new era in tech!

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This energetic speech sets an exciting tone for a tech startup launch. It’s ideal for events where you want to generate buzz and enthusiasm about a new product or company.

2. Medium Length: Community Center Grand Opening

Good morning, neighbors and friends!

It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the grand opening of the Riverdale Community Center. This day has been years in the making, and seeing all of your smiling faces here makes every moment of hard work worthwhile.

This center is more than just a building. It’s a home away from home, a place where strangers become friends, and where our community grows stronger. Within these walls, children will learn, seniors will stay active, and families will come together. It’s a place where we’ll celebrate our victories, support each other through challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

From the state-of-the-art gymnasium to the cozy library nooks, every inch of this center has been designed with you in mind. We’ve got programs for every age group and interest, ensuring that there’s something here for everyone.

But what truly makes this place special isn’t the bricks and mortar – it’s you, the people of Riverdale. Your input, your support, and your enthusiasm have shaped this center from the ground up. This is your space, and I can’t wait to see how you’ll bring it to life.

As we cut the ribbon today, we’re not just opening a building. We’re opening doors to new opportunities, new friendships, and a brighter future for our community. So let’s make the most of this wonderful gift we’ve given ourselves.

I invite each of you to explore the center, sign up for a class, volunteer for a program, or simply sit and chat with a neighbor. This is your community center – let’s make it a true home for Riverdale.

Thank you all for being here today, and for your unwavering support throughout this journey. Here’s to many years of learning, growing, and coming together in our new Riverdale Community Center!

Commentary: This warm and inclusive speech is perfect for a community event like a center opening. It emphasizes the collective effort behind the project and encourages active participation from community members.

3. Longer Format: International Business Conference

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends from across the globe, welcome to the 25th Annual Global Business Summit!

As the sun rose this morning over our beautiful host city, I couldn’t help but feel amazed at the gathering that was about to take place. In this room, we have some of the brightest minds and most innovative thinkers from every corner of the globe. Each of you brings a unique viewpoint, a wealth of experience, and a passion for progress that never fails to inspire me.

This year’s theme, “Bridging Borders, Building Futures,” couldn’t be more fitting for the times we live in. In an era where technology has made our planet smaller yet more intricate, where challenges and opportunities know no boundaries, our ability to come together like this is more important than ever.

Over the next three days, we’ll explore the cutting-edge trends shaping our industries. We’ll debate the tough questions facing our global economy. We’ll share successes, learn from setbacks, and forge connections that will last long after this conference ends.

But let’s keep in mind that our purpose here goes beyond networking and knowledge-sharing. We have a responsibility – to our businesses, to our communities, and to the generations that will follow us. The decisions we make and the ideas we generate in these halls have the power to shape economies, influence policies, and improve lives around the planet.

As business leaders, we’re uniquely positioned to drive positive change. We have the resources, the influence, and the innovation needed to tackle some of the planet’s most pressing issues. From climate change to economic inequality, from technological disruption to geopolitical tensions – our collective efforts can make a real difference.

So I challenge each of you to approach this summit not just as attendees, but as active participants in shaping our shared future. Engage in those difficult conversations. Seek out viewpoints different from your own. Be bold in your ideas and generous with your insights.

To our panelists and speakers, thank you for sharing your expertise with us. Your insights will undoubtedly spark new ideas and collaborations.

To our sponsors and organizers, your support has made this incredible event possible. You’ve created a platform for global dialogue that will ripple out far beyond these walls.

And to all attendees, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here. Your presence and participation are what make this summit truly special.

As we kick off this conference, I’m reminded of a quote by the anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the planet; it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Look around you. We are that group. We have the power to shape industries, influence economies, and change lives. Let’s make the most of this opportunity.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves, open our minds, and get ready for three days of learning, sharing, and collaborating. The global business landscape is waiting for the innovations and partnerships that will emerge from this summit.

Once again, welcome to the 25th Annual Global Business Summit. Let’s make it one for the history books!

