German Taxi Phrases | Vocabulary List

German Taxi Phrases

Last Updated: 02.08.2025
This article is part of our German vocabulary series. Also make sure to check out our A1 / A2 online German lessons and our German reading material.

Sometimes public transport is not available, or you simply want a more direct way to get somewhere. In that case, taking a taxi is a good option.

In this article, we teach you the most useful German words and phrases for taking a taxi. We explain everything clearly, using simple English and natural examples, so that you feel confident speaking German in a real-life taxi situation.

We include practical vocabulary, common phrases, and useful tips, all designed for beginner to intermediate learners.

Let’s start with the most important words.

German Taxi Vocab

das Taxi
taxi
der Taxifahrer / die Taxifahrerin
taxi driver (male / female)
die Fahrt
ride / journey
der Fahrpreis
fare / price of the ride
das Trinkgeld
tip
die Adresse
address

Taxi Phrases & Questions

Let’s look at some real sentences that you might hear or say when taking a taxi in Germany.

Könnten Sie mich bitte zum Flughafen bringen?

Could you please take me to the airport?
Wie viel kostet die Fahrt zum Hauptbahnhof?

How much does the ride to the main station cost?
Ich habe es eilig.

I’m in a hurry.
Könnten Sie bitte langsamer fahren?

Could you please drive more slowly?

How to Call a Taxi in German

There are a few ways to get a taxi. If you call by phone, here is what you might say:

Guten Tag, ich brauche ein Taxi zur Kantstraße 10.

Hello, I need a taxi to Kantstraße 10.
Wie lange dauert es, bis das Taxi kommt?

How long will it take for the taxi to arrive?

It’s good to know your address and your destination in German, or have it written down. If you don’t know the exact pronunciation, showing the address on your phone also works.

Talking About the Route

Some taxi drivers might ask you if you have a preferred route. You can also tell them if you want to avoid traffic.

Fahren Sie bitte über die Autobahn.

Please take the highway.
Können Sie bitte den schnellsten Weg nehmen?

Can you take the fastest route, please?
Gibt es viel Verkehr?

Is there a lot of traffic?

Small Talk in a Taxi

Taxi rides are often quiet in Germany, but small talk is still possible. A short chat can make the ride more pleasant.

Wie lange fahren Sie schon Taxi?

How long have you been driving a taxi?
Ist heute viel Verkehr?

Is there a lot of traffic today?
Ist das eine gute Gegend?

Is this a good area?
Ich lerne Deutsch.

I’m learning German.

You can ask polite questions about the city, the traffic, or the weather. Most drivers will appreciate your effort to speak German, even if it’s just a few simple sentences.

Paying and Tipping

Taxi drivers in Germany usually accept both cash and card, but not all taxis have a card reader. It’s good to ask before the ride.

Giving a small tip is normal, usually rounding up the price or adding 5 to 10 percent.

Wie viel macht das?

How much is it?
Stimmt so, danke.

Keep the change, thank you.
Können Sie mir eine Quittung geben?

Can you give me a receipt?

Summary

Keep practicing the words and phrases from this guide, and you’ll be ready for your next taxi ride in any German-speaking city.

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