No one wants to have to use these phrases while traveling—but having them at the tip of your tongue (or at least memorized) can make a real difference in a difficult situation.
Medical emergencies
- Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen! — Call an ambulance!
- Ich brauche dringend einen Arzt. — I need a doctor urgently.
- Ich bin allergisch gegen... — I’m allergic to...
- Wo ist das nächste Krankenhaus? — Where is the nearest hospital?
Hilfe! Rufen Sie die Polizei!
Help! Call the police!
Emergency numbers you should know
- 112 — general emergency (ambulance, fire department), valid throughout the European Union
- 110 — police, specific to Germany
Theft, loss of documents
- Ich wurde bestohlen. — I was robbed
- Mein Pass wurde gestohlen. — My passport was stolen
- Ich möchte das melden. — I’d like to report this
If you get lost / need urgent directions
- Ich habe mich verlaufen. — I’m lost
- Können Sie mir bitte helfen? — Can you please help me?
- Ich spreche kein gutes Deutsch. — I don’t speak German very well (useful for letting people know you need patience and simple instructions)
Why memorizing this is worth the effort
In a real emergency, stress makes it hard to remember even basic vocabulary—having these phrases practically automatic in your memory, without having to think, is the kind of preparation that really matters when traveling.
Practice these phrases until they become automatic
DeutschBloom has native audio with speed control—repeat until you’ve internalized them, so you don’t have to rely on a translator when the going gets tough.
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