If you’re heading to Germany for any Bundesliga football match, , learning some basic German phrases for travel is a great idea. Doing so can up level your whole travel experience.
As well as being able to chat with locals and find your way around more easily, if you learn German for German football matches you’ll be able to better immerse yourself in the Germany’s rich culture and heritage. Not to mention how much easier it’ll be to navigate around the Bundesliga’s stadiums and locate the cities’ fan areas.
Essential Vocabulary
Below, you’ll find the basic German phrases for travel you need to enjoy your sports trip possible. The locals are sure to appreciate your attempts to learn the lingo, and you may be surprised at just how much smoother your visit goes by having a few key phrases of German.
Sports-Related Terms and Phrases
| Das Siegerteam | Winning team |
| Er hat ein Tor geschossen! | He scored a goal! |
| Halbzeit | Half time |
| Er hat eine Verletzung | He has an injury |
| Das Spiel ist fast vorbei | The game is nearly over |
| Die Mannschaft hat gut gespielt | The team played well |
| Der Fussballspieler | Football player |
| Kopfball | Header |
| Abseits | Offside |
| Der Ecktoss | Corner |
| Machst du Sport? | Do you play any sports? |
| Die Nationalhymne | The National Anthem |
| Die Weltmeisterschaft (WM) | The World Cup |
| Die Europameisterschaft (EM) | The European Championship |
| Endstand | Final score |
| Der Strafraum | The penalty area |
| Der Schiedsrichter | The referee |
Common Phrases Used in German Football Matches
| Wo ist das Stadion, bitte? | Where is the stadium please? |
| Ich möchte ein Ticket kaufen | I would like to buy a ticket |
| Wann beginnt das Spiel? | When does the game start? |
| Ist es ein Elfmeter? | Is it a penalty? |
| Das Elfmeterschiessen. | Penalty shoot-out |
| Die Nachspielzeit | Added/stoppage time |
| Die gelbe Karte / die rote Karte | Red/Yellow card |
| Der Freistoss | Free kick |
| Nach vorne. | Push Forward |
| Der Torwart hat eine Parade gemacht. | The goalkeeper made a save |
| Das Stadion ist voll mit Fans | The stadium is full of fans |
Booking Accommodation
| Ich habe eine Reservierung. | I have a reservation |
| Haben Sie noch ein Zimmer frei? | Do you have a free room? |
| Haben Sie WLAN? | Do you have Wifi? |
| Ich bleibe eine Nacht / zwei Nachte. | I am staying for one/two nights |
| Ist das Frühstück inklusive? | Is breakfast included? |
| Klimaanlage | Air conditioning |
| Um wie viel Uhr muss mann auschecken? | What time is checkout? |
| Können Sie für mich ein Taxi rufen? | Can you call a taxi for me? |
| Ich habe meinen Zimmerschlüssel verloren | I have lost my room key |
| Ich möchte meinen Aufenthalt verlängen | I would like to extend my stay |
Navigating Transportation for Bundesliga Matches
| Fährt dieser Zug nach…? | Does this train go to …? |
| Wo ist der Bahnsteig? | Where is the platform? |
| Wann fährt der nächste Bus nach…? | When does the next bus to …leave? |
| Von wo fährt der Bus ab? | Where does the bus leave from? |
| Wieviel kostest eine Tagesfahrkarte? | How much does a day ticket cost? |
| Darf ich bitte einen Stadtplan haben? | May I have a city map, please? |
| Ausstieg. | Exit |
Engaging in Small Talk with Match Attendees
| Guten tag. | Hello |
| Auf Wiedersehen. | Good bye |
| Ja / Nein. | Yes /No |
| Bitte / Danke | Please / Thank you |
| Ich komme aus den USA- | I am from the USA |
| Wo kommen Sie her? | Where are you from? |
| Welchen Fußballclub unterstütz du? | What football club do you support? |
| Hast du das Fußballspiel gestern gesehen? | Did you watch the football game yesterday? |
| Das Spiel beginnt um.. Uhr. | The game begins at … o’clock |
Ordering Food and Drinks at Restaurants Around Bundesliga Stadiums
| Was möchten Sie essen? | What would you like to eat? |
| Können wir die Speisekarte haben bitte? | Can we see the menu please? |
| Ich bin allergisch gegen… | I am allergic to… |
| Mit / Ohne | With / Without |
| Lecker! | Delicious |
| Zum mitnehmen, bitte | To take away, please |
| Die Rechnung, bitte | The check / bill, please |
| Trinkgeld | Tip |
| Können wir zahlen, bitte | Can we pay please? |
| Kann man mit Karte zahlen? | Can I pay with card? |
Phrases to Use in an Emergency
| Hilfe | Help! |
| Bitte helfen Sie mir. | Please help me |
| Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen | Call an ambulance |
| Rufen Sie die Polizei. | Call the police |
| Ich brauchen einen Arzt. | I need a doctor |
| Geh weg! | Go AWAY! |
(Clean!) German Football Slang and Phrases
You’re likely to hear the phrases and words below from the German stands, players, or pundits during a match. Here’s what they mean.
Das Runde muss ins Eckige
One of the most-used German football phrases in football matches like in Borussia Dortmund match, you’re likely to see this as a slogan printed on T-shirts and flags, as well as hear it called out in the stadium. It means ‘the round thing must go into the square thing’ and is a classic, much-used quote from Josef ‘Sepp’ Herberger, the legendary German football player and manager. It pretty much describes the game in the most basic way possible.
Schwalbe
This is a derogatory term used to describe the act of faking a dive in a bid to get awarded a penalty. It literally translates as ‘swallow’ (in terms of the bird). Players who are particularly prone to making false dives are likely to find themselves pronounced Schwalbenkönig – King of Swallows!
