While the vast majority of players at the $10K are native German speakers, there are a few of us here who have a slightly harder time of it, language-wise, when we’re playing over here. In particular, Dave Spears has traveled the furthest of all to be here, and while most of his opponents speak perfect English, in addition to missing his wife, he’s missing the usual cheeky banter that goes with a Spears game of Vs.

For Dave, and for all of you at home who are looking for a bit of insight into some useful phrases for the next time you play against a German player, Metagame.com presents a guide to some handy German phrases.

From Hans Joachim Höh: “Ich habe gewonnen, du hast verloren.” I have won, you have lost. A straightforward phrase that thus far today seems pretty appropriate for the undefeated Hans.

“Seit wann hast du Vs. gespielt?” might be a good question to ask to break the ice if you sit down at the tisch (table) against a German opponent, and the phrase, literally translated, means, “For how long have you played Vs.?” Just be sure not to ask this question of $10K Munich champion Karl-Heinz Bergt, as the playful spieler (player) likes to reply with the response “Vier stunden,” or, Four hours. A more useful reply might refer to monaten (months) or jahren (years).

Here are a few other useful German phrases for the international Vs. player.

“Hallo und viel glück.” Hello and good luck.

“Wie viele handkarten hast du?” How many cards do you have in hand?

“Besser glücklich als gut.” Better lucky than good.

“Drei Die Herrschaft des Schreckens?! Du bist so glücklich! Ich haß dich.” Three Reign of Terrors?! You are so lucky! I hate you.

“Wo ist der Beef?” Where is the beef?

“Ich habe alle mein charaktere verpasst und er hat sein Kurve getroffen. I suck.” I missed all my characters and he hit his curve. I suck. Dean Sohnle may have gotten some help with his German, but apparently not with his Vs. game.

“Soll ich den Judge rufen?” Should I call the judge? This handy phrase comes to you courtesy of Maik Stich.

“Ich bin ein Weltmeister.” I am a worldwide champion. So says Tim Willoughby, worldwide champion.

“Du Orfer!” You victim! adds David Willemsen.

“Das geht nie!” This can’t be happening! says a doubtful Markus Seine.

For good or for ill, the greatest of the German trash-talkers, Mr. Andre Müller, is not at $10K Bremen, so the talk is probably slightly toned down in this first international Vs Language Lesson. But fear not, Andre will be back—and if you don’t understand his German banter, he is more than capable of translating for himself.

As a note to Dave, the translation for “The chocolate here is sooooooooo good,” turns out to be Die schokolade ist hier soooooooooooooo gut. Who says that languages are hard?

May your Ergebnis (result) on the Ranglistenplatz (standings) always be near the top!