Learn basic German phrases every beginner should know
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| nein |
| noch einmal |
| langsam |
| What do these words mean? Stick around. |
| In this quick lesson, you’ll learn basic German phrases all beginners must know. |
| Before we start, did you know that in Germany, simply choosing how to say ‘you’ can show if you're friends or not? |
| Keep watching for the answer at the end. |
| ja |
| "yes" |
| [SLOW] ja |
| ja |
| "Ja" - a small word, heavy with emotion. In that single syllable, a world of understanding, resignation, and acceptance resides. It's the "ja" of confirmation, of surrender, of resolve. What lies beneath your "ja"? |
| Tom helps Oscar at an electronics store. |
| Oscar: Magst du diese Marke? |
| Tom: Ja, ich denke, es ist eine gute Marke. |
| nein |
| "no" |
| [SLOW] nein |
| nein |
| "Nein" - a syllable of conviction. Think of Vincent van Gogh's "no" to traditional art forms or Frida Kahlo's rejection of conventional beauty standards. What creative rebel inspires you? |
| Jack mistakes Steve for a student. |
| Jack: Bist du hier Student? |
| Steve: Nein, bin ich nicht. Ich bin nur zu Besuch. |
| noch einmal |
| "one more time" |
| [SLOW] noch einmal |
| noch einmal |
| Redoing, retrying, reliving. “Noch einmal” indicates another attempt. Did you know you can use both “noch einmal” and “noch mal” in German? Besides, “mal” ist used for how often something is done:einmal, zweimal, neunmal… |
| Lina asks Lotta for clarification. |
| Lina: Entschuldigung, ich habe das nicht verstanden. Noch einmal, bitte. |
| Lotta: Sicher, natürlich. |
| langsam |
| "slowly" |
| [SLOW] langsam |
| langsam |
| "Langsam" - where time dissolves and moments deepen. Imagine savoring a rich coffee on a quiet morning or tracing the lines of a loved one's face. In what quiet moments do you find your own rhythm? |
| Susan needs clarification when asking Boris for directions. |
| Susan: Entschuldigung, bitte langsam. |
| Boris: Nehmen Sie die erste Straße links und dann rechts. |
| Entschuldigung. |
| "Excuse me." |
| [SLOW] Entschuldigung. |
| Entschuldigung. |
| ”Ich bitte um Entschuldigung”. “I beg for forgiveness.” Did you know that the word “Entschuldigung” includes “Schuld” which means “fault” or “guilt”. That’s why formally you ask for being excused. |
| Jack expresses interest in an item at a store. |
| Jack: Entschuldigung. Wie viel kostet das? |
| Tom: Das kostet 20 Euro. Möchtest du es kaufen? |
| Es tut mir Leid. |
| "I'm sorry." |
| [SLOW] Es tut mir Leid. |
| Es tut mir Leid. |
| The phrase "Es tut mir leid" has roots in medieval chivalry, where knights would express regret for harm done. Today, it’s a universal gesture of remorse. How do you think apologies have changed over time? |
| Steve apologizes to Oscar for a misunderstanding. |
| Steve: Es tut mir leid. Es war ein Fehler meinerseits. |
| Oscar: Das ist okay. Kein Problem. |
| Danke. |
| "Thank you." |
| [SLOW] Danke. |
| Danke. |
| ”Danke” looks similar to “Thanks”, right? So do “Wasser” and “water”, “Person” and “person” or “Vater” and “father”. The reason for both phonetic and optical similarities are similar Germanic roots. |
| Susan thanks Lina for a party invite. |
| Susan: Vielen Dank für die Einladung. |
| Lina: Bitte sehr! Ich freue mich, dass du kommen konntest. |
| Gern geschehen. |
| "You are welcome." |
| [SLOW] Gern geschehen. |
| Gern geschehen. |
| "Gern geschehen" - the German way to say "you're welcome." But what does it literally mean? |
| A) All good |
| B) Done with pleasure |
| C) My pleasure |
| D) Happily done |
| Want to take a guess? it’s “Happily done.” |
| Aylin provides legal advice to Steve. |
| Steve: Vielen Dank für deine Hilfe! |
| Aylin: Gern geschehen. Ich bin froh, dass ich helfen konnte. |
| Bitte. |
| "Please." |
| [SLOW] Bitte. |
| Bitte. |
| "Bitte" - a chameleon of courtesy! Did you know "Bitte" comes from "bitten," meaning "to request"? Today, it's a versatile word. In German, "Bitte" can soften requests or respond to "danke." |
| What’s your favorite polite word in any language? |
| Jack asks Lotta for a drink. |
| Jack: Wasser, bitte. |
| Lotta: Natürlich, hier ist etwas Wasser! |
| Let's review. |
| You'll see the words in English and your job is to say the words in German. |
| Ready? |
| Do you remember how to say "yes"? |
| ja |
| ja |
| And how to say "no"? |
| nein |
| nein |
| How about "one more time"? |
| noch einmal |
| noch einmal |
| Do you remember how to say "slowly"? |
| langsam |
| langsam |
| And how to say "Excuse me."? |
| Entschuldigung. |
| Entschuldigung. |
| What about "I'm sorry."? |
| Es tut mir Leid. |
| Es tut mir Leid. |
| Do you remember how to say "Thank you."? |
| Danke. |
| Danke. |
| Let's try "You are welcome."! |
| Gern geschehen. |
| Gern geschehen. |
| And finally, do you remember how to say "Please."? |
| Bitte. |
| Bitte. |
| Did you know that in Germany, simply choosing how to say ‘you’ can show if you're friends or not? |
| In German, there are two words for "you". |
| Use "du" when talking to friends, family, or kids. It's casual and friendly. |
| But if you're in a formal setting like a meeting or talking to strangers, use "Sie". It's more polite. |
| If someone wants to be less formal, they might ask to switch to "du". When you are not sure what to use it’s better to use “Sie” at first. |
| Thanks for watching! Don't forget to practice these new words and phrases, and see you next time! |
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