How to Order in a Restaurant in German: Essential Phrases and Etiquette

Ordering food in German can be an enjoyable experience once you know the right phrases and cultural customs. Whether you're dining at a formal restaurant in Germany, grabbing lunch at a casual café in Austria, or enjoying a meal in Switzerland, this guide will walk you through how to order in German with confidence. We’ll cover common German restaurant phrases, provide phonetic pronunciation, and share step-by-step cultural tips for smooth dining. These are vital German travel phrases for learners (A1–B1 level) and travellers alike.

Step-by-Step Guide to German Restaurant Etiquette

Dining in German-speaking countries comes with its own customs. Follow these steps – from seating to paying – to navigate restaurants like a local.

1. Find a Seat and Greet the Staff – In many German restaurants, there’s no host at the door, so you can seat yourself at any free table. Always check for a “Reserviert” (reserved) sign on the table before sitting. If all tables are occupied, you can politely ask to join someone else's table – a common practice in busy Biergärten or local pubs. In that case, ask “Ist hier noch frei?” (ist heer nokh fry?) – “Is this spot free here?”. When you enter, greet the staff or others nearby with a friendly “Guten Tag!” (GOO-ten tahk) for “Good day” or “Guten Abend!” (GOO-ten AH-bent) for “Good evening.” (In Austria, you’ll often hear “Grüß Gott!” (GREWS got), and in Switzerland “Grüezi!” for hello.) Always use formal address (Sie) with waitstaff, as it’s considered polite to use “Sie” with strangers. (The informal “du” is reserved for close friends or very casual settings – as a visitor, stick to Sie unless invited otherwise.)

2. Ask for the Menu – If the waiter hasn’t already given you a menu (Speisekarte), get their attention with a polite “Entschuldigung!” (en-SHOOL-dee-goong) – “Excuse me!” – and then ask “Die Speisekarte, bitte.” (dee SHPYE-zeh-kahr-tuh, BIT-tuh). This means “The menu, please.”. (You can also say “Könnte ich bitte die Speisekarte haben?” (KUHN-teh eekh BIT-teh dee SHPYE-zeh-kahr-tuh HAH-ben?) – “Could I have the menu, please?”) In German restaurants, it’s polite to wait a moment before calling the waiter, as they may come on their own. But don’t be shy to ask for the menu if needed. In some casual cafés, the staff might hand you a menu at the counter or you might even see a daily menu board.

3. Order Drinks First – It’s customary for drinks to be ordered before food. Often, shortly after you sit down, the server will come to take a drink order while you browse the menu. You might be asked, “Möchten Sie schon etwas trinken?” (MERKHT-en Zee shohn ET-was TRINK-en?) – “Would you like something to drink already?” Feel free to order a beverage first and ask for a few minutes to decide on food. Common drink orders include beer, wine, or water. Important: In Germany and surrounding countries, water isn’t free – if you ask for water, you’ll typically get bottled Mineralwasser (often carbonated). If you prefer tap water, you can try “Ein Glas Leitungswasser, bitte.” – but be aware it’s not customary, and some restaurants may refuse. Better to order “stilles Wasser” (STILL-es VAH-ser) for still (non-carbonated) bottled water if you don’t want carbonation. When ordering any drink, be polite and add “bitte” (please). For example:

   • “Ich hätte gern ein Bier, bitte.” (ikh HET-tuh gehrn ine BEER, BIT-tuh) – “I would like a beer, please.”

   • “Für mich ein Mineralwasser, bitte.” (fyur mikh ine mi-neh-RAHL-VAH-ser, BIT-tuh) – “For me, a mineral water, please.”

   The phrase “Ich hätte gern…” or “Ich möchte…” both mean “I would like…”. (Use “ich hätte gern” for a polite conditional tone, literally “I would gladly have.”)

4. Place Your Food Order Politely – Once you’re ready to order food, you might signal the waiter by saying “Entschuldigung, wir würden gern bestellen.” (en-SHOOL-dee-goong, veer VUR-den gehrn beh-STELL-en) – “Excuse me, we’d like to order.” When ordering, a polite structure is “Ich hätte gern…” or “Ich möchte…” followed by the dish name and “bitte.” For example:

   • “Ich hätte gern einen Wiener Schnitzel mit Kartoffeln, bitte.” (ikh HET-tuh gehrn EYE-nen VEE-ner SHNIT-sel mit kar-TOFF-eln, BIT-tuh) – “I’d like a Wiener schnitzel with potatoes, please.”

   • “Ich möchte einen kleinen Salat, bitte.” (ikh MOOKH-tuh EYE-nen KLY-nen zah-LAHT, BIT-tuh) – “I’d like a small salad, please.”

