A walking tour in a new city is a great way to explore it and is fun in itself. Unfortunately, when visiting a foreign country such as Germany your language barrier is no match, however if you are not proficient in the local language then this poses a great difficulty. However, fear not as this article will help you use some of the simplest and most effective ways to overcome language barriers and get as much out of your Berlin walking tour.

1. Pick a Tour with Guerrilla Guide translation

When you choose a walking tour in Berlin, pick the one that offers with multilingual guides. These are language guides that can tell you much about the languages, the culture, the language itself, and also provide you with essential information accompanied with comments in your native languages. Before deciding on which tour company to pick, do as much research as possible; from all the companies, find those that offer tours in the languages that you are comfortable with.

2. Prepare in Advance

Before kicking it off get prepared in advance. Learn basic German phrases like greeting, thank you, and directions. If you feel you might be in the situation where you may need to communicate with the locals or even only just need to be able to navigate the city there are certain phrases you can learn. Try to learn the main historical facts and landmarks you will visit on the tour, and if the guide’s explanations are in different language then you already have a basic idea.

3. Use Translation Apps

Language barriers don’t have to be a problem if you have a translation app. This will entail getting a copy of a reliable translation app on your phone before the tour and downloading all the language packs you’ll need so you can use it offline and therefore will not depend on an internet connection. The app can be used to translate signs, menus or any other written information you’ll encounter on the tour.

4. Non-Verbal Communication

Think of it as not just verbal communication. Therefore, effective way to bridge a language gap is through non verbal communication. Tap your gestures, your facial expression to convey your needs, or if you want someone’s help. Even if you don’t speak one’s language they will often help you and be willing to assist tourists.

5. Seek Assistance from Fellow Tourists

You’re very unlikely to walk a tour of another language with you as the only non-native speaker. Use this and ask other tourists if they can speak your language. On the tour, get in touch, meet, help each other out. Not only will this help with language barrier but this will also let you know new friends around the world.

6. Observe and Follow the Group

Take in your environment while walking tour and notice how the tour guide and the rest of the group are acting. The guide will often provide visual aid,pointer landmarks or use of specific gestures to convey the relevant information. You can gain valuable insights and even understand context even if you skip a few verbal explanations, observing and following the group.

7. Ask for Clarification

If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Polite with a fellow tourist, the guide or a local, ask for further explanation. Almost everyone is nice and willing to help you understand. That, and asking questions keeps you engaged by showing you’re interested and curious.

8. If staying positive is not your thing, try to enjoy the experience!

As such, you need to remember to remain positive throughout the entire experience. There’s nothing about travelling that excludes language barriers, and by meeting them, you learn and grow. Don’t stop having fun on the tour just because you worry about not understanding everything. Set your sights and take in the city an experience of a different country in condition.

With the language barrier in mind, it’s no problem. Berlin you pull through! Go for a multilingual tour, familiarizing before hand, using translation apps, practicing non verbal communication, asking help from other fellow tourists, following and observing the group, asking for clarifications, and most importantly enjoying the experience. We should not find language as a hindrance to the world within and without.