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Excelling in German Class: Key Phrases for Effective Participation

Are you ready to enhance your German language learning experience? In this lesson, you will learn a comprehensive collection of vital phrases that will make your time in the German classroom a breeze! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, these phrases will empower you to confidently navigate your lessons and interactions with your German teacher and fellow students. Let’s get started.

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Asking for Permission in German

Darf ich einen Bleistift leihen? –
Can I borrow a pencil?

Darf ich ein Blatt Papier haben? –
May I have a piece of paper?

Darf ich meinen Bleistift anspitzen? –
May I sharpen my pencil?

Darf ich das Fenster öffnen/schließen? –
May I open/close the window?

Darf ich auf die Toilette gehen? –
May I go to the restroom?

Darf ich zum Schließfach? –
May I go to my locker?

Darf ich zum Büro? –
May I go to the office?

Darf ich einen Schluck Wasser holen? –
May I get a drink of water?

Darf ich meine Wasserflasche füllen? –
May I fill my water bottle?

As you can see, each example in this section uses the verb “dürfen” (darf) to ask for permission. If you want to learn more about this verb (and verbs like it), click here.

Phrases for when you need help in German class

Ich brauche Hilfe. –
I need help.

Darf ich eine Frage stellen? –
Can I ask a question?

Auf welcher Seite sind wir? –
What page are we on?

Wie schreibt man das? –
How do you write/spell that?

Wie spricht man das aus? –
How do you pronounce that?

Ich verstehe nicht. –
I don’t understand.

Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? –
Can you please repeat that?

Was bedeutet das? –
What does that mean?

Wie sagt man… auf Deutsch? –
How do you say… in German?

Können Sie das bitte langsamer sagen? –
Could you please say that more slowly?

Ich habe eine Frage zur Grammatik. –
I have a question about grammar.

Ich brauche Hilfe bei der Übersetzung. –
I need help with the translation.

Ich habe Schwierigkeiten mit diesem Thema. –
I’m having trouble with this topic.

Könnten Sie das erklären? –
Could you explain that?

Könnten Sie das bitte auf Deutsch/Englisch erklären? –
Could you please explain that in German/English?

Könnten Sie das auf Englisch sagen? –
Could you say that in English?

Kann ich das noch einmal sehen? –
Can I see that again?

Würden Sie das bitte wiederholen? –
Would you please repeat that?

Könnten Sie das an die Tafel schreiben? –
Could you write that on the board?

How to apologize to your German teacher

Es tut mir leid. –
I’m sorry.

Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät gekommen bin. –
I’m sorry that I came late.

Ich habe meine Notizen verloren. –
I lost my notes.

Ich habe meine Hausaufgaben vergessen. –
I forgot my homework.

Ich habe meine Bücher zu Hause vergessen. –
I forgot my books at home.

Ich habe mein Wörterbuch vergessen. –
I forgot my dictionary.

Miscellaneous German Classroom Phrases for Students

Wann ist die Prüfung? –
When is the exam?

Gibt es Hausaufgaben für heute? –
Is there homework for today?

Wann ist die Abgabefrist vorbei? –
When is the deadline?

Ich bin fertig. –
I’m finished.

Was sollen wir als nächstes tun? –
What should we do next?

Ich bin noch nicht fertig. –
I’m not finished yet.

Ich brauche mehr Zeit, bitte. –
I need more time, please.

Vielen Dank für Ihre Geduld. –
Thank you for your patience.

Darf ich mich setzen? –
May I sit down?

Darf ich meinen Platz wechseln? –
May I change my seat?

Können wir das im Team machen? –
Can we do this in teams?

Kann ich das mit einem Mitschüler besprechen? –
Can I discuss this with a classmate?

Darf ich mich an den Computer setzen? –
May I use the computer?

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Herr Antrim is a highly experienced German teacher with over 20 years of engagement with the German language. He holds a bachelor’s degree in German with teacher certification and is currently pursuing his master’s degree. Since 2009, he has been teaching German to high school students and is now the World Language Department Chair at Edwardsville High School. In 2011, Herr Antrim launched the successful YouTube channel Learn German with Herr Antrim, which has garnered over 200,000 subscribers. Through his channel, he has collaborated with renowned German language learning YouTube channels such as Deutsch für Euch, Easy German, Get Germanized, and Lingoni German. Herr Antrim is the author of Beginner German with Herr Antrim and Elementary German with Herr Antrim , catering to A1 and A2 learners, respectively. He is currently working on a B1 level follow-up book and a dedicated guide to mastering the German case system. Additionally, Herr Antrim offers the Deutschlerner Club, an online course subscription that provides learners access to his comprehensive A1 and A2 courses along with weekly bonus lessons. This club is designed to give students continuous and structured learning opportunities. With his extensive background and dedication to teaching, Herr Antrim is committed to providing high-quality German language education and resources, making him a trusted authority in the field.