German Restaurant Vocabulary
Master German restaurant vocabulary for perfect date nights! Learn to order food, read menus, and dine out confidently with your partner in German.
Dining out is one of life's great pleasures, and doing it in German makes it even more special. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner in Munich, grabbing a quick bite in Berlin, or visiting a cozy Austrian Gasthaus, these essential restaurant words and phrases will help you navigate menus and impress your partner.
Arriving at the Restaurant
Pronunciation: EYE-nen tish fuer tsvy BIT-teh
"Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte. Wir haben reserviert."
Pronunciation: HAH-ben zee reh-zer-VEERT
"Haben Sie reserviert? Ja, auf den Namen Müller."
Seating Requests
| German | English |
|---|---|
| am Fenster | by the window |
| in der Ecke | in the corner |
| draußen | outside |
| auf der Terrasse | on the terrace |
| im Nichtraucherbereich | in the non-smoking area |
| ein ruhiger Tisch | a quiet table |
Pronunciation: KERN-ten veer EYE-nen tish ahm FEN-ster HAH-ben
"Könnten wir einen Tisch am Fenster haben? Das wäre schön."
German Restaurant Seating
Unlike in the US, you can often seat yourself at casual German restaurants and beer gardens. Look for signs saying "Bitte setzen Sie sich" (Please seat yourself) or just find an empty table. At finer restaurants, wait to be seated.
Understanding the Menu (Die Speisekarte)
Eine deutsche Speisekarte wirkt am Anfang oft lang, aber sie folgt meist einer klaren Ordnung. Wenn du die typischen Abschnitte kennst, findest du schneller, was du suchst, und kannst auch Unbekanntes besser einordnen.
Die wichtigsten Hinweise stehen oft direkt im Namen: hausgemacht bedeutet selbst gemacht, Tagesgericht ist das Gericht des Tages und vegetarisch oder vegan helfen dir sofort bei der Auswahl. Achte außerdem auf Wörter wie mit, ohne, in und an, weil sie oft zeigen, wie ein Gericht serviert wird.
Learner tip: Read the section heading first, then scan for familiar endings like -gericht, -karte, or -speisen.
Pronunciation: dee SHPY-zeh-kar-teh
"Darf ich bitte die Speisekarte sehen?"
Menu Sections
| German | English | When you use it |
|---|---|---|
| Vorspeisen | Starters / appetizers | Use this for small dishes before the main course. |
| Suppen | Soups | Often a separate section when the restaurant offers seasonal soups. |
| Salate | Salads | Good for lighter meals or as a side. |
| Hauptgerichte | Main courses | This is usually the biggest section of the menu. |
| Beilagen | Side dishes | Look here if you want potatoes, vegetables, or extra sides. |
| Nachspeisen / Desserts | Desserts | Sweet dishes after the main course. |
| Getränke | Drinks / beverages | Water, beer, coffee, soft drinks, and more. |
| Weinkarte | Wine list | A separate wine section if the restaurant has one. |
If you see Hauptgerichte, expect the main food section; if you see Beilagen, that usually means extra sides, not the main meal.
Pronunciation: dee SHPY-zeh-kar-teh BIT-teh
"Die Speisekarte, bitte. Wir sind bereit zu bestellen."
Common Menu Terms
| German | English | Useful note |
|---|---|---|
| hausgemacht | homemade | Usually a sign that the kitchen made it in-house. |
| Tagesgericht | dish of the day | Ask about this first if you want the freshest option. |
| Empfehlung des Hauses | house recommendation | The restaurant is suggesting this dish as a specialty. |
| saisonal | seasonal | Often used for produce that changes with the season. |
| vegetarisch | vegetarian | Contains no meat, but may still include dairy or eggs. |
| vegan | vegan | No animal products. |
| glutenfrei | gluten-free | Important for dietary restrictions, but still confirm with staff. |
If you only learn three words here, make them Tagesgericht, hausgemacht, and glutenfrei.
Ordering Food
Pronunciation: ikh HET-teh gehrn
"Ich hätte gern den Zwiebelrostbraten."
Pronunciation: fuer mikh BIT-teh
"Für mich bitte die vegetarische Lasagne."
Ordering Phrases
| German | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ich nehme... | I'll have... | Casual and very common when ordering for yourself. |
| Einmal ... bitte | One ... please | Use before an item to order a single portion. |
| Zweimal ... bitte | Two ... please | Useful when ordering for both people. |
| Und für Sie? | And for you? | The waiter asks this to the other person at the table. |
| Das ist alles | That's all | Use when you are finished ordering. |
| Wir hätten gern noch... | We'd like another... | Good for extra drinks, bread, or sides. |
For a polite order, combine the phrase with bitte: Ich nehme den Salat, bitte.
Pronunciation: vahs KERN-nen zee emp-FAY-len
"Was können Sie empfehlen? Ich mag Fisch."
Phrase to Learn
Wir teilen uns das
We'll share that
[ veer TY-len oons dahs ]
Perfect for couples who like to try each other's food!
