The best part of experiencing a new culture is trying out novel foods that you wouldn’t find in your home country. You can always try out making German food for yourself, but to get the real, authentic taste, you’ll need to know how to order food in German from a restaurant.
Get step-by-step guidance to make your dining experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, discover the differences between American and German restaurants, and learn handy phrases to customize your order to your preferences and needs.
Table of Contents
Cultural differences in German restaurants
Germans have their own customs, but the restaurant experience in Germany really isn’t so different from the ones we know in America. You still walk in the door to a host, have the same courses of appetizers, entrées, and desserts, and still have a server providing service and hospitality. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind as you learn how to order in German.
It’s important to understand that Germans, by and large, are very direct communicators. This means that you likely won’t be asked for things like dietary restrictions, order adjustments, or if you need extra butter for your bread. The expectation is that you will bring this topic up directly to your server or fellow guests when the need arises. Otherwise, you should relax into it! Your table is yours for the night, and no one will rush you out to improve table turnover rates.
Handy vocabulary for dining in Germany
Learning a few words you’re likely to encounter as you step into a German restaurant will give you a confidence boost and help improve your dining experience.
| German | English Translation |
| die Bar | bar |
| bar zahlen | to pay in cash |
| die Beilage | side dish |
| die Bedienung | service |
| besetzt | occupied (as in a seat being taken) |
| bestellen | to order |
| das Café | café |
| empfehlen | to recommend |
| frei | free/available (as in an untaken seat) |
| das Gericht | dish |
| getrennt | separately |
| die Getränkekarte | drinks menu |
| der Kellner/die Kellnerin | server (male/female) |
| mit Karte | (paying) with card |
| der Nachtisch/die Nachspeise | dessert |
| der Platz | seat/spot |
| probieren | to try |
| die Rechnung | bill/check |
| die Reservierung | reservation |
| das Restaurant | restaurant |
| die Speisekarte | menu |
| der Tisch | table |
| das Trinkgeld | tip money |
| die Vorspeise | appetizer/starter |
| zusammen | together |
Arriving and getting seated in the restaurant
Now that you’re prepared for your evening and armed with some handy vocabulary, you’re ready to walk in the door! Much like a restaurant in America, you’ll wait by the front door for a Gastgeber (host, male) or Gastgeberin (host, female) to greet you and ask how many are in your party. If you made a reservation, you can inform your host:
- Wir haben eine Reservierung auf den Namen.. = We have a reservation under the name…
Otherwise, just say Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte (A table for two, please), adjusting for how many guests are in your party.
Should you have a certain seating preference, you can utilize one of the easy German phrases below:
- Dürfen wir am Fenster sitzen? = Can we sit by the window?
- Ist draußen noch ein Tisch frei? = Is there a free table outside?
- Haben Sie einen ruhigeren Platz? = Do you have a quieter spot?
- Dürfen wir eine Ecke bekommen? = Can we get a corner table?
- Dürfen wir an der Bar Platz nehmen? = May we sit at the bar?
Ordering drinks with confidence
Once seated, you can ask your server for a Getränkekarte (drinks menu) unless you’re ordering something common like water or tea. Keep in mind, asking for Wasser (water) in Germany usually gets you sparkling water by default. If you prefer your hydration minus the bubbles, ask for stilles Wasser (still water) instead.
German Bier (beer) is always an excellent decision due to the nation’s long history of craftsmanship with the alcoholic beverage. Otherwise, white wine is considered of fine make throughout most of the nation, and red wine is a wonderful choice when you’re closer to the warmer, southern border of Germany. If you’re not a big drinker, there’s also an excellent tea culture that you can take advantage of in order to experience an authentically German drink.
Manners go a long way in any new cultural experience
People will give you significantly more slack in social situations when you remember your manners, like how to say “thank you” in German. Other common niceties include “excuse me” in German and “bitte” in German, which can mean “please,” though this term has several meanings depending on the context. Be sure to brush up on the different meanings to avoid confusion!
Bringing up dietary restrictions in German
Are you on a diet or have an allergy that the kitchen of a restaurant needs to follow for your safety? Naturally, there’s nothing wrong or taboo with pointing this out to your German server. Simply bring this up at the start of the dining experience, before you begin ordering, to ensure your needs are met.
The word for “dietary restriction” in German is Ernährungseinschränkung, a classic long German word you can pronounce like “air-NAIR-oong-s-ine-SHRAIN-koong.” Simply say Ich habe eine Ernährungseinschränkung (I have a dietary restriction) to your server at the restaurant to get the conversation started.
If that term is too much, here are a few other easy phrases to keep in mind when communicating your diet or allergy concern:
- Enthält dieses Gericht…? = Does this dish contain…?
