Public transport in Germany is efficient, punctual, and - if you don’t speak German - occasionally confusing. Whether you’re hopping on a tram in Berlin, catching a regional train in Bavaria, or figuring out the U-Bahn in Munich, knowing a few key phrases can save you time, stress, and the occasional wrong turn. Here’s your cheat sheet.
Buying Tickets
- “Eine Fahrkarte nach [destination], bitte.” – A ticket to [destination], please.
- “Ein Einzelticket / Tageskarte, bitte.” – A single ticket / day pass, please.
- “Wie viel kostet das?” – How much does it cost?
Pro tip: In many cities, tickets must be validated before boarding. Look for the small yellow or red machines on platforms or near station entrances.
Asking for Directions
- “Wo ist die nächste U-Bahn-Station?” – Where is the nearest subway station?
- “Fährt dieser Zug nach [destination]?” – Does this train go to [destination]?
- “Welche Linie geht zum Hauptbahnhof?” – Which line goes to the main station?
Hauptbahnhof
/ˈhaʊ̯pt.baːnˌhoːf/“Main station”
The central train station in a city, often abbreviated as 'Hbf' on signs and schedules.
On the Train or Bus
- “Ist hier noch frei?” – Is this seat taken?
- “Wann kommen wir in [destination] an?” – When do we arrive in [destination]?
- “Entschuldigung, ich muss aussteigen.” – Excuse me, I need to get off.
Dealing with Delays or Problems
- “Warum steht der Zug?” – Why has the train stopped?
- “Gibt es eine Verspätung?” – Is there a delay?
- “Wo ist der Ersatzverkehr?” – Where is the replacement bus service?
For more on German grammar, check out our guide on German prepositions, which can help you construct more precise questions and directions.
Announcements You Might Hear
| German | English |
|---|---|
| “Nächster Halt: [Station]” | “Next stop: [Station]” |
| “Endstation, alle aussteigen” | “Terminus, all change” |
| “Vorsicht bei der Einfahrt” | “Caution when entering” (often heard as doors close) |
Don’t panic if you miss a stop. German cities are well-connected, and you can usually double back easily. Just ask: “Wie komme ich zurück zu [station]?” (How do I get back to [station]?).
Final Tips
- Download the DB Navigator app for real-time train schedules and platform changes.
- Regional trains (RB, RE) are slower but cheaper than ICE (high-speed) trains.
- In larger cities, group tickets (e.g., Berlin’s “Kleingruppenkarte”) can save money if you’re travelling with others.
With these phrases in your back pocket, you’ll navigate Germany’s public transport like a local. For more travel language guides, see our articles on Estonian for travellers or Swedish travel phrases.
