making a complaint in German

Learning how to make a complaint in German can be beneficial for several reasons:

  1. Travel and Daily Life: If you plan to visit or live in a German-speaking country, knowing how to make a complaint in German can greatly assist you in various situations. Whether you encounter issues at a hotel, restaurant, transportation service, or any other establishment, being able to express your concerns effectively in German can help you resolve problems and ensure a better experience.
  2. Independence and Empowerment: Knowing how to make a complaint in German allows you to take control of situations where you feel unsatisfied or treated unfairly. It empowers you to voice your concerns, assert your rights, and seek appropriate resolutions. Being able to communicate your complaints directly and clearly in German helps you advocate for yourself and assert your needs.
German Phrase English Translation
Es tut mir leid, aber ich habe ein Problem. I’m sorry, but I have a problem.
Ich möchte mich beschweren. I would like to make a complaint.
Das entspricht nicht meinen Erwartungen. This doesn’t meet my expectations.
Das ist nicht akzeptabel. This is not acceptable.
Es gab ein Missverständnis. There was a misunderstanding.
Ich bin mit dem Service nicht zufrieden. I am not satisfied with the service.
Das Produkt ist defekt. The product is defective.
Ich habe eine Beschwerde über die Qualität. I have a complaint about the quality.
Das entspricht nicht dem, was mir versprochen wurde. This doesn’t match what was promised to me.
Es gab eine falsche Abrechnung. There was an incorrect billing.
Es gab eine Verzögerung. There was a delay.
Ich habe mein Gepäck verloren. I have lost my luggage.
Ich habe eine schlechte Behandlung erlebt. I have experienced poor treatment.
Der Service war unfreundlich. The service was unfriendly.
Das Essen war kalt / schlecht. The food was cold / bad.
Mein Zimmer ist nicht sauber. My room is not clean.
Ich möchte mein Geld zurück. I would like a refund.
Könnten Sie das bitte korrigieren? Could you please correct that?
Ich erwarte eine angemessene Entschädigung. I expect appropriate compensation.
Können Sie mir bitte helfen, das Problem zu lösen? Can you please help me resolve the issue?
Ich möchte mit Ihrem Vorgesetzten sprechen. I would like to speak to your supervisor.