Learning the language of one of the countries you’re visiting can go a long way to making your journey that much more of a culturally immersive experience. Cruise Manager Nikola G. shares a few words that might be helpful when you’re in Germany and Austria where German is the sole official language. German is also a co-official language in Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. When sailing along the Danube and Rhine rivers – as well as the Dutch and Belgian Waterways – try connecting with the Bavarian culture a step further with these common words and phrases.

Guten Tag (GOO-ten tahk)/ Hallo

Translation: Good day (formal) / Good day (informal)

Bitte (BEE-tuh)

Translation: Please

Ich möchte ein Bier, bitte. (ikh MOOKH-tuh ighn beer, BIT-tuh)

Translation: I would like a beer, please.

Note: When you ask for a beer in Germany and Austria, it is recommended that you specify what kind of beer you want in your request. If you simply order ‘a beer,’ you will likely get a Pils (Pilsener) which is a pale lager with a light body, and by far the most popular beer type currently served.

Märzen (mare-tsen)

Translation: This is the type of beer traditionally served at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. It’s a medium body, malty lager that comes in pale, amber and dark varieties.