   The waiter may ask, “Haben Sie schon gewählt?” (HAH-ben Zee shohn ge-VAELT?) – “Have you already chosen?” or “Sind Sie bereit zu bestellen?” – “Are you ready to order?” You can reply with “Ja. Ich hätte gern…” and your order. Remember to use “bitte” whenever asking or ordering – politeness is highly valued.

   Tip: If you have dietary needs, don’t hesitate to mention them. For example, if you’re vegetarian, you can ask: “Haben Sie vegetarische Gerichte?” (HAH-ben Zee veh-geh-TAR-ish-eh geh-RICH-te?) – “Do you have vegetarian dishes?”. You can also say “Ich bin Vegetarier(in).” – “I am vegetarian,” or “Ich esse kein Fleisch.” – “I don’t eat meat.” For allergies, use “Ich bin allergisch gegen …” (ikh bin ah-LAIR-gish GAY-gen …) – “I’m allergic to …” to be safe. German menus often indicate common allergens, but it’s wise to inform your server if needed.

   Asking for recommendations: Unsure what to try? Ask the waiter “Was empfehlen Sie?” (Vahs emp-FAY-luhn Zee?) – “What do you recommend?”. This is a great way to discover popular local dishes.

5. During the Meal – Enjoying and Getting What You Need – Once your food is served, it’s customary for dining companions to wish each other “Guten Appetit!” (GOO-ten ap-peh-TEET) – meaning “Enjoy your meal!”. You can respond with “Danke, gleichfalls!” (DAHN-kuh, GLYKH-falz) – “Thanks, same to you.” Don’t be surprised if service is hands-off during the meal. German waitstaff generally won’t hover or interrupt you with frequent “Is everything okay?” checks – they assume you prefer to eat in peace. If you do need something (maybe another drink or you forgot to ask for ketchup), you’ll likely have to get the server’s attention. Make eye contact, or say politely “Entschuldigen Sie, bitte.” – “Excuse me, please,” as they pass by. It’s normal to flag down the waiter when you need service in Germany – this isn’t considered rude if done politely (avoid shouting across the room, of course).

   In some restaurants, a waiter might briefly ask “Schmeckt es Ihnen?” or “Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?” – “Does it taste good?/Did you enjoy it?” If everything is fine, a simple “Ja, danke, sehr gut!” – “Yes, thanks, very good!” – will suffice. If something is not right (e.g. your soup is cold), politely mention it: “Entschuldigung, die Suppe ist leider kalt.” – “Excuse me, the soup is unfortunately cold.” German staff will usually apologise and fix the issue promptly. Don’t hesitate to speak up, but do so courteously (use that “Entschuldigung” and maybe “leider” for unfortunately).

   Also, cheers! If you’re drinking beer or wine and clink glasses, say “Prost!” (prohst) – the German equivalent of “Cheers!”. In Austria, they might say “Prost” or **“Zum Wohl!”*, and in Switzerland, “Pröschtli!” in Swiss German – but “Prost” is understood everywhere. Be sure to make eye contact when you say it – it’s a German superstition for good luck.

6. Asking for the Check and Paying – In Germany, the bill won’t be brought to you until you ask for it. You’re typically expected to relax and take your time, and the server will only come when signalled – they consider it rude to rush you by dropping the check too soon. When you’re ready to pay, catch the waiter’s eye or lightly raise your hand. A common phrase to use is “Zahlen, bitte.” (TSAH-len, BIT-tuh) – literally “Pay, please,” meaning you’d like to pay now. You can also say “Die Rechnung, bitte.” (dee REHKH-noong, BIT-tuh) – “The check, please.” Either is fine and very commonly used. The waiter will bring the bill to your table (you generally pay the server directly, not at a front register, in sit-down restaurants).

   Often, especially if you’re a group, the server may ask “Zusammen oder getrennt?” (tsoo-ZAH-men OH-der geh-TRENT?) – “Together or separate?” – asking if you’ll pay all together or each person separately. It’s perfectly okay in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to pay separately for your own meals; just answer “Getrennt, bitte.” for separate, or “Zusammen, bitte.” for one combined bill. The waiter will then calculate what each person owes if splitting.

   When the waiter tells you the amount, you can hand over cash (cash is still common, though cards are increasingly accepted – ask if you prefer to pay by card: “Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?”). It’s not customary to leave money on the table and walk away; instead, you pay the server directly and tell them if any change is for them as a tip. Tipping in German-speaking countries is modest – around 5-10% for good service, or simply rounding up to a convenient amount. For example, if your bill is €47, you might hand the waiter €50 and say “machen Sie 50 Euro” (round it to 50) or “Stimmt so, danke.” (shtimmt soh, DAHN-kuh) – meaning “Keep the change, thanks.” This tells them they can keep the difference as a tip. A tip (Trinkgeld) is appreciated but not as high as in some other countries, since a service charge is often built into menu prices. Even a couple of euros is fine if the service was good. Remember to say “danke” as you finish the transaction.

