Bite 2: How to Give Directions in German

German in 100 bites by Dr. Mitar Pitzek

Bite 2:
How to Give Directions in German
(A1 Level)

Innes Blog - Bite 2: How to Give Directions in German

Imagine you’re walking through the beautiful streets of Vienna, and someone asks you for directions – how do you respond? Let’s dive into the essential German phrases that will help you give directions confidently, and don’t worry, I’ll explain everything in English so you can follow along easily.

Step-by-Step Guide to Giving Directions:

1. Starting with Key Verbs

First, you need a few essential verbs to give directions in German:

  • Gehen Sie (Go)
  • Biegen Sie ab (Turn)
  • Fahren Sie (Drive/Travel)

These verbs will help you construct basic direction sentences. The polite form “Sie” is often used with strangers. So, you might say:

  • Gehen Sie geradeaus” (Go straight ahead)
  • Biegen Sie rechts ab” (Turn right)

Exercise 1:
Translate these sentences into German:

  • Turn left.
  • Go straight for two blocks.

2. Basic Prepositions for Directions

Now, let’s look at some key prepositions that will help you guide someone:

  • an der Ecke (at the corner)
  • vorbei (past)
  • über (across)
  • neben (next to)

Example sentence:

Gehen Sie an der Kirche vorbei.” (Go past the church.)

Exercise 2:

Translate these sentences:

  • The pharmacy is next to the supermarket.
  • Cross the bridge.

3. Landmarks and Common Places

Sometimes, directions involve pointing out landmarks or common places. Let’s add a few useful words:

  • die Straße (the street)
  • die Brücke (the bridge)
  • der Platz (the square)
  • der Bahnhof (the train station)

Example sentence:

  • Gehen Sie über die Brücke und dann links zum Platz.” (Go across the bridge and then left to the square.)

Exercise 3:

Create your own sentences using these words. For example:

  • Go straight until the station.
  • Turn left at the square.

4. Asking for Directions

Now that you know how to give directions, let’s quickly review how to ask for them. Here are some useful questions:

  • Wie komme ich zum Bahnhof?” (How do I get to the train station?)
  • Können Sie mir den Weg zeigen?” (Can you show me the way?)

Exercise 4:

Practice asking for directions to:

  • The post office
  • The nearest bus stop

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Just like when introducing yourself, giving directions is a practical skill. Practice these phrases every time someone needs help or try them out with friends to get comfortable.

Bonus Tip from Dr. Pitzek

At INNES Institute Vienna, we emphasize practical German for everyday situations. In our courses, you’ll not only learn grammar but also how to apply it in real-world scenarios like giving directions. So why not join us for a lesson? We’ll help you master the language while enjoying the beauty of Vienna!

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