Commentary: This comprehensive speech sets an inspiring and motivational tone for a large international business conference. It emphasizes global cooperation, innovation, and the potential for business leaders to create positive change.

4. Short and Impactful: Charity Gala Opening

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Tonight, we gather for more than just a celebration. We’re here to make a difference. The children’s hospital we support isn’t just a building – it’s hope for families facing their darkest hours. It’s laughter echoing through corridors that have seen too many tears. It’s cutting-edge research that turns “incurable” into “treatable.”

Your presence here isn’t just appreciated – it’s vital. Every conversation you have, every donation you make, every moment you spend with us tonight directly impacts a child’s life. So let’s make this evening count. Let’s turn our compassion into action, our privilege into purpose.

Thank you for being here. Now, let’s create some miracles together.

Commentary: This concise yet powerful speech is ideal for a charity event. It quickly establishes the importance of the cause and motivates attendees to actively participate in the fundraising efforts.

5. Medium Length: Film Festival Opening

Film lovers, creators, dreamers – welcome to the 10th annual Starlight Film Festival!

For the next week, our city becomes a canvas for the planet’s most captivating stories. From heart-pounding blockbusters to thought-provoking indies, from seasoned directors to fresh new voices – we’ve got it all.

But this festival is about more than just watching movies. It’s about the magic that happens when the lights dim and the screen flickers to life. It’s about those moments when a character’s journey becomes our own, when a plot twist leaves us breathless, when the credits roll and we find ourselves forever changed.

This year, we’re showcasing over 200 films from 50 countries. Each one is a window into a different place, a different viewpoint. They’ll make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. They’ll challenge your assumptions and expand your horizons.

To our filmmakers – thank you for your courage in sharing your visions with us. Your artistry and dedication inspire us all.

To our volunteers and staff – your tireless efforts behind the scenes make this celebration of cinema possible. You are the unsung heroes of this festival.

And to our audience – your passion for film is what brings this all to life. Your reactions, your discussions, your enthusiasm – that’s the true heart of Starlight.

So, grab your popcorn, find your seat, and get ready for a week of cinematic magic. Let the films transport you, move you, and maybe even transform you.

Without further ado, let the 10th annual Starlight Film Festival begin! Lights, camera, action!

Commentary: This enthusiastic speech captures the excitement of a film festival opening. It’s suitable for cultural events where you want to celebrate creativity and encourage audience engagement.

6. Longer Format: University Commencement Ceremony

Esteemed faculty, proud parents, honored guests, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2024 – welcome to this momentous occasion!

Today, we celebrate not just the culmination of your academic journey, but the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. As I look out at this sea of caps and gowns, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and optimism for the future you will shape.

You’ve handled late-night study sessions, grueling exams, and the ups and downs of campus life. You’ve formed friendships that will last a lifetime and acquired knowledge that will serve as the foundation for your future endeavors. But beyond the facts and figures you’ve memorized, the true value of your education lies in the person you’ve become.

During your time here, you’ve learned to think critically, to question assumptions, and to approach problems from multiple angles. You’ve discovered passions you never knew you had and strengths you never knew you possessed. You’ve grown not just as students, but as individuals ready to take on the planet.

To the parents, family members, and friends in the audience – thank you. Your support, encouragement, and occasional care packages have played an invaluable role in getting these graduates to where they are today. This achievement is as much yours as it is theirs.

To our faculty and staff – your dedication to nurturing these bright minds deserves our deepest gratitude. You’ve done more than teach; you’ve inspired, mentored, and believed in these students, often seeing potential they hadn’t yet recognized in themselves.

And to you, the class of 2024 – you’re graduating at a time of unprecedented change and challenge on our planet. You’re stepping into a future that’s both exciting and uncertain. But I have no doubt that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

You see, the diploma you’ll receive today is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a testament to your resilience, your curiosity, and your commitment to growth. It’s proof that you have the tools to adapt, to innovate, and to lead in a rapidly evolving planet.

As you leave this campus, keep in mind that your education doesn’t end here. In fact, it’s only beginning. Stay curious. Keep asking questions. Never stop learning. The skills you’ve developed here – critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication – these are your superpowers. Use them wisely and often.

