Essential phrases to use on your European travels

Sure, basics are useful. But when you’re sitting in a Prague beer hall, soaking up the last bit of golden-hour light, or wandering a tiny coastal village in Croatia where the menu’s handwritten and slightly smudged, don’t you want to say something that connects you just a little more? We thought so.

That’s why we’ve rounded up a few essential and some not-so-typical words and phrases to keep in your back pocket - useful and always conversation-worthy. They're from some of Daytrip’s most popular destinations, and honestly, they might just save the day... or at least get you a smile from a local.

Let’s get talking:

1. Germany 🇩🇪

Hamburg's Speicherstadt is the largest warehouse district in the world built on timber-pile foundations photo by Meduana

Big beers, bold opinions, and a love of rules, Germany is efficient, beautiful, and full of unexpected charm. From Berlin’s wild energy to Bavaria’s storybook villages, these phrases will all come in handy on the same day.

• Hello – Hallo

• Goodbye – Tschüss

• Please – Bitte

• Thank you – Danke

• Excuse me / Sorry – Entschuldigung

• Cheers! – Prost!

• Sausage – Wurst (Honestly, you shouldn’t leave Germany without trying one.)

• I’ll get the beer – Ich besorge das Bier (Say it loud, you might become everyone’s favorite person.)

2. Czechia 🇨🇿

Charles Bridge has stood since 1402 and was originally called the “Stone Bridge”, thanks to Rich Martello for the perfect capture

Prague might be the poster child, but the whole country is filled with moody castles, hearty food, and beer cheaper than water. The Czechs are famously direct, dry-humored, and great fun once you break the ice, especially if you know how to toast properly.

• Hello – Ahoj

• Goodbye – Nashledanou

• Please – Prosím

• Thank you – Děkuji

• Excuse me / Sorry – Promiňte

• Cheers! – Na zdraví!

• Bon appétit! – Dobrou chuť!

• Really?! – Fakt jo?

3. Poland 🇵🇱

Wrocław is known for its charming gnomes, over 600 bronze statues are scattered across the city! Shot by Reiseuhu

Poland’s charm lies in its contrasts, gritty cities, elegant old towns, smoky pierogi stands, and sleek modern cafés. The people? Warm, proud, and full of humor once you get past the poker face. Come for the history, stay for the kawa.

• Hello – Cześć

• Goodbye – Do widzenia

• Please – Proszę

• Thank you – Dziękuję

• Excuse me / Sorry – Przepraszam

• Cheers! – Twoje zdrowie!

• Sauerkraut – Kapusta kiszona

• Coffee – Kawa

4. Italy 🇮🇹

Venice has over 150 canals and 400 bridges, no wonder it’s called the Floating City! Captured by Ricardo Gomez Angel

Italy is passion in espresso form, loud, beautiful, dramatic, and completely irresistible. Whether you're shouting basta, grazie! at your overzealous waiter or saying buona giornata to a stranger who made your morning, every word here sounds like a lyric.

• Hello – Ciao

• Goodbye – Arrivederci

• Please – Per favore

• Thank you – Grazie

• Excuse me / Sorry – Mi scusi

• Cheers! – Saluti!

• Enough! – Basta!

• Have a nice day – Buona giornata

5. Croatia 🇭🇷

Dubrovnik doubled as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones

Croatia is coastal magic with a dash of wild heart. From medieval towns to island sunsets, it’s the kind of place where a seafood feast, a pint by the harbor, and a little language flair go a long way.

• Hello – Bok

• Goodbye – Doviđenja

• Please – Molim

• Thank you – Hvala

• Excuse me / Sorry – Oprostite

• Cheers! – Živjeli!

• A pint, please – Jednu kriglu, molim

• Seafood – Plodovi mora

• I’m lost – Izgubljen sam

6. Hungary 🇭🇺

Budapest is home to more than 100 thermal springs, ideal for soaking with a view! Photo by Dale Pike

Budapest steals the spotlight, but Hungary’s real magic lies in its layered culture, spicy stews, thermal baths, and a language unlike anything else in Europe. Learn a few words and you’ll win hearts - and maybe get better paprika.

• Hello – Szia

• Goodbye – Viszlát

• Please – Kérem

• Thank you – Köszönöm

• Excuse me / Sorry – Elnézést

• Cheers! – Egészségére!

• What’s new? – Mi újság?

• Good luck! – Sok szerencsét!

7. Slovenia 🇸🇮

Lake Bled’s island church hosts weddings where grooms carry their brides up 99 steps, thanks to Johnny Africa for this magical moment

Small but stunning, Slovenia is where Alpine serenity meets Mediterranean charm. Wine lovers, nature chasers, and low-key adventurers adore it, and Slovenians are known for their hospitality (and seriously good vino).

• Hello – Živjo

• Goodbye – Nasvidenje

• Please – Prosim

• Thank you – Hvala

• Excuse me / Sorry – Oprostite

• Cheers! – Na zdravje!

• Bon appétit! – Dober tek

• Wine – Vino

Got a favorite travel phrase?

Drop your favorite foreign phrases or your funniest language mishaps in the comments. And the next time you’re off on a Daytrip, throw a dober tek or Che bello! into the mix. You might just make someone’s day.