German for Tourists: Ask Where the Tourist Information Center Is
Learn to ask 'Wo ist die Tourist-Information?' in German, understand opening hours, and request help with maps, tours, and tickets.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When you arrive in a German-speaking town, the tourist information office (Tourist-Information or Touristeninformation) is your best first stop for maps, local advice, and bookings. This lesson teaches you how to ask where it is, understand basic answers, and request common services. You will practice the key question 'Wo ist die Tourist-Information?' and learn polite phrases for asking about opening hours, English-language materials, and guided tours. The focus is on standard German used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with regional notes where helpful.
By the end, you can…
- ask where the tourist information center is in German.
- understand simple directions to the tourist information center.
- ask about opening hours and available services in German.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Wo ist die Tourist-Information?
Where is the tourist information center?
voh ist dee too-REEST-in-fohr-ma-tsi-OHn
Standard question. In Austria and Switzerland, you may also hear 'Touristeninformation' or 'Gästeinformation'.
Gibt es hier einen Stadtplan?
Is there a city map here?
gipt es heer AY-nen SHTAT-plahn
Use at the information desk to ask for a free map. 'Stadtplan' is masculine, so 'einen' is correct.
Wann ist die Tourist-Information geöffnet?
When is the tourist information center open?
van ist dee too-REEST-in-fohr-ma-tsi-OHn guh-UEF-net
Ask for opening hours. 'Geöffnet' means 'open'. You can also say 'Wie sind die Öffnungszeiten?'
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Do you speak English?
SHPREH-khen zee ENG-lish
Polite form with 'Sie'. Use this if you need help in English. In informal settings with young people, 'Sprichst du Englisch?' is possible.
Ich hätte gern eine Stadtführung.
I would like a guided city tour.
ikh HET-tuh gairn AY-nuh SHTAT-fue-rung
Polite way to request a tour. 'Hätte gern' is a courteous form of 'would like'. For a specific language, add 'auf Englisch'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask where something is, use 'Wo ist ...?' followed by the noun. For feminine nouns like 'die Tourist-Information', the article 'die' stays. Example: 'Wo ist die Tourist-Information?' For masculine nouns, use 'der': 'Wo ist der Bahnhof?' (Where is the train station?). For neuter nouns, use 'das': 'Wo ist das Hotel?' (Where is the hotel?). If you don't know the gender, you can often ask 'Wo ist ...?' with the name alone, but using the correct article sounds more natural. In Austria, 'Tourist-Information' is common, but you may also see 'Gästeinformation' or 'Tourismusbüro'.
When to use it
Use 'Wo ist die Tourist-Information?' when you need directions to the office. If you are already at a train station or airport, you can ask 'Gibt es hier eine Tourist-Information?' (Is there a tourist information center here?). When you arrive, use 'Gibt es hier einen Stadtplan?' to ask for a map. To ask about services, say 'Was können Sie mir empfehlen?' (What can you recommend?). For opening hours, 'Wann ist die Tourist-Information geöffnet?' works everywhere. In Switzerland, 'Tourist-Information' is understood, but 'Tourismusbüro' or 'Verkehrsbüro' may be used in some regions.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Entschuldigung, wo ist die Tourist-Information?
Excuse me, where is the tourist information center?ent-SHOOL-dee-goong, voh ist dee too-REEST-in-fohr-ma-tsi-OHnDie ist gleich um die Ecke, neben dem Rathaus.
It's just around the corner, next to the town hall.dee ist glaykh um dee EK-uh, NAY-ben dem RAHT-housDanke. Wann ist sie geöffnet?
Thank you. When is it open?DAHN-kuh. van ist zee guh-UEF-netVon neun bis achtzehn Uhr, aber am Sonntag geschlossen.
From nine to six p.m., but closed on Sunday.fon noyn bis AKH-tsayn oohr, AH-ber ahm ZON-tahk guh-SHLOS-senA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, tourist information offices are usually called 'Tourist-Information' (often written with a hyphen) or 'Touristeninformation'. In Austria, 'Gästeinformation' is also common; in Switzerland, 'Tourismusbüro' or 'Verkehrsbüro' may appear. Offices are typically open Monday to Friday and Saturday morning, but hours vary. Many staff speak English, but it is polite to ask 'Sprechen Sie Englisch?' first. Using 'Sie' (formal 'you') is standard with strangers.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Wo ist Tourist-Information?' without the article 'die'.
Try this instead: In German, most nouns need an article. Say 'Wo ist die Tourist-Information?' The article 'die' is feminine. Omitting it sounds telegraphic. If you don't know the gender, you can sometimes ask 'Wo ist ...?' with a proper name, but for common nouns, use the article.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'Where is the tourist information center?' in German?
Show a sample answer
Wo ist die Tourist-Information?
This is the standard question. You could also say 'Wo ist die Touristeninformation?' in some regions, but 'Tourist-Information' is widely understood.
2Ask 'Is there a city map here?' in German.
Show a sample answer
Gibt es hier einen Stadtplan?
'Stadtplan' is masculine, so 'einen' is used in the accusative. 'Gibt es hier einen Stadtplan?' is correct. You might also hear 'Haben Sie einen Stadtplan?' (Do you have a city map?).
3How do you ask 'When is the tourist information center open?' in German?
Show a sample answer
Wann ist die Tourist-Information geöffnet?
'Geöffnet' means 'open'. Alternatively, 'Wann hat die Tourist-Information geöffnet?' is also common. Both are correct.
To find the tourist information center, ask 'Wo ist die Tourist-Information?' Remember to use 'die' and add 'Entschuldigung' for politeness. At the office, ask for a 'Stadtplan' and check 'Öffnungszeiten'.
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