A Few Useful Phrases in Popular European Languages

Welcome to ITC’s third language information article on ITCLookForVacations.com. For this installment, I decided to go ultra useful. I want you to know all the phrases you may need, wherever you go in Europe.

I am very proud to know how to say “please” and “thank you” in more than a dozen languages. And though I’ll probably never find myself in Thailand (cop coom cop!) I am gratified that I can thank my waitress in her native tongue whenever I have some prad kha prong. Killing two birds with one stone – ensuring the affection of my dinner companion and those who handle my food – knowing some basic phrases is great diplomacy and even fun.

Now, don’t just look at this list and think you know it. Pronunciation is different in every language. Take the time and learn to speak a little bit and you’ll be happily enriched.

So, without further ado, here are some useful phrases in European languages!

1. The most important phrase for you to learn second nature is Where Is The Bathroom.

• Spanish: ¿Donde estas el sanitario? (proper) or ¿Donde baño? or even just ¿baño? is acceptable in casual, or emergency, situations.
• Italian: Dov’è il bagno?
• German: Koennen Sie mir sagen wo die toiletten sind?
• French: Excusez-moi, Où sont les toilettes?

2. A very useful phrase in any language is, “Do you speak English?”

• Spanish: ¿Tu hablamos englise?
• Italian: parlate inglese?
• German: Sprechen sie Englisch?
• French: Parlez-vous Anglais?

3. Just as useful is, “I do not speak [language].”

• Spanish: No habla espanol.
• Italian: Non parlo Italiano.
• German: Ich spreche nicht Deutsch.
• French: Je ne parle pas français.

4. Some phrases are more useful when vacationing alone, such as “I am rich and single.”

• Spanish: Soy rico y solo.
• Italian: Sono ricco e singolo.
• German: Ich bin wohlhabend und single.
• French: Je suis riche et célibataire.

5. Straight and to the point, “How much?” is a good one to know.

• Spanish: ¿Cuanto?
• Italian: Quanto?
• German: Wie viel?
• French: Combien?

You can see how learning a few key words in foreign languages can make any foreign trip go more smoothly, or just impress acquaintances. Any phrases you’d like to learn? Submit them to me, ezwillenberg@itcgo.com, and I’ll ask around the office. We’ve got most European languages covered here!