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How to Say ‘Do I have to take the bus?’ in German

Muss ich mit dem Bus fahren?

moos ikh mit dehm booss FAH-ren

[moos ikh mit dehm booss FAH-ren]

🇩🇪 In Germany: At many German airports, planes park away from the terminal and a shuttle bus takes you there, so this is a common question at the gate.

Phrase Breakdown

Muss ich

moos ikh

Do I have to

In a question, the verb comes first. Link the two words smoothly: 'MOOS-ish'. The 'ch' in 'ich' is a soft hissing sound.

Example

Muss ich warten?

Do I have to wait?

Words in this phrase

Muss

[moos]

must

Indicating a necessity or obligation.

Example

Ich muss zur Arbeit gehen.

I must go to work.

ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

mit dem Bus fahren?

mit dehm booss FAH-ren

take the bus?

The infinitive 'fahren' goes to the end of the sentence after 'muss'. Let your voice rise at the end, because it is a question.

Example

Kann ich mit dem Bus fahren?

Can I take the bus?

Words in this phrase

mit

[mit]

with / by

Shows the method or means used to do something.

Example

Mit Karte ist es einfacher.

With a card it is easier.

dem

[dehm]

the

A definite article used before a noun to specify it as something known or unique.

Example

Die Kinder spielen im Garten dem Hauses.

The children play in the garden of the house.

Bus

[booss]

bus

A large road vehicle for passengers; at airports it can take you to the plane. Masculine noun.

Example

Der Bus fährt zum Flugzeug.

The bus goes to the plane.

fahren

[FAH-ren]

to drive / to go / to travel

A common verb for moving by vehicle or going somewhere.

Example

Wir fahren heute nicht über die Hauptstraße.

We are not driving via the main street today.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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