European Language for UK Travellers: Navigate Europe With These Helpful Phrases

European Language for UK Travellers

If you’re thinking of heading to any country within Europe’s Schengen territory, then you’re probably looking forward to applying for an ETIAS authorisation, too. Starting in 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become a mandatory requirement for visitors from countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen area, and this includes the UK. This streamlined process aims to enhance security while facilitating smoother travel experiences.
Another thing that can make for smoother travel experiences is if you know some basic European language for travel. Embarking on a journey through Europe opens doors to diverse cultures and breathtaking experiences, and knowing how to speak a little local language can help a lot. In this article, we share with you some indispensable foreign phrases, equipping you to navigate Europe with confidence and connect on a deeper level with the people you meet.

Thinking in English: What UK Travellers Generally Need To Know

An article on Tandem shows that 5 of the most utilised languages in Europe are languages originating from countries currently under the Schengen territory. These are German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Polish. It’s also worth noting that English is the fourth most spoken language in Europe, which shows that our language in the UK isn’t the most widely spoken, and it accounts only for a small slice of the general pie.

Having said that, what do UK travellers mostly need to know when travelling to a foreign country? We’ve compiled a list here:

Do you speak English?

When navigating through a foreign country, asking if someone speaks English can be immensely helpful. It shows respect for the local language while also seeking common ground for communication. This question often serves as a bridge between languages, allowing for smoother interactions.

I don’t understand.

Acknowledging language barriers and expressing that you’re having difficulty understanding is a valuable phrase. It demonstrates your willingness to communicate and invites the person you’re speaking with to perhaps rephrase or use simpler language to help you understand better.

Could you help me, please?

Whether you’re lost, in need of directions, or require assistance, asking for help politely can open doors to valuable local insights. This phrase shows courtesy, often prompting people to offer assistance willingly.

Where is the nearest…

When in a new place, knowing how to ask for locations such as the nearest restroom, bank, or transportation hub can be crucial. This phrase helps you navigate your immediate surroundings more effectively.

I would like…

Whether you’re ordering in a restaurant or making a purchase, expressing what you want politely is essential. This phrase allows you to articulate your preferences or needs while showcasing courtesy.

Can I have the menu, please?

Getting the food you want begins with knowing how to request a menu in the local language. It demonstrates your interest in exploring local cuisine and allows you to make informed choices about your meal.

I need a taxi.

Being able to request transportation is key when exploring a new place. Knowing how to ask for a taxi ensures you can move around conveniently and safely.

Can you recommend a good restaurant?

Seeking recommendations for local eateries can lead to delightful culinary experiences. Asking for suggestions indicates your openness to trying local flavours and dishes.

Goodbye, thank you!

Expressing gratitude and bidding farewell in the local language is a wonderful way to conclude interactions positively. It shows appreciation for the help or service received and leaves a pleasant impression.

Helpful Foreign Phrases To Use in Europe

Following these phrases and expressions that are natural to UK travellers, let’s take a look at some basic European language for travel, featuring these languages:

German

  • Hello, how are you? – Hallo, wie geht es dir? (hah-loh, vee gayt es deer?)
  • Do you speak English? – Sprechen Sie Englisch? (shpreh-ken zee eng-lish?)
  • I don’t understand. – Ich verstehe nicht. (ikh fair-shtay-uh nikht.)
  • Could you help me, please? – Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen? (kern-ten zee meer bitt-uh helf-en?)
  • Where is the nearest…? – Wo ist das nächste…? (voh ist dahs nai-khstuh…?)
  • I would like… – Ich möchte gerne… (ikh merkht-uh gern-uh…)
  • Can I have the menu, please? – Kann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben? (kahn ikh bitt-uh dee shpi-zuh-kart-uh hah-ben?)
  • I need a taxi. – Ich brauche ein Taxi. (ikh brow-khuh iyn tahk-see.)
  • Can you recommend a good restaurant? – Können Sie ein gutes Restaurant empfehlen? (kern-en zee iyn goo-tes rest-o-rant em-pfeh-len?)
  • Goodbye, thank you! – Auf Wiedersehen, danke! (owf vee-duh-zayn, dahn-kuh!)

French

  • Hello, how are you? – Bonjour, comment ça va ? (bon-zhoor, koh-mah sah vah?)
  • Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais ? (par-leh voo ahn-gleh?)
  • I don’t understand. – Je ne comprends pas. (zhuh nuh kohm-prahng pah)
  • Could you help me, please? – Pouvez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît ? (poo-veh voo meh-day, seel voo pleh?)
  • Where is the nearest…? – Où est le/la plus proche de… ? (oo eh luh/lah ploo prohsh duh…)
  • I would like… – Je voudrais… (zhuh voo-dreh…)
  • Can I have the menu, please? – Puis-je avoir le menu, s’il vous plaît ? (pwee-zhuh ah-vwahr luh muh-nyoo, seel voo pleh?)
  • I need a taxi. – J’ai besoin d’un taxi. (zhay buh-zwah duhn tahk-see.)
  • Can you recommend a good restaurant? – Pouvez-vous recommander un bon restaurant ? (poo-veh voo ruh-koh-mahn-day uhn bohn rest-oh-rahn?)
  • Goodbye, thank you! – Au revoir, merci ! (oh ruh-vwahr, mehr-see!)

