# Buying German transit tickets

**Language:** German  
**CEFR Level:** A2  

> Master navigating German public transit by listening to Florian and Sophie's conversation about the quirks and rules of buying tickets. It may feel challenging at first, but by the end of this course you will be able to fully understand and participate.

**Setting:** At Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), Florian is struggling to buy a ticket at a confusing ticket machine when Sophie, an off-duty regional train driver, steps in to help. They strike up a conversation over coffee and continue sharing transit tips and travel stories as Florian explores the region.

## Lessons

### 1. Asking for help with a machine

Florian asks Sophie for help using a ticket machine, and she kindly offers to guide him.

### 2. Giving step-by-step instructions

Sophie reveals she is a train driver and guides Florian through the first steps of buying his ticket.

### 3. Asking about payment methods

Florian asks Sophie about paying with cash or card and complains about how confusing ticket machines are in other cities.

### 4. Describing a bad travel experience

Florian shares a story about buying the wrong ticket in the past and dealing with a strict ticket inspector.

### 5. Confirming steps on a machine

Florian asks Sophie why she is so good with ticket machines, and she guides him through selecting his destination and travel time.

### 6. Asking about schedules and ticket prices

Florian asks Sophie about the train schedule to Aachen and gets an estimate of how much his ticket will cost.

### 7. Inviting someone for a coffee

Sophie invites Florian to get a coffee before his train leaves, and they head toward a nearby café that smells delicious.

### 8. Talking about work schedules

Sophie mentions that she worked a night shift on the train, leading her and Florian to discuss the challenges of working at night.

### 9. Describing a morning routine

Florian shares his morning running routine in Hamburg, and Sophie agrees that a refreshing start to the day sounds like a great idea.

### 10. Discussing professional experience

Florian asks Sophie about her career as a train driver, and Sophie reveals how well she knows her regular route after eight years on the job.

### 11. Talking about making mistakes

Florian feels reassured to hear that Sophie occasionally makes mistakes at work, leading them to discuss how nobody is perfect.

### 12. Discussing a favorite local spot

Sophie tells Florian where to find her at the station, and they both agree that the local coffee is the main reason they keep coming back.

### 13. Thanking someone for their help

Florian realizes it is time to head to his platform, and Sophie confirms his train's departure details before he thanks her for all her help.

### 14. Wishing someone a safe journey

Sophie wishes Florian a safe trip to Aachen, and they talk about the possibility of running into each other at the station again in the future.