Common German Foods
German cuisine is renowned for its hearty, comforting flavors and emphasis on high-quality ingredients. While many associate the region primarily with sausages, the culinary landscape offers a wide array of regional specialties that vary from the northern coasts to the Bavarian Alps. Understanding the names of these staple dishes allows you to navigate a menu with confidence and explore traditional flavors beyond the basics.
This section focuses on two core pillars of the German dining experience: ### Meat Dishes (Fleischgerichte) and ### Sides and Vegetables. Whether you are looking for a classic breaded cutlet or interested in how Germans prepare seasonal produce like white asparagus or red cabbage, these lists provide the essential vocabulary for identifying your next meal.
Pronunciation: das SHNIT-tsel
"Ich hätte gerne ein Wiener Schnitzel mit Zitrone."
Meat Dishes (Fleischgerichte)
| German | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Wiener Schnitzel | breaded veal cutlet | [VEE-ner SHNIT-sel] |
| Sauerbraten | marinated pot roast | [ZOW-er-brah-ten] |
| Bratwurst | fried sausage | [BRAHT-voorst] |
| Schweinebraten | roast pork | [SHVY-neh-brah-ten] |
| Rindergulasch | beef goulash | [RIN-der-goo-lahsh] |
| Hähnchen | chicken | [HAYN-khen] |
Sides and Vegetables
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Kartoffeln | potatoes |
| Pommes (frites) | French fries |
| Knödel | dumplings |
| Spätzle | Swabian noodles |
| Sauerkraut | sauerkraut |
| Rotkohl | red cabbage |
| Spargel | asparagus |
Pronunciation: mit POM-mess OH-der kar-TOF-feln
"Mit Pommes oder Kartoffeln? Ich nehme Kartoffeln."
German Portion Sizes
German portions tend to be generous. Sharing dishes or skipping appetizers is common. Don't be afraid to take leftovers home - ask for "eine Box zum Mitnehmen" (a box to take with).
Ordering Drinks
Pronunciation: ET-vahs tsoo TRIN-ken
"Etwas zu trinken? Ja, ein Wasser, bitte."
Common Beverages
| German | English |
|---|---|
| ein Bier | a beer |
| ein Glas Wein | a glass of wine |
| Rotwein | red wine |
| Weißwein | white wine |
| eine Flasche | a bottle |
| ein Wasser | a water |
| Mineralwasser | mineral water |
| mit/ohne Kohlensäure | with/without carbonation |
| einen Kaffee | a coffee |
| einen Tee | a tea |
Pronunciation: nokh ine beer BIT-teh
"Noch ein Bier, bitte. Das erste war sehr gut."
Wine Ordering
| German | English |
|---|---|
| trocken | dry |
| halbtrocken | medium-dry |
| lieblich | sweet |
| der Hauswein | house wine |
| ein Schoppen | a quarter-liter of wine |
Dietary Requirements
Pronunciation: ikh bin veh-geh-TAH-ree-er(in)
"Ich bin Vegetarier, gibt es vegetarische Optionen?"
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich esse kein Fleisch | I don't eat meat |
| Ich bin allergisch gegen... | I'm allergic to... |
| Enthält das Nüsse? | Does that contain nuts? |
| Ist das glutenfrei? | Is that gluten-free? |
| Ohne Milch, bitte | Without milk, please |
During the Meal
Während des Essens brauchst du vor allem kurze, klare Sätze. Oft geht es nicht um ganze Gespräche, sondern darum, etwas nachzufragen, ein Problem zu melden oder freundlich zu zeigen, dass alles passt.
Merke dir diese Muster: Das habe ich nicht bestellt für eine Korrektur, Könnten wir noch Brot haben? für eine Bitte und Das schmeckt fantastisch für positives Feedback. Wenn ihr zu zweit unterwegs seid, könnt ihr auch kleine Mini-Dialoge üben, um im Restaurant natürlicher zu klingen.
Try saying each sentence once as a customer and once as the waiter so both partners hear the rhythm.
Pronunciation: GOO-ten ah-peh-TEET
"Guten Appetit! Das Essen sieht lecker aus."
Checking on Your Food
Pronunciation: ent-SHOOL-dee-goong veer VAR-ten nokh
"Entschuldigung, wir warten noch auf unser Essen."
| German | English | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Das habe ich nicht bestellt | I didn't order this | Use this if the wrong dish arrives. |
| Könnten wir noch Brot haben? | Could we have more bread? | Polite request for an extra item. |
| Das ist kalt | This is cold | Say this calmly if the food needs to be sent back. |
| Das ist ausgezeichnet! | This is excellent! | Positive feedback for food or service. |
Mini-practice: Ask for bread, then switch and answer as the server: Natürlich, sofort. (Of course, right away.)
Romantic Table Talk
Pronunciation: MERKH-test doo proh-BEE-ren
"Möchtest du probieren? Es ist sehr lecker."
