How to Ask for Directions in German

To ask for directions in German, start with Entschuldigung, name the destination early, and confirm the route’s key steps. Use Wie komme ich zum Bahnhof? for a route and Wo ist die nächste Apotheke? for a location. Listen for turns, crossings, stops, platforms, landmarks, and approximate walking time.

Direction phrases you need

German	Meaning / use
Wie komme ich zum Bahnhof?	How do I get to the station?
Wo ist die nächste Bushaltestelle?	Where is the nearest bus stop?
Ist das weit?	Is that far?
Kann ich zu Fuß gehen?	Can I walk?
Gehen Sie geradeaus	Go straight
Biegen Sie links ab	Turn left
Biegen Sie rechts ab	Turn right
Überqueren Sie die Straße	Cross the street
An der Ampel	At the traffic light
An der Kreuzung	At the intersection
Neben der Bank	Next to the bank
Gegenüber dem Hotel	Opposite the hotel
Welche Linie muss ich nehmen?	Which line must I take?
Wo muss ich umsteigen?	Where must I change?
An welcher Haltestelle muss ich aussteigen?	At which stop must I get off?

Finding the station

Traveler: Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum Hauptbahnhof?

Local: Gehen Sie bis zur Ampel geradeaus und dann rechts.

Traveler: Also an der Ampel rechts?

Local: Genau. Der Bahnhof ist dann links, gegenüber dem Hotel.

Traveler: Wie lange dauert es zu Fuß?

Local: Ungefähr zehn Minuten.

Common mistakes

• Giving a long introduction before naming the destination.
• Nodding without confirming left, right, line, platform, or stop.
• Confusing gegenüber with neben.
• Depending on street names when a visible landmark is easier.
• Forgetting that contractions such as zum combine a preposition and article.

Practice exercise

Draw a map with a station, café, hotel, bank, pharmacy, and museum. Give three routes aloud, then block one street and explain a detour. Repeat one route back to confirm it.

FAQ

What is the difference between wo and wohin?

Wo asks about location; wohin asks about direction or destination.

How do I say I am lost?

Use Ich habe mich verlaufen on foot or Ich habe mich verfahren when driving.

Keep learning German

• German travel phrases
• German numbers and shopping
• basic German conversations
• German listening practice

Turn German into a speaking skill

Reading gives you the map; repeated listening, spoken recall, and variation make phrases available in a real conversation. German Through Real Dialogues teaches practical exchanges for social life, food, shopping, transport, accommodation, work, services, health, and emergencies.

Continue with the complete German Through Real Dialogues course on Udemy.