But also keep in mind that knowledge without compassion is hollow. As you pursue your dreams and build your careers, don’t forget to lift others along with you. Use your education not just for personal gain, but for the betterment of your communities and our planet.

You’re entering a planet that needs your energy, your ideas, and your idealism. We face big challenges – from climate change to social inequality, from technological disruption to global health crises. But in every challenge lies an opportunity for positive change. And you, the class of 2024, are uniquely positioned to be that change.

So dream big. Take risks. Fail forward. Learn from your mistakes and celebrate your successes. Keep in mind that your path doesn’t have to be linear – some of the most interesting journeys have unexpected twists and turns.

And as you go out into the planet, carry with you the spirit of this university. Carry with you the friendships you’ve made, the lessons you’ve learned, and the memories you’ve created. But also carry with you a sense of responsibility – to use your education for good, to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small.

Class of 2024, you stand on the threshold of a new beginning. The future is not something that happens to you – it’s something you create. So go out there and create a future you’re proud of. A future that’s kinder, more innovative, more sustainable, and more just.

As you turn your tassels today, you’re not just marking the end of your time here. You’re signaling to the planet that you’re ready – ready to lead, ready to serve, ready to make your mark.

Congratulations, graduates. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve. The planet is waiting for you. Now go out there and make us proud!

Commentary: This inspiring and motivational speech is perfect for a university commencement ceremony. It acknowledges the graduates’ achievements, thanks those who supported them, and encourages them to use their education to make a positive impact on the planet.

Wrapping Up: Crafting Opening Speeches

There you have it – six diverse opening ceremony speeches to inspire your next address. Keep in mind, the key to a great opening speech is to connect with your audience, set the right tone for your event, and leave everyone feeling energized and excited for what’s to come.

With these samples as your guide, you’re well-equipped to craft an opening speech that will kick off your event in style. So take a deep breath, step up to that podium, and get ready to wow your audience!

Learn Phrases Introducing Yourself

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Beginning an Introduction

Continuing an introduction, ending an introduction, relax while listening to the phrases, study anytime & anywhere with mp3s and pdfs, practice & record a dialogue, ⁠ hallo  ( hello ), ⁠ ich heiße lukas  ( my name is lukas ), ⁠ freut mich, sie kennenzulernen  ( nice to meet you ), ⁠ erlauben sie mir, mich vorzustellen  ( let me introduce myself ), ⁠ ich möchte dir sarah vorstellen  ( i'd like to introduce sarah ), ⁠ was machen sie beruflich  ( what do you do ), ⁠ was führt sie hierher  ( what brings you here ), ⁠ es war schön, sie kennenzulernen  ( it was nice meeting you ), ⁠ lassen sie uns in verbindung bleiben  ( let's keep in touch ), ⁠ hier ist meine nummer 584-2453  ( here is my number 584-2453 ).

• for teachers
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• Ending an Introduction '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfphrasesotcaller">   Preview Ending an Introduction '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfphrasesotcaller">   Preview       Download   Phrases: Ending an Introduction
• Dialogue '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialogueotcaller">   Preview Dialogue '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialogueotcaller">   Preview       Download   Dialogue
• (with translations) '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialogueotcaller">   Preview (with translations) '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialogueotcaller">   Preview       Download   Dialogue (with translations)
• Worksheet Dialogue Exercise '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialogueexerciseotcaller">   Preview Worksheet Dialogue Exercise '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialogueexerciseotcaller">   Preview       Download   Worksheet Dialogue Exercise
• (with translations) '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialogueexerciseotcaller">   Preview (with translations) '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialogueexerciseotcaller">   Preview       Download   Worksheet Dialogue Exercise (with translations)
• All sentences about "Introducing Yourself" are part of our Anki import file. You can learn these phrases by selecting the following tag in Anki: #lingoneo German Topic IntroducingYourself Download Anki Deck ( 43 MB )
• Worksheet Audio Exercise '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialoguetransformationexerciseotcaller">   Preview Worksheet Audio Exercise '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialoguetransformationexerciseotcaller">   Preview       Download   Worksheet Audio Exercise
• Worksheet Language Mediation into English '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialoguetransformationexerciseotcaller">   Preview Worksheet Language Mediation into English '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialoguetransformationexerciseotcaller">   Preview       Download   Worksheet Language Mediation into English
• Worksheet Language Mediation into German '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialoguetransformationexerciseotcaller">   Preview Worksheet Language Mediation into German '}, 'reveal', false);" title="Preview" data-open="pdfdialoguetransformationexerciseotcaller">   Preview       Download   Worksheet Language Mediation into German

