Besuch bekommen

You use the verb bekommen (to get/receive). It’s a very active phrase. You can say Ich bekomme Besuch to mean someone is coming. You can also use the past tense: Ich habe Besuch bekommen. This means someone already arrived. Remember that Besuch stays singular. You don't need to say "visits" in the plural. Even if five people come over, it’s still just Besuch. It’s a collective noun here. Just drop it into a sentence like any other activity.

Use it whenever someone is visiting your home. It’s perfect for making excuses. "I can't go out, ich bekomme Besuch." It’s great for planning your weekend. "Am Samstag bekommen wir Besuch." It works for short coffee dates. It also works for people staying overnight. Use it with friends, family, or even the neighbors. It’s the standard social phrase for hospitality. It makes you sound like a local who has a life!

Don't use this for professional appointments. If your boss comes to your office, that’s a Besprechung. If you see a doctor, that’s a Termin. Also, don't use it for service people. If the plumber is coming, you don't "get a visit." You just say the Handwerker is coming. It’s strictly for social, non-commercial guests. Using it for the pizza delivery guy might get a laugh, but it’s technically wrong!

Germans take their private space seriously. Your home is your castle. Being invited over for Besuch is a big deal. It means you’ve moved past the "meeting at a cafe" stage. There’s a whole ritual involved. Usually, there’s coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen). If you’re the one "getting the visit," you’re the host. You’re expected to offer something to drink immediately. It’s a cornerstone of German social life. It’s how bonds are strengthened outside of work.

You’ll also hear Besuch haben. This is very similar. Besuch bekommen focuses on the arrival or the plan. Besuch haben focuses on the fact that they are already there. If you’re waiting for someone, you might say Ich erwarte Besuch. That sounds a bit more formal. If you want to be very casual, you can just say Leute kommen vorbei. But Besuch bekommen remains the most classic and versatile version.