American Language Guide
American vs. British
In school, most Germans learn British English. In everyday American life, there are some important differences:
| German | British | American |
|---|---|---|
| Erdgeschoss | Ground Floor | First Floor |
| 1. Stock | First Floor | Second Floor |
| Aufzug | Lift | Elevator |
| U-Bahn | Underground/Tube | Subway |
| Rechnung | Bill | Check |
| Toilette | Toilet/Loo | Restroom/Bathroom |
| Kofferraum | Boot | Trunk |
| Pommes | Chips | Fries (French Fries) |
| Chips | Crisps | Chips |
| Bürgersteig | Pavement | Sidewalk |
| Urlaub | Holiday | Vacation |
| Schlange stehen | Queue | Stand in line |
Small Talk & Politeness
Americans are generally more open and talkative than Germans. "How are you?" is not a real question — the expected answer is "Good, thanks! And you?"
| Situation | Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | What's up? / How's it going? | How are you? (Answer: "Not much" / "Good!") |
| Farewell | Have a good one! | Have a nice day! |
| Thanks | Appreciate it! | I appreciate it! |
| Apology | Excuse me / My bad | Sorry / My mistake |
| Agreement | Absolutely! / For sure! | Definitely! |
| Enthusiasm | That's awesome! | That's great! |
Tip: "You guys" is gender-neutral and means "all of you". "Sir" and "Ma'am" are frequently used in the South — shows respect.
At the Restaurant
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| How many in your party? | How many people? |
| Table for two, please | A table for two, please |
| Can I get you started with drinks? | Would you like to order drinks first? |
| I'll have the… | I'd like the… |
| How would you like that cooked? | How would you like that? (Steaks: rare/medium/well-done) |
| Can I get a refill? | Can I get a refill? (Soft drinks often free!) |
| Can I get the check, please? | The check, please |
| Keep the change | Keep the change (tip for cash payment) |
| Can I get a to-go box? | Can I take the rest with me? |
Important: In the USA, you do NOT just sit down. You wait at the entrance for the host/hostess to lead you to the table ("Please wait to be seated").
Shopping
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Kann ich das anprobieren? | Can I try this on? |
| Haben Sie das in Größe…? | Do you have this in size…? |
| Was kostet das? | How much is this? |
| Gibt es einen Rabatt? | Is there a discount? |
| Nehmen Sie Kreditkarten? | Do you take credit cards? |
| Ich schaue nur | I'm just browsing |
| Kann ich das umtauschen? | Can I exchange this? |
Clothing sizes: US sizes differ! Women: US 6 = EU 36, US 8 = EU 38. Men's shirts: S/M/L/XL (same). Shoes: Men's US 9 = EU 42, Women's US 7 = EU 38.
Emergencies
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Hilfe! | Help! |
| Rufen Sie die Polizei! | Call the police! |
| Ich brauche einen Arzt | I need a doctor |
| Wo ist das nächste Krankenhaus? | Where is the nearest hospital? |
| Ich bin allergisch gegen… | I'm allergic to… |
| Ich habe meinen Pass verloren | I lost my passport |
| Ich wurde bestohlen | I've been robbed |
| Ich spreche nicht gut Englisch | I don't speak English very well |
Emergency number: 911 — applies to police, fire department, and ambulance.
German Embassy Washington D.C.: Tel. +1 (202) 298-4000. Consulates General in: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Boston.
Useful Phrases
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Wo ist…? | Where is…? |
| Wie komme ich zum…? | How do I get to…? |
| Können Sie mir helfen? | Can you help me? |
| Was empfehlen Sie? | What do you recommend? |
| Das ist zu teuer | That's too expensive |
| Ich verstehe nicht | I don't understand |
| Können Sie das wiederholen? | Can you say that again? |
| Langsamer bitte | Slower, please |
| Haben Sie WLAN? | Do you have WiFi? |
| Wie ist das Passwort? | What's the password? |
| Prost! | Cheers! |
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