Frequently Asked Questions

• Wie heißt du? What's your name?
• Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen. Nice to meet you.
• Ich möchte dir Sarah vorstellen. I'd like to introduce Sarah.
• Was machen Sie beruflich? What do you do?
• Woher kommen Sie? Where are you from?
• Wie alt sind Sie? How old are you?
• Es war schön, Sie kennenzulernen. It was nice meeting you.
• Wir sollten uns einmal wiedersehen. Let's get together again some time.
• Ich heiße Lukas. (My name is Lukas.)
• Ich heiße Philipp. (My name is Philipp.)
• Ich heiße Tarik. (My name is Tarik.)
• Ich bin Philipp. (I'm Philipp.)
• Ich bin Lukas. (I'm Lukas.)
• Ich bin Jan. (I'm Jan.)
• Ich möchte dir Sarah vorstellen. (I'd like to introduce Sarah.)
• Ich möchte dir Connor vorstellen. (I'd like to introduce Connor.)
• Ich möchte dir meinen Bruder vorstellen. (I'd like to introduce my brother.)
• Ich würde dir gerne meinen Bruder Jonas vorstellen. (Let me introduce my brother, Jonas.)
• Ich würde dir gerne meine Freundin, Isra vorstellen. (Let me introduce my girlfriend, Isra.)
• Ich würde dir gerne meinen Chef vorstellen. (Let me introduce my boss.)
• Das ist Finn. (This is Finn.)
• Das ist meine Schwester. (This is my sister.)
• Das ist mein Freund, Niklas. (This is my friend, Niklas.)

⁠ Erlauben Sie mir, mich vorzustellen.  ( Let me introduce myself. )

German Conversation: Ultimate Guide to Basic German Phrases to Sound Like a Native + Audio

Stepping into the world of the German language is like unlocking a treasure chest ✨ – it’s a discovery that can enrich travel experiences, expand business opportunities, and deepen connections with a culture known for its precision and depth.

In this video from Spring German (a project I co-founded), Denisa shares the 3 most important German conversation skills:

The key to this treasure is: having a German conversation! Mastering it starts with a solid foundation in basic phrases.

This guide provides the fundamental phrases and cultural insights to help you communicate confidently and sound like a natural among German speakers.

1. How to Have a Basic German Conversation – Etiquette Guide

There’s one secret you have to know about Germans: they typically value directness and honesty in their communication style.

This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any informalities.

Informal chats are common but they tend to be more structured and purposeful compared to other cultures. Common subjects of discussion include the weather, daily routines, work, and holidays. Also, lively conversations about TV shows or movies often occur, but only when a bond has already been established.

When having a basic conversation in German, it’s helpful to know common greetings. You might already know how to say good morning in German or good night in German but let’s look at some other phrases that form the backbone of German conversational etiquette.

2. Basic German Phrases to Start a Conversation: Learn German Greetings

Initiating a German conversation appropriately can set the tone for a warm interaction.

We already created a table with essential German greeting phrases and their English translations.

Take a look!

Basic German greeting phrases to start a conversation

Now, these are only examples. Let’s imagine a real-life conversation between two people, Ana and Hans, at a café.

This way, you’ll see how all of these essential German conversational phrases exist in real-life situations and discover chunks! What are chunks?

Sign up by clicking the button below and gain access to the knowledge of German Conversation Based Chunking!

