German - Getting Past People

Lesson 151 of 158

Learner practicing a polite German phrase for moving through crowds on a bus — public space German learning.

Goal: Polite ways to say 'May I get past?' in crowded places

Free German lessons with guided practice, audio, and speaking support.

Ready for a tiny public-space survival kit? This short lesson helps you move politely through crowds in Germany. We'll listen, practice, and say the phrase aloud so it comes naturally when you need it.

Level A1: In this CEFR-aligned mini-lesson (151) you'll learn one very useful German phrase for crowded public places: how to ask politely to get past someone. You'll practice the phrase in short listening exercises, a quick dialogue, and a few interactive drills — perfect for buses, trains, and narrow shop aisles.

After this lesson you'll be able to:

  • Learn and use the polite request 'Darf ich mal vorbei?'
  • Recognize when to use this phrase on buses, trains, and in shops
  • Practice saying the phrase aloud so it feels natural in real situations (Level A1)
A busy tram interior in Germany, showing a narrow aisle where someone needs to ask to get past.

Ready? Let's go!

When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

Darf ich mal vorbei?

May I get past?

Meaning: May I get past?

When to use: Useful in buses, trains, shops, and other narrow or crowded spaces when you need someone to move a little so you can walk by.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say a literal word-for-word English phrase in German or use a rough shove. Instead, use this polite question.

Darf ich mal vorbei? Ich muss zum Ausgang.
May I get past? I need to reach the exit.
Im Supermarkt: "Darf ich mal vorbei?" — die Gasse ist eng.
In the supermarket: 'May I get past?' — the aisle is narrow.

2. Conversational Listening Practice

Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.

Crowded tram — Anna needs to get out to the door.

Two people on a crowded train: one politely asks to pass using a short German phrase.

Why does Anna say 'Darf ich mal vorbei?'

Portrait of Anna in a German lesson dialogue

Anna

Entschuldigung, darf ich mal vorbei?

Excuse me, may I get past?

Portrait of David in a German lesson dialogue

David

Ja, klar. Einen Moment bitte.

Yes, sure. One moment please.

Portrait of Anna in a German lesson dialogue

Anna

Danke! Ich muss zur Tür.

Thanks! I need to get to the door.

Portrait of David in a German lesson dialogue

David

Gern geschehen. Viel Erfolg!

You're welcome. Good luck!

3. Guided Practice

Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.

What is the best English translation of 'Darf ich mal vorbei?'

You're on a crowded tram and need to reach the door. Which German phrase from this lesson would you say?

Which single word in 'Darf ich mal vorbei?' means 'past' or 'by'?

Which of these is the most polite way from the choices to ask to pass someone?

On a crowded bus you politely say: May I get past?

On a crowded bus you politely say: ___

You are stuck in a narrow shop aisle and need to go to the end: May I get past?

You are stuck in a narrow shop aisle and need to go to the end: ___

At the train door you say politely to someone: May I get past?

At the train door you say politely to someone: ___

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice

Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).

Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.

Say this phrase out loud:

Darf ich mal vorbei?

May I get past?