🧭 German phrase guide
How to ask for directions in German
Asking for directions is easy. Understanding the answer is the hard part. These phrases cover both sides, plus the one phrase every learner needs: "Could you say that more slowly?"
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key German phrases
| German | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Entschuldigung | Excuse me | |
| Wo ist der Bahnhof? | Where is the train station? | |
| Wie komme ich zum / zur…? | How do I get to…? | |
| Ist es weit? | Is it far? | |
| Gehen Sie geradeaus. | Go straight ahead. | |
| Biegen Sie links / rechts ab. | Turn left / right. | |
| An der Ampel | At the traffic lights | |
| Können Sie das bitte langsamer wiederholen? | Could you repeat that more slowly? | |
| Können Sie es mir auf der Karte zeigen? | Can you show me on the map? | |
| Danke für Ihre Hilfe! | Thanks for your help! |
Example conversation
You
Entschuldigung, wo ist der Bahnhof?
Excuse me, where is the train station?
Local
Gehen Sie geradeaus und biegen Sie an der Ampel links ab.
Go straight ahead and turn left at the traffic lights.
You
Ist es weit?
Is it far?
Local
Nein, etwa fünf Minuten zu Fuß.
No, about five minutes on foot.
You
Können Sie das bitte langsamer wiederholen?
Could you repeat that more slowly?
Local
Klar! Geradeaus, dann an der Ampel links.
Of course! Straight, then left at the lights.
Good to know
💡 Use "Sie" with strangers. "Zum" goes with masculine and neuter places (zum Bahnhof), "zur" with feminine ones (zur Post).
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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