The most important phrase I have learned is ein Bisschen – a little. In the beginning of the trip I knew very little German and struggled speaking it, instead returning to English which many people here know. When I learned how to say ein Bisschen, I was able to tell them I know a little German but I am working on it. This way people would help me learn instead of revert to English.
The next most important phrase I have learned is Zum Beispiel. This means For Example and is extremely useful when trying to explain or describe something that you don’t know the German word for.
Gegessen- is the past tense of – to eat. This is helpful because you don’t realize how much people ask you what you ate. This is only one example of many about how often one talks about what they did in the past.
Glauben-is to think or believe something. To many questions you might not fully understand it is very useful to say, I think…. before you give an answer.
Genug- means enough. This can be used to say, I have had enough but more so as parents say in English to there kids, Enough is enough.
Die Rechnung- the check. In Germany it is very common to stay after dinner and talk. Servers will very rarely if not never ask you if you want the check, you must ask for it.
Entschuldigung- excuse me. It is an easy word to remember as you use it for politeness everywhere. Accidently bumping into someone, getting someone attention or in the case of a group member named Angel it is to show attitude similar to when one hears something they don’t like and say, “Umm Excuuuuuuuse me!?”
Die Kirche- the church. With many large churches that can be seen from far away, they are naturally the best meeting places.
Kleine oder Gross- Large or small. Needed to describe almost anything.
Das Badezimmer- The bathroom. Because everyone needs the bathroom.