Question

I have a dear friend that lives in Switzerland and I want to call her. Her mother and siblings don't know English very well but my friend is perfect at it. I just need to know how I would say the following question if her mother or siblings answer the phone "Can I speak with Maria please?" And if they ask who is calling I need to say "This is her friend Justin from the United States" I studied German a little bit before starting Rocket German and I am now on lesson 3.1 so I'm pretty sure I know all of these words in German but I want to make sure I get the word order and everything right. Thanks for any help Justin

Hi Justin, "Can I speak with Maria please" is "Könnte ich bitte mit Maria sprechen" (very polite) or "Kann ich bitte mit Maria sprechen" (also very acceptable) or "Ist Maria da? Kann ich bitte mit ihr sprechen?" "This is her friend Justin from the United States" is "Hier ist Justin aus Amerika" or "Hier ist ihr Freund Justin aus Amerika" You might hear the following: Ja, einen Moment bitte - Yes, one moment please Wer ist da bitte? - Who is it please? Wer ist dran? - Who is on the phone? Let me know if you need to know any other phrases.

Thank you very much!! I really appreciate it!! I would have asked my friend how to say these things but I wanted to surprise her

Hi again, let me know if you need any other phrases. I'm sure your friend will be very happy about your surprise!

Hey, I have another question. How would you say Congratulations in German? I looked it up and found this word Glückwünsche. Is that right? Now would that be pronounced - Glook-voon-sha - ? Thanks Justin

Hi again Justin, yes, that's right. Literally it means "luck-wishes" You can say : Glückwünsche or Glückwunsch or Herzlichen Glückwunsch. :D