Ein Mas bier bitte. (One Litre of beer please) is a good start.   Do a search on Google for Foreign language courses on CD / DVD.  They have some good ones nowadays for about $30 USD.  You can learn many basic phrases in only a day or two. 

ive been slacking on the learning basic german, i assume it will become more of a priority once the fest gets a little closer. sun and matty were giving me some basic phrases in another thread.  Once the summer is here, the months will fly by!

You got that right!  April is only a few days away, then it will be June – before we know it.  This year will be special, as I just found out a couple of months ago that a group of 4 or 5 guys from right here in my hometown, have been going every year to the fest – just like me!  They hang-out at my local water-hole called Euro Street, and about 6 of us just recently completed the Biers Around the World list.  It consists of 281 bottles of bier, with only a few discontinued, and in that case, you have to purchase another “like” brew…  Took me almost four months, and about $1200 ore more – between tabs, lunch, tips, etc. to complete!  You get a free bier of your choosing every day for the rest of your life at this cool place, and you name is forever hung on a plaque called “Honorary Bremeisters” in the restaurant/bar area.  The place has been open for several years, and there is only one “full” plaque, which means 10 to 12 people.  I am 3rd or 4th on the second one. 
 
They are now putting together a “finishers challenge” which will be a new list of larger, stronger, more rare brews from around the globe.  I am very much looking forard to this, as are the other 10 or 15 guys!
 
These other gents are pretty good guys, and they will be in Munchen the same week as I will be there.  They also have table reserved for 12 a couple of nights in the Schottenhamel & Lowenbrau zelten…
 
PROST!
 

You don`t have to speak any german, you get along just fine with english…. I speek some german, however i didn`t use it at all at the oktober fest last year. and if there is some gearmen you need it is just ein bier bitte

That may be the case.  However, any time you show that you are making an effort to speak the native language, regardless of the country you are visiting…. The locals notice and appreciate it.

When I went to Oktoberfest in 2005… the only thing I brought was one of those small Rick Steve’s “Speak German” books.  I found that most people spoke English..but as long as you know how to say Thanks, Hi, Your Welcome, Beer and Where is the toilet… you will be fine

I miss Munich.

But I’m not saying don’t try to learn some…  Sunskin is right… if you show that you are trying, making an attempt and not just presuming everyone speaks English (which most actually do) then the locals will appreciate it that.

Der Countdown zum 174. Oktoberfest: 125 Tage, 4 Stunden und 37 Minuten

What’s up Sun, G & everyone else………. been away for a while, but the fever is catching me and I’m back …. good to see the countdown going strong, and a little chatter going about wiesn ’07…….. To all the Wiesn veterans out there, any idea or guesses what the 07 “song” will be? I rather like 54, 74, 90, 2010 leztes jahr….. Prost

I like that one too.  However, I have a funny feeling it might be “Hey Baby (Iwanna know…..) again.  SIncer there has hardly been an original, decent, or good song released in the past 5 years, this one seems to surface as the favorite in no less than 4 or 5 tents – every couple of yrs.

i think that is that standing wiesn hit song, maybe even theme song, but there is a new (and by new i mean first time sung across the fest) song every year…. it’s always something relatively cheesy with a catchy hook that evryone can sing along to; alla “country roads”…. i’m quite interestred to find out and sing along

The song “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi was big for at least two years, but seemed to go away.  “Country Roads” by John Denver is played sparingly in many tents, but seems to always get played at night in the Hofbrau zelt.  I have reservations for 6 at the Hippodrom on Sept. 24th…  I will be there from 1130 till 1530, and perhaps extend it another 4 hrs.  There is likely room for 2 more, if any of you blokes or gals would like to join me.  First two biers and a wonderful lunch (1/2 roasted chicken & potato’s) on me!!!  

sun……. wish i could make it.. i love das hippodrom, but will not be arriving in dear old munchen until late morning on the 25th… i’m getting excited day-by-day, i can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

Not a problem.  I will be doing the same thing for Happy Hippo Hour on Weds. (9/26)…  I believe those hours are 1530 to 1800.

very cool… we’ll make plans closer to the fest……… PROST!!!!

Yo Sunskin,
 
I’ll be in Munchen 9/22-09/27.  Would love to hang out with you guys.   In fact, I was supposed to join your group in 2001 but something came up at the last minute and I couldn’t leave the country.  If you have any openings in the tents you plan to be in, please hold a spot for me.  I’ll buy you some beers for the help.
 
Take care,
Brian

Hat:  We will definately keep in-touch then.  You are more than welcome, and do not have to buy me any biers…  There is always room for one more!