Spanish

  • Hello, how are you? – Hola, ¿cómo estás? (oh-lah, koh-moh ehs-tahs?)
  • Do you speak English? – ¿Habla inglés? (ah-blah een-glehs?)
  • I don’t understand. – No entiendo. (noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh.)
  • Could you help me, please? – ¿Podría ayudarme, por favor? (poh-dree-ah ah-yoo-dar-meh, por fah-vor?)
  • Where is the nearest…? – ¿Dónde está el/la más cercano/a…? (dohn-deh ehs-tah el/la mas sehr-kah-noh/ah…?)
  • I would like… – Me gustaría… (meh goos-tah-ree-ah…)
  • Can I have the menu, please? – ¿Me puede dar el menú, por favor? (meh pooeh-deh dar el meh-noo, por fah-vor?)
  • I need a taxi. – Necesito un taxi. (neh-seh-see-toh oon tahk-see.)
  • Can you recommend a good restaurant? – ¿Puede recomendar un buen restaurante? (pweh-deh reh-koh-mehn-dar oon bwehn rest-ow-rahn-teh?)
  • Goodbye, thank you! – Adiós, gracias! (ah-dee-ohs, grah-syahs!)

Italian

  • Hello, how are you? – Ciao, come stai? (chow, koh-meh stai?)
  • Do you speak English? – Parli inglese? (par-lee een-gleh-zeh?)
  • I don’t understand. – Non capisco. (non kah-pee-skoh.)
  • Could you help me, please? – Potrebbe aiutarmi, per favore? (poh-trehb-bee ai-oo-tar-mee, pair fah-voh-re?)
  • Where is the nearest…? – Dov’è il/la più vicino/a…? (doh-veh eel/la pyoo vee-chee-noh/ah…?)
  • I would like… – Vorrei… (vohr-ray)
  • Can I have the menu, please? – Posso avere il menù, per favore? (pohs-soh ah-vehr-re eel meh-noo, pair fah-voh-re?)
  • I need a taxi. – Ho bisogno di un taxi. (oh bee-sohn-yoh dee oon tahk-see.)
  • Can you recommend a good restaurant? – Può consigliare un buon ristorante? (pwah kohn-seelyah-reh oon bwon ree-stoh-rahn-teh?)
  • Goodbye, thank you! – Arrivederci, grazie! (ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee, grah-tsyeh!)

Polish

  • Hello, how are you? – Dzień dobry, jak się masz? (Jen doh-bri, yak shen mah-sh?)
  • Do you speak English? – Czy mówisz po angielsku? (Chi moovish poh ahn-gyel-skoo?)
  • I don’t understand. – Nie rozumiem. (Nye roh-zoo-myem.)
  • Could you help me, please? – Czy możesz mi pomóc? (Chi mo-zhesh mee poh-mohts?)
  • Where is the nearest…? – Gdzie jest najbliższy/a…? (Gdzhie yest nai-blee-shi/ah…?)
  • I would like… – Chciałbym/chciałabym… (H-cha-oom/h-cha-oo-wa-oom…)
  • Can I have the menu, please? – Czy mogę prosić o menu? (Chi mo-geh proh-seesh oh meh-noo?)
  • I need a taxi. – Potrzebuję taksówki. (Poh-tsheh-boo-yeh tahk-soof-kee.)
  • Can you recommend a good restaurant? – Czy możesz polecić dobre restauracje? (Chi mo-zhesh poh-leh-chee doh-breh rest-oo-raht-see-yeh?)
  • Goodbye, thank you! – Do widzenia, dziękuję! (Do veed-ze-nya, jen-koo-yeh!)

How To Behave as a Foreigner in Europe

It’s not only basic phrases that will help you survive Europe, particularly the Schengen Zone. It has a lot to do with your behaviour as a traveller too. These behaviours, along with basic phrases, can significantly enhance your experience while travelling through Europe, making it richer, more respectful, and enjoyable.

Embrace Cultural Differences

Respect local customs and traditions. Learn a bit about the culture beforehand to avoid unintentional disrespect.

Patience Is Key

Queues may seem longer, service may take more time—be patient; rushing isn’t always the European way.

Dress the Part

Europe often leans towards more polished attire. Dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites or high-end establishments.

Mind Your Volume

Europeans tend to be more reserved in public. Keep your voice at a moderate level, especially in confined spaces like public transport.

Tipping Etiquette

Understand tipping norms—tipping isn’t always mandatory in Europe, but it’s appreciated for good service.

Local Cuisine Exploration

Be open to trying local dishes and dining customs. Experimenting with local food can be a delightful part of the experience.

Language Efforts

Attempting a few phrases in the local language shows respect. Even if it’s a basic “hello” or “thank you,” locals appreciate the effort.

Responsible Tourism

Practise responsible tourism—keep public spaces clean, respect nature, and follow local environmental guidelines.

Adapt and Be Flexible

Plans may change, and that’s okay. Being flexible allows you to make the most out of unexpected opportunities or changes.

Conclusion:

Mastering simple greetings, expressions of gratitude, and essential enquiries not only eases your journey but also opens doors to authentic cultural experiences. As you traverse the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Europe, these phrases act as bridges, connecting you to locals in a way that guidebooks can’t. As an added note, there is absolutely no harm in learning beyond the phrases offered here. 

So, as you embark on your European adventures with the accessibility provided by ETIAS, embracing a few phrases is more than a courtesy—it’s your key to unlocking the best of what Europe has to offer.