10 German Expressions You Can Learn in One Coffee Break ☕

Teneille C
2 days ago
2 min read

German has a reputation for being serious, logical, and… a little scary. The truth? You can start speaking useful German in minutes if you focus on the expressions people actually use.

Here are 10 German expressions that will instantly make you sound more confident — even if you’ve just started learning.

1. Na? – So? / Hey?

This tiny word is everywhere in Germany.

It’s used when you meet someone and want to say:“So… how’s life?”

Example:Na, alles gut?(So, everything good?)

Short. Casual. Very German.

2. Alles klar – All clear / Got it

Perfect for work, messages, and daily life.

Example:Wir treffen uns um sechs. – Alles klar!(We meet at six. – Got it!)

You’ll hear this constantly.

3. Passt schon – It’s fine / No worries

A relaxed expression Germans use when something isn’t perfect, but acceptable.

Example:Sorry für die Verspätung. – Passt schon.(Sorry for being late. – No worries.)

4. Ich bin dabei – I’m in

Want to sound modern and natural? Use this.

Example:Wir gehen heute Abend aus. – Ich bin dabei!(We’re going out tonight. – I’m in!)

5. Genau! – Exactly!

This one word can replace full sentences.

Example:Du kommst um acht, richtig? – Genau!(You’re coming at eight, right? – Exactly!)

Simple, confident, very satisfying to say.

6. Keine Ahnung – No idea

Honest, direct, and extremely common.

Example:Wann kommt der Zug? – Keine Ahnung.(When does the train arrive? – No idea.)

7. Klingt gut – Sounds good

Great for plans, work chats, and casual conversations.

Example:Wir telefonieren morgen. – Klingt gut!(We’ll call tomorrow. – Sounds good!)

8. Mal sehen – We’ll see

Classic German flexibility (yes, it exists).

Example:Kommst du mit? – Mal sehen.(Are you coming? – We’ll see.)

9. Echt? – Really?

Short, expressive, and used all the time.

Example:Ich ziehe nach Berlin. – Echt?(I’m moving to Berlin. – Really?)

10. Bis dann – See you later

More relaxed than “Auf Wiedersehen” and very natural.

Example:Ich muss los. – Bis dann!(I have to go. – See you later!)

How to Learn These Fast (Without Overthinking)

Here’s the trick:

Don’t translate every word
Learn the feeling of the expression
Use them in short replies
Repeat them out loud

German sounds confident when it’s simple and direct.

Final Thought

If you can use these 10 expressions comfortably, you’re already ahead of many learners who only study grammar. Real fluency starts with small, natural wins like these.

And if you want to learn German the same way people actually speak it — quickly, confidently, and without stress — that’s exactly how we teach.

Want to go beyond expressions and start speaking with confidence? We offer flexible, online German lessons focused on real communication and fast progress.