How to Ask Directions in German
Germany is a beautiful country, full of everything from bustling modern cities like Berlin to ancient medieval castles in Neuschwanstein. But getting lost in a foreign country where you don't speak the language can be stressful, no matter how nice the scenery is. Here are some tips for asking directions in German.
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Write it down. Aside from a few additional letters and symbols, the German alphabet is very similar to the English one. If you don't speak German and are unsure of the pronunciation of your destination, write it down and ask that way. This will save both you and the person giving directions time and frustration.
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Use a map. A map of the location where you are and where you want to go will help keep you from getting lost and will help guide you in the event that you get turned around. Maps are especially helpful if you are asking for directions in any of the major cities. Most transportation in these cities is done by subway and above ground train so you will probably be directed via a train route and need to find it quickly.
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Remember where you are. Germans have slightly different dialects depending on where in the country you are visiting. Easterners speak slightly differently than Westerners and might have a hard time understanding you.
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Ask the right question. Asking the location of any thing in German begins with the question, "Wo ist...?" Pronounced, "vo eest," this question literally translates to, "Where is...?" Simply begin a sentence with this question phrase and attach the name of the location you are trying to get to and you should have no problem getting where you are trying to go.
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Use a guidebook. If you find that you are still having a hard time communicating effectively, use your travel guide. Many feature maps that you can use to figure out where you are and point to where you are going or have city listings that you can use to ask where you need to go.
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