The twelve essential words
Ja
Yes
Nein
No
Danke
Thank you
Bitte
Please / You're welcome
Works in both directions
Entschuldigung
Excuse me / Sorry
Use to get attention or apologise
Es tut mir leid
I am (sincerely) sorry
Deeper apology than Entschuldigung
Moment, bitte
One moment, please
Kein Problem
No problem
Ich verstehe das nicht
I don't understand this
Noch einmal, bitte
Once more, please
Ask someone to repeat themselves
Ich weiß nicht
I don't know
Hilfe!
Help!
For emergencies
Bitte — the most versatile word
When offering something: "Bitte" means "Here you go."
A waiter sets down your coffee: "Bitte."
When asking for something: "Bitte" means "Please."
Ordering coffee: "Einen Kaffee, bitte."
After "Danke": "Bitte" means "You're welcome."
Customer: "Danke." Shopkeeper: "Bitte."
Practice
Someone offers you coffee and you want to accept. What do you say?
You accidentally bump into someone. What do you say?
You need someone to repeat what they said. What do you say?
What does "Kein Problem" mean?