How To Order In German

Mastering the German Ordering Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Ordering food or drinks in German can feel daunting at first, but with a little practice and the right strategies, you'll be confidently navigating German restaurants and cafes in no time. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the vocabulary, phrases, and cultural nuances needed to order like a pro, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. We'll cover everything from basic greetings to handling more complex situations, making this your go-to resource for conquering the German ordering process.

I. Essential Greetings and Phrases

Before you even think about ordering, mastering a few basic greetings is crucial. It sets a positive tone and shows respect for the local customs.

• "Guten Tag!" (Good day!) – A formal and versatile greeting suitable for most situations.
• "Guten Morgen!" (Good morning!) – Use this until around noon.
• "Guten Abend!" (Good evening!) – Use this from the afternoon onwards.
• "Hallo!" (Hello!) – An informal greeting, perfectly acceptable in most casual settings.
• "Auf Wiedersehen!" (Goodbye!) – A formal farewell.
• "Tschüss!" (Bye!) – An informal farewell.
• "Bitte." (Please.) – Use this before making your request.
• "Danke." (Thank you.) – Essential for showing appreciation.
• "Danke schön." (Thank you very much.) – A more emphatic expression of gratitude.
• "Entschuldigung." (Excuse me.) – Use this to get someone's attention or apologize.
• "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" (Do you speak English?) – A helpful phrase if you're struggling with German. However, try your best in German first – locals appreciate the effort!

II. Ordering Your Food and Drinks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now let's delve into the process of actually ordering your food and drinks. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transaction:

1. Approaching the Counter or Table: In smaller establishments, you'll typically order at the counter. In larger restaurants, a waiter or waitress will approach your table.

2. Getting the Attention of Staff: A simple "Entschuldigung" is usually sufficient to get the attention of a server. Avoid snapping your fingers or shouting – it's considered impolite.

3. Stating Your Order: This is where knowing some key vocabulary comes in handy. Here are some useful phrases:

   • "Ich hätte gern..." (I would like...) – A polite way to express your desire.
   • "...ein..." (a...) – Use this for singular items.
   • "...zwei..." (two...) – Use this for plural items.
   • "...drei..." (three...) and so on...

4. Specifying Your Choices: Be as specific as possible to avoid misunderstandings. For example:

   • "Ein großes Bier, bitte." (A large beer, please.)
   • "Ein kleines Wasser mit Sprudel, bitte." (A small sparkling water, please.)
   • "Einen Kaffee, bitte." (A coffee, please.)
   • "Ein Stück Kuchen, bitte." (A piece of cake, please.)
   • "Ein Schweineschnitzel mit Pommes frites, bitte." (A pork schnitzel with French fries, please.)
   • "Eine Pizza Margherita, bitte." (A Margherita pizza, please.)

5. Handling Special Requests: Don't hesitate to ask for modifications:

   • "Ohne..." (Without...) – e.g., "Ein Kaffee ohne Zucker, bitte." (A coffee without sugar, please.)
   • "Mit..." (With...) – e.g., "Ein Salat mit Dressing, bitte." (A salad with dressing, please.)
   • "Gut gemacht." (Well-done.) – For meat.
   • "Mittel." (Medium.) – For meat.
   • "Roh." (Rare.) – For meat.

6. Confirming Your Order: The server might repeat your order to confirm. Listen carefully and correct any mistakes.

7. Paying the Bill: In many smaller establishments, you pay at the counter. In restaurants, the waiter will bring the bill ("die Rechnung"). You can say:

   • "Die Rechnung, bitte." (The bill, please.)
   • "Könnten Sie mir bitte die Rechnung bringen?" (Could you please bring me the bill?)

8. Saying Goodbye: Thank the server with "Danke schön" and say "Auf Wiedersehen" or "Tschüss" as you leave.

III. Expanding Your Vocabulary: Food and Drinks

To truly master ordering in German, you'll need to expand your vocabulary beyond basic phrases. Here's a selection of common food and drink items:

Drinks:

• Bier: Beer
• Weizen: Wheat beer
• Pils: Pilsner beer
• Wein: Wine
• Rotwein: Red wine
• Weißwein: White wine
• Wasser: Water
• Mineralwasser: Mineral water
• Sprudel: Sparkling water
• Saft: Juice
• Apfelsaft: Apple juice
• Orangensaft: Orange juice
• Kaffee: Coffee
• Tee: Tea
• Cola: Cola

Main Courses:

• Schnitzel: Schnitzel (breaded cutlet, often veal or pork)
• Bratwurst: Grilled sausage
• Currywurst: Curry-flavored sausage
• Sauerbraten: Pot roast
• Schweinebraten: Roast pork
• Königsberger Klopse: Meatballs in a white sauce
• Pasta: Pasta
• Pizza: Pizza
• Salat: Salad

Sides:

• Pommes frites: French fries
• Kartoffelsalat: Potato salad
• Brot: Bread
• Reis: Rice

Desserts:

• Kuchen: Cake
• Torte: Tart
• Eis: Ice cream
• Apfelstrudel: Apple strudel

IV. Handling Complex Situations

While the above steps cover most situations, you might encounter some complexities. Here's how to navigate them:

• Dietary Restrictions: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, it's crucial to communicate this clearly. Use phrases like:

  • "Ich bin allergisch gegen..." (I am allergic to...)
  • "Ich esse kein..." (I don't eat...)
  • "Ich bin Vegetarier/in." (I am vegetarian.)
  • "Ich bin Veganer/in." (I am vegan.)

• Unclear Menu Items: If you don't understand a dish, don't hesitate to ask for clarification:

  • "Was ist das?" (What is this?)
  • "Können Sie mir das bitte erklären?" (Could you please explain that to me?)

• Making Changes to a Dish: If you want to customize a dish, be polite and clear about your requests.

• Dealing with Mistakes: If there's a mistake with your order, politely bring it to the server's attention. Avoid being aggressive or confrontational.

V. Understanding German Restaurant Culture

Understanding some cultural nuances can enhance your dining experience:

• Service Style: German service can sometimes be more direct than in other countries. Don't take it personally – it's not necessarily a reflection of rudeness.

• Tipping: Tipping is customary in Germany, typically around 10% of the bill. You can round up the bill or leave the change as a tip.

• Bread: Bread is often served automatically, even if you don't order it. It's generally not charged separately.

• Water: Tap water ("Leitungswasser") is usually not automatically offered in restaurants. If you want tap water, explicitly ask for it.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What if I only know a few German words?

  • A: Don't be afraid to try! Even a few words demonstrate effort and will be appreciated. Pointing at menu items or using a translation app can also be helpful.

• Q: Is it acceptable to use English in German restaurants?

  • A: While it's acceptable, it's always appreciated if you try to order in German first.

• Q: How do I order a specific type of beer?

  • A: Mention the specific type of beer (e.g., "Ein Pils, bitte.") or ask for recommendations ("Haben Sie eine Empfehlung für ein Bier?").

• Q: What's the best way to handle a language barrier?

  • A: Use a translation app, point at menu items, or use simple phrases. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

VII. Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge!

Ordering in German might seem intimidating initially, but by mastering the basic phrases, expanding your vocabulary, and understanding the cultural nuances, you'll feel confident and empowered to navigate the German dining scene. Remember, locals appreciate the effort you make to communicate in their language. So, embrace the challenge, practice regularly, and enjoy the delicious food and vibrant culture Germany has to offer! Guten Appetit!