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Wie schmeckt's? | How does it taste? |
| Das schmeckt fantastisch | This tastes fantastic |
| Lass mich mal probieren | Let me try |
| Guten Appetit! | Enjoy your meal! |
| Zum Wohl! | Cheers! |
| Prost! | Cheers! (casual) |
Phrase to Learn
Auf uns!
To us!
[ owf oons ]
A romantic toast for couples.
Paying the Bill
Pronunciation: dee REKH-noong BIT-teh
"Die Rechnung, bitte. Wir möchten bezahlen."
Pronunciation: TSAH-len BIT-teh
"Zahlen, bitte. Wir würden gerne gehen."
Payment Phrases
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Zusammen oder getrennt? | Together or separate? |
| Zusammen, bitte | Together, please |
| Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? | Can I pay by card? |
| Nur Bargeld | Cash only |
| Stimmt so | Keep the change |
| Der Rest ist für Sie | The rest is for you |
German Tipping
Tipping in Germany is simpler than in the US. Round up or add 5-10% for good service. Say "Stimmt so" (keep the change) or the total you want to pay: "Machen Sie 25 Euro" (Make it 25 euros).
Useful Restaurant Vocabulary
| German | English |
|---|---|
| der Kellner/die Kellnerin | waiter/waitress |
| die Bedienung | the service/server |
| das Besteck | cutlery |
| die Gabel | fork |
| das Messer | knife |
| der Löffel | spoon |
| die Serviette | napkin |
| der Teller | plate |
| die Tasse | cup |
| das Glas | glass |
| die Toilette | toilet/restroom |
Pronunciation: voh ist dee toy-LET-teh
"Entschuldigen Sie, wo ist die Toilette?"
Practice Conversation
Kellner: Guten Abend! Haben Sie reserviert? You: Ja, auf den Namen Schmidt. Kellner: Ah ja, hier bitte. Etwas zu trinken? Partner: Ich hätte gern ein Glas Weißwein. You: Und für mich ein Bier, bitte. Kellner: Gern. Hier ist die Speisekarte.
Later...
Kellner: Haben Sie gewählt? You: Ja, ich nehme das Wiener Schnitzel mit Kartoffelsalat. Partner: Und ich hätte gern den Schweinebraten mit Knödeln. Kellner: Ausgezeichnete Wahl!
After the meal...
You: Die Rechnung, bitte. Kellner: Zusammen oder getrennt? You: Zusammen, bitte. Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? Kellner: Natürlich. You: Machen Sie 50 Euro.
Practice Activities for Couples
Practice is easiest when you split it into short, repeatable rounds. Read a menu, place an order, and then respond to a few table moments like asking for more bread or requesting the bill. That keeps the vocabulary active instead of passive.
Use the three activities below to move from reading to speaking. Menu Reading helps you scan real German menus, Restaurant Role Play lets you rehearse both sides of the conversation, and Real-World Practice gives you a simple checklist for your next dinner out.
Pronunciation: dee beh-SHTEL-oong
"Sind Sie bereit für die Bestellung?"
Activity 1: Menu Reading
Find a German restaurant menu online and practice reading it together. Order a hypothetical meal.
Activity 2: Restaurant Role Play
Take turns being the waiter and the customer, practicing ordering in German.
Activity 3: Real-World Practice
Visit a German restaurant in your area and order entirely in German!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Besides 'Ich möchte...,' what's a more polite way to order food in a German restaurant?
While 'Ich möchte...' (I would like...) is acceptable, a more polite option is 'Ich hätte gern...' (I would like to have...). It's considered more courteous, especially when ordering from a server. 'Was darf ich Ihnen bringen?' (What can I bring you?). Couples can role-play ordering food using different phrases.
How do I ask about ingredients or allergens in German?
To ask about ingredients, say 'Was ist in diesem Gericht drin?' (What is in this dish?). To inquire about allergens, ask 'Enthält das [allergen]?' (Does this contain [allergen]?). It's important to be clear about your dietary needs. Couples can practice asking about common allergens.
What's the best way to compliment the chef or the food in a German restaurant?
To compliment the chef, you can say 'Bitte richten Sie dem Koch aus, dass es ausgezeichnet geschmeckt hat' (Please tell the chef that it tasted excellent). To compliment the food directly, say 'Das Essen war hervorragend' (The food was excellent). Couples can compliment each other's choices at the restaurant.
How do I request the bill in a German restaurant?
To request the bill, you can say 'Die Rechnung, bitte' (The bill, please) or 'Zahlen, bitte' (Pay, please). You can also make eye contact with the server and make a small writing gesture in the air. Couples can practice these phrases before going to a restaurant.
What's the etiquette for tipping in German restaurants?
Tipping in Germany is customary. You typically round up the bill to the nearest euro or add about 5-10% of the total amount. Tell the server the total amount you want to pay, including the tip. 'Stimmt so' (Keep the change) is a common phrase. Couples can discuss how they plan to handle tipping before the meal.
