Praktisch · Kapitel 15
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
Even though most Germans speak good English, American English has its peculiarities. Here are the most important differences and practical phrases for everyday life.
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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