- Ich habe eine Allergie gegen… = I am allergic to…
- Ich kann kein… essen. = I can’t eat…
- Ist das sicher für mich? = Is this safe for me?
| German | English Translation |
| allergisch | allergic |
| die Allergy | allergy |
| bio | organic |
| fettfrei | fat-free |
| glutenfrei | gluten-free |
| halal | halal |
| die Intoleranz | intolerance |
| kalorienarm | low calorie |
| koscher | kosher |
| laktosefrei | lactose-free |
| die Meeresfrüchteallergie | seafood allergy |
| milchfrei | dairy-free |
| Nussallergie | nut allergy |
| Nüsse | nuts |
| nussfrei | nut-free |
| pescetarisch | pescatarian |
| salzarm | low sodium |
| die Schalentierallergie | shellfish allergy |
| der Schwefel | sulfites |
| sojafrei | soy-free |
| vegan | vegan |
| vegetarish | vegetarian |
| weizenfrei | wheat-free |
| zuckerfrei | sugar-free |
| die Zutat | ingredient |
Ordering appetizers in German
Appetizers are called Vorspeisen in German, and are often lighter dishes that come before your main entrée, just like in America. When it’s time to get the food rolling, flag down your server and let them know Ich hätte gerne eine Vorspeise (I would like an appetizer).
If you don’t feel confident pronouncing the food in German just yet, the classic tactic of pointing at the item on the Speisekarte (menu) will see you through. Otherwise, try a few of these phrases.
- Ich hätte gern Tomatensuppe als Vorspeise. = I would like the tomato soup as an appetizer.
- Gibt es heute eine Vorspeisen-Empfehlung? = Is there a starter recommendation today?
- Wir teilen uns die Antipasti-Platte. = We’ll share the antipasti plate.
Common questions to ask about a menu item
For the curious and pickier eaters out there, it’s completely fine to ask your server for more information about a particular dish that has caught your eye. To find out more about a certain menu item, you can ask one of the following questions:
- Was ist da drin? = What’s in it?
- Ist das scharf? = Is it spicy?
- Wie wird das zubereitet? = How is this prepared?
- Wie groß ist die Portion? = How big is the portion?
- Wie lange dauert das? = How long does it take?
- Reicht das für eine Person/zwei Personen? = Is that enough for one/two people?
How to order your main entrée in German
When you’re ready to order your main meal, let your server know. They won’t hover over you during your dining experience, so take the initiative and get their attention with brief eye contact, raising your hand, or saying Entschuldigung (excuse me) when they’re nearby.
A great idea is to ask the server for their recommendations or specials for the day! They’re the most knowledgeable about their menu, so getting their opinion can really elevate your meal. Ask your server: Was ist hier besonders gut? (What’s especially good here?) or Was empfehlen Sie? (What do you recommend?) to get the inside scoop on what a particular restaurant excels at.
| German | Pronunciation | English Translation |
| Backfisch | BAHK-fish | fried, battered fish |
| Bratkartoffeln | BRAHT-kar-toff-eln | fried potatoes |
| Bratwurst | BRAHT-voorst | grilled sausage |
| Brezel | BRET-zel | pretzel |
| Currywurst | KURR-ee-voorst | sausage with curry ketchup |
| Eintopf | INE-topf | hearty, one-pot stew |
| Gemüsepfanne | geh-MOO-zeh-fah-neh | vegetable stir-fry |
| Gurkensalat | GOHRK-en-sal-lat | cucumber salad |
| Kartoffelknödel | kar-TOFF-el-KNUR-del | potato dumplings |
| Kartoffelpüree | kar-TOFF-el-pyoo-RAY | mashed potatoes |
| Kartoffelsuppe | kar-TOFF-el-zoop-peh | potato soup |
| Leberkäse | LAY-ber-kay-zeh | Bavarian meat loaf |
| Linsensuppe | LIN-zen-zoop-peh | lentil soup |
| Maultaschen | MOWL-tah-shen | Swabian stuffed pasta pockets |
| Pilzpfanne | piltz-fah-neh | sautéed mushrooms |
| Pommes | POHM-mess | french fries |
| Rinderroulade | RIN-der-roo-LAH-deh | rolled beef with stuffing |
| Rotkohl | ROHT-cohl | red cabbage |
| Sauerbraten | ZOW-er-brah-ten | marinated pork roast |
| Sauerkraut | ZOW-er-krowt | fermented cabbage |
| Schnitzel | SHNIT-sel | breaded, fried cutlet |
| Schweinshaxe | SHVYNZ-hahk-seh | roasted pork knuckle |
| Spätzle | SHPEHTS-leh | soft egg noodles |
| Speckbohnen | SHPEHK-boh-nen | green beans with bacon |
| Vollkornbrot | FOLL-korn-broht | whole grain bread |
Tips for customizing your order
Would a dish be perfect for you if you just changed one or two things about it? Unless you’re at an extremely high-end restaurant, the kitchen will be happy to accommodate a customization request. Once you’ve picked your meal with your server, feel free to say one of these phrases to tweak those details to your liking:
- Kann man das ohne… bekommen? = Can I get this without…?
