“Ich kenne mich hier nicht aus”
I don't know my way around here
Asking DirectionsGeneralA2
Literal Translation
Word for word: “I know myself here not out”
Pronunciation
/ɪç ˈkɛnə mɪç hiːɐ̯ nɪçt aʊ̯s/
When to Use This Phrase
It's the polite way to say you can't help when a stranger asks you for directions, usually with 'Tut mir leid' in front. 'Sich auskennen' also works for topics: 'Ich kenne mich mit Autos aus' means 'I know a lot about cars'.
Example Sentences
Wissen Sie, wo die Post ist? — Tut mir leid, ich kenne mich hier auch nicht aus.
Do you know where the post office is? — Sorry, I'm not from around here either.
Kennst du dich in Hamburg gut aus?
Do you know your way around Hamburg well?
Word Breakdown
Related Phrases
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