Finding your way through Alexanderplatz
A real situation from the OGIMA community · Everyday Berlin
The scene
Five exits, three transit lines, and tourists everywhere — you need to ask someone which way leads to the TV tower.
Why this moment is tricky in Germany
Alexanderplatz (locals say 'Alex') is Berlin's busiest transit hub — where S-Bahn lines S5/S7/S75, U-Bahn U2/U5/U8, trams, and buses all converge. The station itself is a multi-level maze with underground passages connecting different lines. Asking for directions here: 'Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum Fernsehturm?' (excuse me, how do I get to the TV tower?) or 'Welcher Ausgang führt zur Weltzeituhr?' (which exit leads to the World Clock?). Berliners at Alex are usually in a rush and will give short, precise answers: 'Ausgang Alexanderplatz, dann rechts' (exit Alexanderplatz, then right). The Fernsehturm (TV tower) is the landmark that orients everything — 'Richtung Fernsehturm' (direction of the TV tower) is the universal wayfinding reference. Alex is also a pickpocket hotspot — the phrase 'Vorsicht, Taschendiebe' (watch out, pickpockets) occasionally echoes through the station speakers. For learners, the transit vocabulary here is essential: 'Umsteigen' (transfer), 'Richtung' (direction), 'Endstation' (final stop).
Rehearse it before it happens
This situation is practised out loud in OGIMA: you speak, an AI conversation partner answers back, and you rerun it until the real thing feels routine.
Prefer to read first? Our guide covers this territory: How to Learn German for Nursing in Germany