- Kann ich eine andere Beilage wählen? = Can I choose a different side?
- Könnte ich extra… dazu bekommen? = Could I get extra…?
- Kann ich eine größere/kleinere Portion bekommen? = Can I get a larger/smaller portion?
- Kann ich… statt… bekommen? = Can I get… instead of…?
Remember, Germans are direct communicators. This makes it important for you to take the initiative and bring up your customization requests. Your server likely won’t ask about it!
How to communicate that there’s been a mistake
Mistakes also happen from time to time; it’s only natural. There’s no reason to become upset and ruin your evening over it. Rather, you can politely point out the issue with one of these formal phrases:
- Entschuldigung, ich glaube, hier ist ein Fehler passiert. = Excuse me, I believe there’s been a mistake.
- Ich habe leider etwas bekommen, das ich nicht essen kann. = Unfortunately, I have received something I cannot eat.
- Das ist leider nicht so, wie ich es erwartet habe. = Unfortunately, this isn’t quite what I expected.
What to say if you didn’t like the food
While Germany is very proud of its cuisine and flavor profile, there may come a time when you don’t enjoy a certain dish. Should you feel the need to bring this up to your server, be sure to do so calmly and politely. Germans are direct communicators, so being rude about something like your dish can earn you a fair amount of sass in return!
Avoid an awkward situation while still communicating your dislike of the dish with one of these sentences:
- Es tut mir leid, aber das Gericht entspricht nicht ganz meinem Geschmack. = I’m sorry, but the dish isn’t quite to my taste.
- Der Geschmack ist leider nicht ganz meins. = The flavor isn’t really to my liking.
- Es ist in Ordnung, aber vielleicht etwas zu salzig/scharf/fettig für mich. = It’s okay, but maybe a bit too salty/spicy/fatty for me.
Did you save room for a German dessert?
No German meal is complete without a little sweet treat at the end. If you have managed to save room for the most important meal of the day (for the soul), let your server know you’re ready for a Nachtisch (dessert).
Popular desserts include Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cherry Cake), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and Käsekuchen (cheese cake), but there are many confections in the world of German desserts to enjoy. Try these phrases to order dessert in German:
- Haben Sie auch Nachtische? = Do you also have desserts?
- Dürften wir die Nachspeisenkarte sehen? = May we see the dessert menu?
- Ich hätte gern…, bitte. = I would like the…, please.
- Wir nehmen ein Stück zum Teilen. = We’ll take one piece to share.
Asking for the bill and tipping etiquette
Expectations for the financial side of the evening are different in a German restaurant than in an American one. When you want the bill at the end of the meal, you will absolutely have to ask for it. It’s seen as rude if the server brings it unprompted.
If you’re in a group, everyone is expected to pay for their own tab by default unless someone else in the party specifically informs you otherwise. Use one of the phrases below to let your server know you’re ready for the bill and how it should be split up:
- Die Rechnung, bitte. = The bill, please.
- Entschuldigung, wir würden gern bezahlen. = Excuse me, we’d like to pay.
- Darf ich mit Karte zahlen? = May I pay with a card?
- Ich zahle bar. = I’m paying in cash.
- Getrennt, bitte. = Separate, please.
- Zusammen, bitte. = Together, please.
- Ich zahle das Essen, sie/er zahlt die Getränke. = I’m paying for the food, she/he is paying for the drinks.
Next, tipping in Germany is usually less costly than in America. Because servers, by law, are paid a livable wage in Germany, tips need only be five to ten percent of the bill or rounded up by a few euros. Smaller restaurants and food stands are mostly cash only, so be sure to visit a Geldautomat (ATM) before your meal.
Expressing gratitude at the end of the meal
Once all is said and done and you’re happily full of German cuisine, feel free to give some kind words to the staff. Keep in mind that Germans are typically more reserved with their praise than Americans are.
In order to avoid sounding sarcastic, avoid phrases like fantastisch (fantastic) and toll (great), especially at simpler food establishments like a street vendor or fast-food location. Even in a nice sit-down restaurant, phrases like Dies kann Mann essen (One can eat this) or schmeckt gut (tastes good) can come across as a kind and genuine level of appreciation.
Otherwise, don’t be afraid to thank your server on the way out once you’ve paid. An easy sentence like Vielen Dank für Ihre Service (Thank you very much for your service) can help them feel appreciated. This is especially helpful to do if you plan to return to the same restaurant soon.
Now that you know how to order food in German, what kind of dish are you excited to try? Bringing the best parts of culture into your life is what Rosetta Stone is all about. Go beyond foreign words and phrases to the heart of what makes language learning so impactful and fulfilling.
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