Fallrückzieher
Often accompanied by deafening cheers from the crowd, this word refers to a spectacular scissors or bicycle kick made by a player. The move involves the player falling backward and kicking the ball backward over his head whilst still in mid-air.
Nach dem Spiel ist vor dem Spiel
Translated as ‘after the game is before the game,’ this phrase points out that the end of one match marks the start of the preparation and build-up to the next. Words of wisdom that are generally deployed after suffering a loss.
Auflaufkinder
While it might literally translate as ‘casserole children,’ auflaufkinder are the kids who escort players out onto the pitch prior to the start of the game. For many German – Bundesliga football-loving families, this is a great honor. And not a casserole in sight.
Notbremse
Used when a footballer deliberately fouls an opponent to prevent a goal from being scored, the action is referred to as ‘notbremse,’ which means putting on the emergency brakes. This is another word you’re likely to hear shouted out in the stands.
Hau die Kirsche rein, du Pfeife!
One of the best slang phrases in German, this one translates as ‘Kick the cherry in, you whistle!’ It’s used to signal displeasure at an apparently underperforming player. Germans have a lot of names for the actual ball used in football; as well as ‘cherry,’ it’s also referred to as a ‘pock,’ leather,’ and an ‘egg.’
Finte
You’ll hear this shouted when a player tricks an opponent into believing he’s going to make a pass or shoot…but it’s a feint, and his plan is, instead, to sneak past the defender with the ball. Basically, it’s a dummy pass.
Spielerfrauen
This term is the German equivalent of the English slang word WAGS – meaning the wives and girlfriends of the players. It literally translates as ‘women of players,’ and it’s generally not considered as offensive as it may sound!
Deutschland vor, noch ein Tor!
This phrase translates as ‘Germany ahead, one more goal!’ and can be heard being chanted wildly by German fans to encourage their team to further glory. Sometimes, ‘Deutschland’ is replaced with a specific player’s name, but the gist is the same.
Auf geht’s Deutschland, kämpfen und siegen!
This chant is a favourite of every football fan, with each club having their own version. It literally means “Come on Germany, fight and win!” and is used to motivate the players out on the pitch.
Auf geht’s Deutschland schiesst ein Tor für uns!
This is another fan favourite and highlights the passionate bond between players and fan. The text says” come on Germany score a goal for us” and if you’re lucky enough to get tickets for a German game you’ll definitely hear this being sung.
Einer geht noch, einer geht noch rein!
You’ll hear German fans singing this if the team are thrashing an opponent. It’s sung to celebrate the team winning by a large margin and when the fans want their heroes to humiliate their opponent even more!
Schieber, Schieber!
If you hear this being sung then it means the German fans are angry! It’s shouted when fans think the referee is cheating and favouring the opposition.
German Learning Resources for Sports Travelers
As well as getting to grips with the handy phrases above, you may wish to use one of the following resources to further develop your German language skills.
Recommended Apps and Online Platforms
Rosetta Stone
This popular language-learning platform, Rosetta Stone, aims to offer a fully immersive experience for long-lasting learning. Fans love the bite-sized lessons that can be undertaken either online or offline. Plus, speech recognition technology helps you perfect your accent.
Babbel
Babbel is an award-winning app that allows learners to study and progress at their own pace. Learners can access carefully crafted lessons, podcasts, and games, all designed to spark real-world conversations. Babbel Live provides access to live online courses with expert teachers.
Memrise
If you’re super serious about learning German ahead of your Germany football travel, then the Memrise app could be for you! This tool is all about pushing you to develop your skills and get you to speak a new language competently and confidently. Membot, the app’s AI language tutor, provides vital assistance along the way.
Busuu
This app aims to go beyond teaching a tonne of vocabulary but, instead, focuses on helping learners quickly get confident using sentences and phrases in the target language. The app will connect you with a global community of learners, and you’ll have the opportunity to practice pronunciation, exchange local language tips, and gain cultural insights.
Lingopie
Learn German in an entirely new way with this platform, which is on a mission to teach you beginner-level skills via watching subtitled shows and movies. It’s a novel approach but one that is both immersive and engaging – after all, what’s not to love about learning a language while enjoying a binge-worthy box set?
Additional Learning Materials and Books
German Made Simple by Eugene Jackson and Adolph Geiger
This book is perfect for self-learners who want to start by learning basic, useful phrases ahead of their trip to Germany. The review exercises are effective in consolidating your learning, and you can use the answers at the back to check your progress.
The Everything Learning German Book by Ed Swick
A comprehensive tome that’s packed with useful phrases for travelers, such as those related to ordering food and drinks, booking accommodation, and finding your way about in Germany. The accompanying CD is useful to hear native speakers and improve your pronunciation.
German All-in-One for Dummies by Wendy Foster, Paulina Christensen, and Anne Fox
Get ready to learn conversational German and pick up all the phrases you’ll need for your visit to the country with this bumper book-and-CD combo. The pack aims to get learners confident enough to find their way around public transport, eat out, find a hotel, and even deal with an emergency.
Learning the Lingo for the Bundesliga Trip Possible
So there you have it: lots of the most useful German phrases to learn for your exciting football trip. Whether you’re specifically traveling for sports or will be fitting a match or two into your regular vacation plans, having a basic understanding of the language will enhance your trip in many ways.
As well as being able to chat with fellow football fans, you’ll be able to navigate public transport, dine out, and experience the sights of the city like a local! Use the guide above to get started, and check out some of the German language-learning platforms, apps, and books to brush up your language skills further.
