Polite Phrases in German
German politeness rests on a small set of phrases used often. Two of them, bitte and Entschuldigung, each cover more ground than their English translations suggest.
Please and thank you
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bitte
BIT-teh
-
please
Also means you're welcome, and here you are
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danke
DAN-keh
-
thank you
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danke schön
DAN-keh shurn
-
thank you very much
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vielen Dank
FEE-len dank
-
many thanks
A little warmer than danke on its own
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gern geschehen
gehrn guh-SHAY-en
-
you're welcome
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kein Problem
kine pro-BLAYM
-
no problem
Excusing yourself and apologising
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Entschuldigung
ent-SHOOL-dee-goong
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excuse me, sorry
Use it to get attention and for small apologies
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Entschuldigen Sie
ent-SHOOL-dee-gen zee
-
excuse me
The formal version, before asking a stranger something
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Es tut mir leid
es toot meer lite
-
I am sorry
For something that actually matters
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Verzeihung
fer-TSY-oong
-
pardon
Slightly more formal than Entschuldigung
Phrases for the moment
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Gesundheit
guh-ZOONT-hite
-
bless you
Said after a sneeze. It means health
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Prost
prohst
-
cheers
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Guten Appetit
GOO-ten ah-peh-TEET
-
enjoy your meal
Said before eating, and expected
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Herzlichen Glückwunsch
HERTS-likh-en GLUUK-voonsh
-
congratulations
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Viel Glück
feel gluuk
-
good luck
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Gute Reise
GOO-teh RY-zeh
-
have a good trip
Bitte does four jobs
As please: Einen Kaffee, bitte.
As you're welcome, answering danke.
As here you are, when handing something over.
As pardon, said with a rising tone, when you did not catch what someone said.
Entschuldigung is the everyday word for both excuse me and sorry. Save Es tut mir leid for a real apology, or it sounds heavier than you mean.
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