The dating scene in Germany isn't different to any other western country and unfortunately, this article won't turn you into a new German Don Juan either. But if you like to know some German phrases that might come in handy when/if you meet a nice German man or woman, you should definitely read on.
As in most western countries, it's still the norm that the guy makes the first step. If you're a girl, that doesn't mean you could not approach a guy you like, and if you're a guy, you shouldn't be too surprised if a girl approaches you. But in most cases it's probably going to be the other way around.
But how do you approach someone? In most cases a simple “Hi” should do the trick. Another option would be “Hallo” (hello). Congratulations, unless she/he isn't running away, you just mastered the first step in getting to know a German!
The next logical step would probably be, to engage her/him in a conversation. You could say: “Ich heiße X” (my name is X) and “Wie heißt du?” (What's your name?), or if you want to start a little bit slower: “Wie gehts dir?” (how are you?). If she/he tells you her/his name you could reply: “Freut mich dich kennen zu lernen” (literally: glad to get to know you).
If you prefer a less direct approach you could begin with: “Ich hoffe ich störe dich nicht aber...” (I hope I'm not interrupting but...). Obviously you should come up with something after the 'but', preferably something that could lead to a conversation. Maybe something like:
· “...ich habe mich gefragt ob du vielleicht weißt, wo ich X finde.” (I was wondering if you know, where I could find X.)
· “...ich habe mich gefragt ob du mir vielleicht helfen könntest.” (I was wondering if you could help me.)
· “...ich habe gesehen, dass du ein Buch von X liest. Ich bin ein großer Bewunderer von ihm.” (...I've seen you reading a book from X. I'm a big fan of his work.)
Or you could just be honest:
· “...ich habe mich gefragt, ob ich mich vielleicht zu dir setzen darf.” (I was wondering if I could sit next to you.)
· “...ich habe dich da sitzen sehen, und musste dich einfach ansprechen.” (I've seen you over there and I just had to approach you.)
Either way, her or his reaction should give you an idea whether you have a chance or not.
In case you are successful, here are some phrases that you might need when you guys want to arrange an actual date:
“Wollen wir uns in diesem Restaurant treffen?” (Shall we meet up at this restaurant?)
“Willst du, dass ich dich abhole?” (Do you want me to pick you up?)
“Um wieviel Uhr, sollen wir uns treffen?” (When should we meet?)
“Lass uns etwas trinken gehen.” (Let's have a drink somewhere.)
“Lass uns ins Kino gehen.” (Let's go to the movies.)
“Lass uns in einen Club gehen.” (Let's go clubbing.)
“Ich freue mich auf unser Treffen!” (I'm looking forward to our date!)
German girls, just like every other woman, like to hear compliments. “Du hast wunderschöne Augen” means: You have beautiful eyes. “Ich mag die Art wie du tanzt” means: I like the way you're dancing.
If you are too shy to approach someone directly you could try one of the German “Partnervermittlungen” (dating sites) that you can find online.
And some clubs and bars in Germany throw “Singlepartys” (single parties) from time to time.
No matter how you do it, we wish you good look and hope that you'll find “deine wahre Liebe” (your true love) or that you at least have “eine gute Zeit” (a good time).
