How to Use Car Rental Phrases in German

Whether you're traveling overseas for business or pleasure, it always helps to know key phrases in the native language. You may benefit from knowing some phrases to rent a car during an extended stay in Germany or another German-speaking country.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Obtaining a Car

1. Ask if there's a car rental office nearby. "Gibt es eine Autovermietung in der Näche?"

2. Find out what kind of cars the rental place has in stock. "Was für Wagen haben Sie zu vermieten?"

3. Request the vehicle of your choice. "Ich brauche eine (Audi)."

Find Out the Cost

4. Inquire about their pricing and whether its by the day, week, or month. "Wieviel kostet es pro--Tag, Woche, Monat."

5. Question the rental place about the cost of their car insurance. "Was kostet die Versicherung?"

6. Find out if you must leave a deposit. "Muß ich etwas hinterlagen?"

7. Ask if you must pay for gas. "Muß ich das Benzin bezahlen?"

Use Other Phrases

8. Show them your driver's license. "Hier haben Sie meinen Führerschein."

9. Find out what kind of gas your rental takes. "Mit Welchem Benzin fährt der Wagen?"

10. Ask if you can reach them anytime, day or night. "Kann ich Sie Tag und Nacht erreichen?"

Tips & Warnings

• When you have trouble following a conversation it is always a good idea to use the following phrase, "Ich verstehe nicht." This lets the person know you aren't understanding them.
• If you find yourself unable to understand what is being said at all, never be ashamed to ask, "Sprechen Sie Englisch?"