Top 20 German Words You Need to Know

A handful of German words will carry you through more everyday situations than any grammar rule will — and this is that list. In this lesson, we go through the top 20 basic German words you'll use in daily conversation, and finish with a closer look at "Bitte", a small word that actually carries several different, very useful meanings.

Greetings and Basics

Hallo (hi), Guten Tag (good day/hello, more formal), Tschüss (bye), Ja (yes), Nein (no), Vielleicht (maybe).

Danke, Bitte, and Politeness

Danke (thanks), Danke schön (thank you very much), Bitte (please / you're welcome / here you go — see below), Entschuldigung (excuse me / sorry).

Eating, Drinking, and Everyday Needs

Ich möchte... (I would like...), Wasser (water), Essen (food), Rechnung (the bill), Hilfe (help), Verstehen (to understand — as in Ich verstehe nicht.).

Bonus Tip: The Many Meanings of "Bitte"

"Bitte" alone can mean at least three different things depending on the situation: please (Ein Kaffee, bitte.), you're welcome (as a reply to Danke), and here you go (when handing something to someone). Context tells you which one is meant — but knowing all three means you'll never be confused hearing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most essential basic German words?

Words like Hallo, Danke, Bitte, Ja, Nein, and Entschuldigung cover an enormous share of everyday situations.

What does "Bitte" mean in German?

Depending on context, it can mean please, you're welcome, or here you go — all three are common uses of the same word.

How do you say "I would like" in German?

Ich möchte..., followed by whatever you want, e.g. Ich möchte einen Kaffee.

What's the difference between "Danke" and "Danke schön"?

Danke is a simple thanks, while Danke schön is a slightly more emphatic "thank you very much".

How do you say "I don't understand" in German?

Ich verstehe nicht.

Ready to turn these basic words into real conversations? Check out our A1 German course.