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GERMAN FOR FUN IN RUHR

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We’ve all been there, standing in a foreign culture finding ourselves pointing, gesticulating and perhaps praying to be understood. Germans mostly speak at least some English language.

However, some expats relocating to the Ruhr Metropolis may wish to carry a few words with them for use in some of those awkward moments. Basic but perhaps helpful. Good luck with your new adventure!

New in Town

I’m new in town, you too?
ich bin neu in der Stadt, Sie / Du auch?

I feel at home here
Ich fühle mich heimisch hier

I need to inform my employees
Ich muss meine Mitarbeiter informieren

Could you please show me …?
Könnten Sie mir bitte … zeigen?

Where can I buy books in English?
Wo kann ich Bücher in Englisch kaufen?

Where are English films showing?
Wo werden englische Filme gezeigt?

I need a school for my child
Ich benötige eine Schule für mein Kind

I’m looking for an English club
Ich suche einen englischen Klub

Is there an English church here?
Gibt es eine englische Kirche hier?

Interaction

Good morning / day / evening
Guten Morgen / Tag / Abend

Nice / poor weather today
Schönes / schlechtes Wetter heute

It’s a nice day today
Es ist ein schöner tag heute

What breed is your dog?
Zu welcher Rasse gehört Ihr Hund?

My name is …
Mein Name ist …

What is your name?
Wie ist Ihr / Dein Name?

I come from …
Ich stamme aus …

I will be staying for … days
Ich werde für … Tage bleiben

One / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten
Ein / zwei / drei / vier / fünf / sechs / sieben / acht / neun / zehn

Politeness

How are you today?
Wie geht es Ihnen / Dir heute?

Many thanks for the good service
Vielen Dank für den guten Service

Thanks for a lovely day
Danke für einen tollen Tag

Many thanks
Vielen Dank

Sorry / excuse me
Entschuldigung / Verzeihung

Could you please repeat that?
Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?

Sleeping Over

I would like a room please
Ich möchte ein Zimmer bitte

Single / double / suite / bed
Einzel / Doppel / Suite / Bett

I will be staying for … nights
Ich werde für … Nächte bleiben

Could you call a taxi please?
Könnten Sie bitte ein Taxi rufen?

Could you dry clean my …?
Könnten Sie meinen… reinigen?

Suit / trowsers / jacket / dress
Anzug / Hose / Jacke / Kleid

Is there a tea / coffee maker
Gibt es einen Tee / Kaffee Kocher?

I would like a wake up call
Ich möchte einen Weckruf

Going Out

Is there a bar / restaurant in the vicinity?
Gibt es eine Bar / ein Restaurant in der Nähe?

Where do I find the best beer?
Wo finde ich das beste Bier?

Do you mix good coctails?
Mixen Sie guter Cocktails?

That is excellent / not bad / very good
Das ist hervorragend / nicht schlecht / sehr gut

You were recommended to me
Sie wurden mir empfohlen

Can I reserve a table?
Kann ich einen Tisch reservieren?

Please give me a receipt
Geben Sie mir bitte eine Quittung

A beer / wine / coffee please
Ein Bier / Wein / Kaffee bitte

Cultural

Which Museums are open?
Welche Museen sind geöffnet?

Which performance / exhibition is running?
Welche Aufführung / Ausstellung läuft?

Do you offer guided tours?
Bieten Sie Führungen an?

What is the focus of the museum?
Welche Fokus hat das Museum?

Two tickets please
Zwei Karten bitte

Seats in front / middle / back / right / left
Sitze Vorn / Mitte / Hinten / Rechts / Links

How much does that cost?
Wie viel kostet das?

How may I pay?
Wie darf ich bezahlen?

Religion

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Vater Unser, der Du bist im Himmel,

hallowed be thy name,
geheiligt werde Dein Name,

thy kingdom come, thy will be done
Dein Reich komme, Dein Wille geschehe,

on earth as it is in heaven.
wie im Himmel so auf Erden.

Give us this day our daily bread
Unser tägliches Brot gib uns heute.

and forgive us our tresspasses as we
Und vergib uns unsere Schuld, wie auch

forgive those that tresspass against us.
wir vergeben unseren Schuldigern.

And lead us not into temptation
Und führe uns nicht in Versuchung,

but deliver us from evil.
sondern erlöse uns von dem Bösen.

_For thine is the kingdom, the power _
Denn Dein ist das Reich und die Kraft

and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
und die Herrlichkeit in Ewigkeit. Amen.

Getting Around

How do I drive / walk to?
Wie fahre / gehe ich zum?

Straight / right / left / traffic light
Geradeaus / rechts / links / Ampel

Where can I park?
Wo kann ich parken?

