Travel German

Speaking German When You Travel to the DACH Region

Germany, Austria and Switzerland are among the most popular European destinations for Australian travellers — and for good reason. The cities are beautiful and safe, the food and beer culture is world-class, public transport is exceptional and the history is extraordinary. You can get by in English in most German cities. But knowing even basic German transforms the experience.

Germans respond warmly to foreigners who make the effort to speak their language. A Guten Morgen to your hotel receptionist, ordering in German at a restaurant, asking for directions in German even imperfectly — these small moments create connections that staying in English prevents. Beyond the social dimension, German phrases are your safety net: for small-town train stations with no English signage, for pharmacy visits, for anything that goes wrong.

What These Guides Cover

Our Travel German series covers every situation an Australian traveller faces in a German-speaking country — from the moment you land at Frankfurt Airport to checking out of your hotel and everything in between. Each guide is organised by situation with pronunciation notes, cultural tips specific to Australian travellers, and honest advice on what actually comes up versus what textbooks assume you need.

Planning Your Trip

If you are planning a trip to Germany soon and have limited study time, start with German Travel Phrases for the essential 20 phrases every traveller needs, then work through the situation-specific guides below. For Australians visiting Germany for the first time, the cultural tips in each guide are as important as the phrases themselves.