When traveling in Berlin, or anywhere else in Germany for that matter, please keep in mind that practically everyone over here prefers to speak German. Do not let this discourage you, however. With a few key phrases, lots of patience and careful pronunciation, you, too will have about a one in thirteen chance of making yourself understood.
German is similar to English in very many important ways, you see. Well, at least in two ways, I guess. Both languages use practically identical alphabets, for example. And both languages are spoken using the mouth. After that you can pretty much forget it, though.
That is why I have compiled the following list of useful German phrases, each with its corresponding pronunciation and English translation. It is, I believe, a helpful little reference which could really come in handy while traveling in this strange and enigmatic land and might even possibly save your life one day so keep it with you at all times while you’re over here except when bathing, of course.
I will begin with the useful phrases. The less than useful ones pop up more toward the end and I would just ignore them if I where you, should you decide to read all the way through, that is. Which I doubt.
So remember, when traveling in Germany, don’t be shy. And don’t be an inhibited, sniveling, cowering and craven little weasel, either. You should now consider yourself prepared to walk right up to a complete stranger, put on a big, friendly smile, take a deep breath and just start talking! I mean speaking. German, that is. So let’s begin.