Where do you want to go?
Wohin wollen Sie?

I would like to go to …
Ich möchte zum / zur …

Airport / central station
Flughafen / Hauptbahnhof

Can I use a bicycle?
Kann ich ein Fahrrad benutzen?

Where can I hire a bicycle?
Wo kann ich ein Fahrrad mieten?

What is that?
Was ist das?

How old is this building?
Wie alt ist diese Gebäude?

Public Transport

Does this tram go to …?
Fährt dieser Strassenbahn nach…?

Where is the next bus stop?
Wo ist der nächste Bushaltestelle?

Where do I buy a ticket please?
Wo kaufe ich bitte eine Fahrkarte?

Can I pay with mobile phone?
Kann ich mit Mobiltelefon zahlen?

Which ticket do I need?
Welche Fahrkarte benötige ich?

Shopping

I would just like to look around
Ich möchte mich nur umschauen

Could you please show me …?
Könnten Sie mir bitte … zeigen?

Please wrap it as a present
Bitte als Geschenk einpacken

Could you order that for me?
Könnten Sie das für mich bestellen?

I like this very much
Dies gefällt mir sehr

Sports

Where can I find a sports club?
Wo finde ich einen Fitness-Club?

How do I become a member?
Wie werde ich Mitglied?

I would like a test training
Ich möchte ein Probetraining

What should I take with me?
Was sollte ich mitnehmen?

Who is my contact person?
Wer ist mein Ansprechpartner?

Public Agencies

I have lost my key
Ich habe meinen Schlüssel verloren

Where do I have to register?
Wo muss ich mich anmelden?

Is my drivers licence valid?
Ist mein Führerschein gültig?

By Vincent Green / Jul 4 2021

Beach scene with sunbathers

BEACHES IN RUHR

It may come as a surprise of newly arrived expats that beaches can be found in the Ruhr Metropolis. Fine sand and shingle are ideal for walking, playing, relaxing and picnicking. People flock to enjoy spaces beside the rivers and lakes, especially on warm and sunny summer days. Photo © Ralph Lueger.

Visitors viewing art

EXHIBITIONS IN RUHR

Art venues and museums across the Ruhr Metropolis regularly present selections of their own fine pieces in well arranged exhibitions. Regular exhibits of fascinating or rare artworks on loan from across the globe attract large numbers of enthusiasts too. Photo © Jochen Schlutius.

Image of popcorn

MOVIES IN RUHR

Original language movies are popular among expats living across the Ruhr Metropolis. Films are screened regularly in English original with subtitles, known as OmU and without, portrayed as OV. A wide variety of cinemas or movie theatres can be found, both large and small.

Subway station

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN RUHR

The public transport system in Ruhr is extensive, safe and normally efficient. A dense network of trams above and below ground as well as buses serve the cities and suburbs. Links via the local and S-Bahn train systems interconnect many neighbouring communities.

PETS IN RUHR

Germans, on the whole, love and respect pets and are friendly towards dogs. Dogs are permitted on public transport and inside restaurants but keeping a pet on a leash is a must. Dog ownership in the Ruhr Metropolis is highly regulated, while the national is populace is, in general, very dog friendly.

Two cups of coffee on a table

SOCIALISING IN RUHR

Staying in touch and getting together with others living in a similar situation can be important. Expat groups in social media are highly valuable sources for connecting. Socialising in the Ruhr Metropolis can include events, international clubs or heading for a popular spot to meet international residents.

Lederhosen German shorts

SOCIETY & FOLK IN RUHR

Anyone who has experienced the hospitality offered by this society knows that the country and its folk have changed enormously over recent years. The Ruhr is, as a whole, peaceful and its citizens are mostly generous and contented.

River with weir

WALKING IN RUHR

A great way to get to know the Ruhr Metropolis is to take inspiring and rewarding walks. Whether in urban or rural landscapes, take a pause, interact and allow details to become noticeable. Admiring quaint architecture, strolling side streets, the riverbanks or numerous woodlands brings joy to the soul.

Cyclist on narrow modern bridge

CYCLING IN RUHR

Cycling in the Ruhr Metropolis can be enjoyable and most rewarding. Bike paths criss cross the whole of the region and weave their way across most urban areas. Hop on a bicycle to discover quieter city districts or nearby villages. Try riding along the banks of local rivers, in wilder natural spaces or the open meadows of outlying regions.

The city guide for expats

Amazing Capitals Ruhr is a fresh and informative location guide full of insights for expats. It is dedicated to helping international professionals make choices, settle and participate in the Ruhr Metropolis, a vast region in Germany with much to offer.