Ana: Guten Tag, mein Name ist Ana. Wie geht es Ihnen? (Good day, my name is Ana. How are you?) Hans: Guten Tag, Ana. Mir geht es gut, danke. Und Ihnen? (Good day, Ana. I’m doing well, thank you. And you?) Ana: Auch gut, danke. Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen. (Also good, thank you. Pleased to meet you.) Hans: Ebenso, freut mich. (Likewise, pleased to meet you.)

3. Formal and Informal German Conversation Starters

Knowing the right way to break the ice can help you make a good first impression in a business meeting or at a social event.

Germans will admire you if you know the difference between formal conversation starters and informal greetings.

Formal Conversation Starters

• Wie geht es Ihnen heute? (How are you today?)
• Was bringen Sie zu diesem Event? (What brings you to this event?)
• Haben Sie über das aktuelle Projekt gehört? (Have you heard about the current project?)
• Könnten Sie mir vielleicht helfen? (Could you perhaps help me?)
• Gibt es Neuigkeiten bezüglich…? (Is there any news regarding…?)

Informal Conversation Starters

• Was machst du beruflich? (What do you do for a living?)
• Wie war dein Wochenende? (How was your weekend?)
• Hast du den neuen Film schon gesehen? (Have you seen the new movie yet?)
• Was ist dein Lieblingsrestaurant hier? (What’s your favorite restaurant around here?)
• Wie findest du das Wetter heute? (How do you find the weather today?)

4. Useful German Phrases to Ask for Directions in German

When visiting Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, finding your way around is vital.

If you need to ask for directions in German, here’s how you might approach someone:

Ask for directions in German

5. how to order food in german.

Exploring the culinary delights of German-speaking countries is a treat for any foodie. You most certainly have heard a lot about traditional German food .

So, if you want to try it, you’ll need to have the basic German phrases for it.

Here’s how to start a conversation in a restaurant:

German phrases you’ll need in a restaurant

You know Ana and Hans from our previous example? Well, Ana and Hans decide to grab lunch together. Let’s read the next conversation and look for chunks!

Ana: Könnte ich die Speisekarte sehen? (Could I see the menu?) Hans: Natürlich. Ich empfehle den Wiener Schnitzel, es ist ausgezeichnet hier. (Of course. I recommend the Wiener Schnitzel, it’s excellent here.) Ana: Gute Wahl, ich nehme das gleiche. Was für Getränke gibt es? (Good choice, I’ll have the same. What drinks do you have?) Hans: Ich werde ein Bier nehmen. Möchtest du auch eins? (I’ll have a beer. Would you like one as well?) Ana: Ja, bitte. (Yes, please.)

6. Basic German Phrases You Need in Any Situation

Traveling in a German-speaking country can feel like navigating a dense forest, because… well, these countries are full of forests. And having the right phrases is your compass in this world.

Check out the next table and get prepared for any situation in a German-speaking country.

Basic German phrases you need for: travel, emergency, banking, education

7. sound like a native with german slang.

German slang is your secret handshake into a more casual and fun side of the language

Picture yourself laughing with new German friends at a cozy pub or walking through a bustling street market with ease – all because you’ve got a grip on the playful, ever-shifting slang that locals love.

Slang makes your German sound natural, like you’ve been part of the conversation for years. It’s not just about learning the language; it’s about living it and showing that you get what’s happening on the ground.

8. How to Practice Conversation in German with Conversation Based Chunking

The journey to fluency in German is paved with practice and immersion. Utilizing language learning apps like Speechling (we have a Speechling review !) can help practice your pronunciation.

Conversation Based Chunking allows you to internalize phrases and use them spontaneously.

To really engage with the German language, seek out opportunities for conversation with native speakers, whether through language exchanges, private tutors on platforms like italki , or simply striking up a chat in a German café.

Lukas is the founder of Effortless Conversations and the creator of the Conversation Based Chunking™ method for learning languages. He's a linguist and wrote a popular book about learning languages through "chunks". He also co-founded the language education company Spring Languages, which creates online language courses and YouTube content.

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