Essential German Slang for Tourists: Speak Like a Local on Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Germany, learning some common German slang will enhance your experience. German slang is an essential part of the German language that can help you connect with German-speaking locals. German slang can make your experience more fun and authentic. While formal German is useful, locals often use slang in everyday conversations—so knowing a few key phrases will help you blend in, connect with people, and avoid sounding too much like a tourist.
Let's go through some essential German slang words and phrases, explain when to use them, and provide real-life examples to help you remember them easily.
Why Learn German Slang?
Learning slang isn’t just about sounding cool—it helps you:
✔ Connect with locals – Germans appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language naturally.
✔ Understand casual conversations – Whether you’re in a café, bar, or train station, you’ll hear slang everywhere.
✔ Avoid awkward moments – Some words have different meanings in slang, so knowing them prevents misunderstandings.
Now, let’s dive into the essential German slang words and phrases every traveler should know.
1. Basic German Slang Greetings
A friendly greeting is a great way to start a conversation. While “Guten Tag” (Good day) is the standard greeting, locals often use more casual phrases.
| Slang Phrase | Meaning | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Moin! | Hi! (Used in northern Germany) | Morning, afternoon, or evening |
| Servus! | Hello! (Southern Germany, Austria) | Informal greeting with friends |
| Tach! | Hey! (Colloquial for “Tag”) | Casual situations, especially in Berlin |
| Na? | What’s up? / How’s it going? | Super casual—used with friends |
| Grüß dich! | Hello there! (Bavarian dialect) | Southern Germany, informal |
📍 Example:
You walk into a small café in Hamburg and say, “Moin!” The barista smiles and responds with “Moin moin!”—a warm and friendly exchange.
2. Ordering Food and Drinks Like a Local
If you want to sound natural when ordering at restaurants or bars, try these slang phrases:
| Slang Phrase | Meaning | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Ein Bier, bitte! | One beer, please! | Simple but useful |
| Ich nehm’ ‘ne Brezn. | I’ll take a pretzel. | Bavarian-style ordering |
| Noch ‘n Wasser, bitte. | Another water, please. This is a common way to say it in German: “Noch ein Wasser, bitte.” | Dropping the “e” is casual |
| Mach’s rund! | Keep the change! | Used when tipping in bars/restaurants |
| Lass krachen! | Let’s have a blast! | Said when ordering drinks with friends |
📍 Example:
You're at Oktoberfest in Munich and order, “Ich nehm’ ‘ne Maß!” (I’ll take a liter of beer!). The waiter grins—you're blending in already!
3. German Slang for Getting Around
Public transport in Germany is efficient, and knowing the right slang can make navigating the system easier.
| Slang Phrase | Meaning | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Die Öffis | Public transportation | Common in Berlin |
| Schaffner | Ticket inspector | Used in trains |
| ’Ne Fahrkarte, bitte. | One ticket, please. | Shorter version of “Eine Fahrkarte” |
| Ich bin am Arsch. | I’m stuck / in trouble. | If you miss your train! |
| Steig ein! | Hop in! | Said when offering someone a ride |
📍 Example:
You're in Berlin and hear someone say, “Mist, die Öffis sind wieder spät!” (Damn, public transport is late again!). Now you know how locals complain about delays!
4. Casual German Slang for Everyday Conversations
Germans use a lot of slang in daily life, so here are some key phrases:
| Slang Phrase | Meaning | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Geil! | Awesome! | Expressing excitement |
| Läuft bei dir! | You’re doing great! | Said sarcastically or sincerely |
| Bock haben | To feel like doing something | “Ich hab’ Bock auf Pizza.” (I feel like pizza.) |
| Keinen Plan | No idea | Used when clueless about something |
| Mega | Super / Really | “Das ist mega lecker!” (That’s super tasty!) |
📍 Example:
You try Currywurst for the first time and say, “Das ist mega lecker!”—your German friend laughs and nods in approval.
5. German Slang for Socializing and Nightlife
Whether you're making new friends or partying, these phrases will come in handy:
| Slang Phrase | Meaning | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Komm klar! | Get it together! Here’s a common German way to say it: “Reiß dich zusammen!” | When a friend is too drunk |
| Bist du am Start? | Are you coming? | Asking if someone is joining |
| Saufen | Drinking (heavily) | “Wir gehen saufen!” (We’re going drinking!) |
| Einen Kater haben | To have a hangover | The morning after drinking |
| Chillig | Relaxed / Easy-going | “Das war ein chilliger Abend.” (That was a chill evening.) |
📍 Example:
Your new German friend texts, “Bist du am Start für ‘ne Runde Saufen?”—now you know they’re inviting you for drinks!
6. Funny & Quirky German Slang
Germans love their unique expressions. Here are some of the funniest ones:
| Slang Phrase | Literal Meaning | Actual Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof. | I only understand train stations. | I have no idea what’s going on. |
| Das ist mir Wurst. | That’s sausage to me. | I don’t care. |
| Fix und fertig sein. | To be fixed and finished. | To be exhausted. |
| Locker bleiben! | Stay loose! | Stay calm / Don’t stress! |
| Einen Vogel haben. | To have a bird. | To be crazy. |
📍 Example:
A friend tells you something complicated, and you say, “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof!”—they laugh, realizing you have no clue what they just said.
How to Practice German Slang Before Your Trip
Want to sound more natural before you even land in Germany? Try these methods:
✔ Watch German TV shows & YouTube videos – Listen to how slang is used in real conversations.
✔ Follow German social media accounts – Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are full of real-life slang.
✔ Join language exchange groups – Practice speaking with native Germans.
Pro Tips for Using German Slang
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Listen First: Pay attention to how locals use slang before trying it yourself.
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Use Slang Sparingly: Too much slang might sound unnatural. A few key phrases are enough.
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Be Aware of Regional Differences: Some slang is specific to certain parts of Germany.
Learn German the Immersive Way with Berlitz
Want to confidently use German slang while traveling? Berlitz’s German courses offer practical, real-life language skills that go beyond textbooks. Whether you're preparing for a trip or simply want to sound more like a native speaker, our immersive Berlitz Method will help you master German quickly and effectively.
Speak Like a Local with German Slang
Mastering German slang will not only make your trip more enjoyable but also help you connect with locals on a deeper level. From ordering food and drinks to navigating cities and making new friends, these slang words and phrases will come in handy.
So next time you’re in Germany, don’t just say “Guten Tag”—try out “Moin!”, “Läuft bei dir!”, or “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof!” and watch the smiles around you.
Viel Spaß! (Have fun!)
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