German Language Basics for Americans Abroad

Covering the Basics

Focus on high-frequency words and set language learning goals for adults that are directly related to your lifestyle and routine. You can start by organizing word and phrase lists by topic. Grouping vocabulary like this will give the words more context and make them easier to remember.

Being Friendly and Polite

To make a good first impression, learn some common greetings such as:

• Greetings (examples implied in original text)
• Restaurant and shopping phrases
• Directions and public transportation phrases

In German, time is written numerically in military style (a twenty-four-hour clock), but is described verbally using a twelve-hour clock. A note about numbers: In German, the second digit is spoken first in numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine. For example, forty-three is spoken as three-and-forty ('dreiundvierzig').

Language for the Workplace

Here are some common words you'll probably hear at work:

• (Workplace vocabulary listed in original text)

Language for Medical Issues

If you need medical attention, here are some phrases and words you may need:

• (Medical vocabulary listed in original text)

Language for Finding a Place to Live

Here is some vocabulary that might be useful when talking with a potential landlord:

• (Housing vocabulary listed in original text)

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