   Lastly, as you leave, you can say “Auf Wiedersehen!” (ouf VEE-der-zayn) – “Goodbye!” – or simply “Tschüss!” (chooss) in a casual setting. If in Austria or Bavaria, a friendly “Servus!” or “Pfiat eich!” (dialect for “goodbye”) might be heard, but “Auf Wiedersehen” or “Tschüss” will serve you well anywhere.

By following these steps, you’ll handle a German restaurant visit with ease – from the moment you walk in (“Guten Tag!”) to the moment you pay and depart, satisfied and a bit more confident in your German.

Essential German Phrases for Ordering Food & Drinks (with Pronunciation)

Below is a handy phrasebook of German restaurant phrases that will help you in various dining scenarios. Practice these phrases with their pronunciation and meaning:

• Guten Tag! / Guten Abend! – (GOO-ten tahk / GOO-ten AH-bent) – Hello/Good day! / Good evening!

• Grüß Gott! – (GREWS gott) – Hello! (Formal greeting in southern Germany/Austria).

• Entschuldigung! – (en-SHOOL-di-goong) – Excuse me! (Use to get attention or apologize).

• Ist der Tisch frei? – (ist dair TISH fry?) – Is this table free? Use when checking if you can sit at an empty or shared table.

• Die Speisekarte, bitte. – (dee SHPYE-zeh-kahr-tuh, BIT-tuh) – The menu, please.

• Was möchten Sie trinken? – (vas MERKHT-en Zee TRINK-en?) – What would you like to drink? (Waiter may ask this first.)

• Ein Bier / Ein Wasser, bitte. – (ine beer / ine VAH-ser, BIT-tuh) – A beer / a water, please. (Insert any drink you want.)

• Ich hätte gern… / Ich möchte… – (ikh HET-tuh gehrn / ikh MOOKH-tuh) – I would like…tripsavvy. E.g. “Ich hätte gern ein Schnitzel, bitte.” – I’d like a schnitzel, please.

• Ohne… / mit… – (OH-nuh / mit) – without / with. Useful for specifying, e.g. “ohne Zwiebeln” (without onions), “mit Sahne” (with cream).

• Was empfehlen Sie? – (vas emp-FAY-luhn zee?) – What do you recommend?

• Die Rechnung, bitte. – (dee REHKH-noong, BIT-tuh) – The check, please.

• Zahlen, bitte. – (TSAH-len, BIT-tuh) – Pay, please. (Another way to ask for the bill.)

• Zusammen oder getrennt? – (tsoo-ZAH-men OH-der geh-TRENT?) – Together or separate? (Waiter asking about payment.)

• Kartenzahlung – (KAR-ten-TSAH-loong) – Card payment. If you want to ask “Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?” – (kahn ikh mit KAR-tuh TSAH-len?) – Can I pay by card?

• Stimmt so, danke. – (shtimt soh, DAN-kuh) – Keep the change, thank you. (Literally “It’s correct like that.” Use when tipping to round up.)

• Auf Wiedersehen! – (ouf VEE-der-zayn) – Goodbye! (Formal)

• Tschüss! – (chooss) – Bye! (Informal casual goodbye)

And of course, “Bitte” (BIT-tuh) and “Danke” (DAHN-kuh) – “please” and “thank you” – are the magic words to use throughout your interactions. German staff will appreciate the politeness, and you’ll come across as a courteous guest.

Read our post on essential German words and phrases for restaurant visits for additional support.

Dialogue Examples: Ordering in German

To put it all together, here are a few realistic dialogues between a customer and a waiter. These examples cover both formal dining and informal café scenarios, demonstrating the phrases in context. Read them aloud to practice your pronunciation and get a feel for the flow of a German restaurant conversation.

Dialogue 1: Formal Dinner at a Restaurant (Germany)

Situation: An evening meal at a sit-down restaurant in Germany. The customers have a reservation.

Kellner (Waiter): Guten Abend! Herzlich willkommen. Haben Sie eine Reservierung?(GOO-ten AH-bent! HAIR-tslich vel-komm-men. HAH-ben Zee EYE-neh reh-ser-vee-REE-oong?)Good evening! Welcome. Do you have a reservation?

Gast (Guest): Guten Abend. Ja, auf den Namen Müller, ein Tisch für zwei.(GOO-ten AH-bent. Yah, owf den NAH-men MUE-ller, ine TISH fyur tsvei.)Good evening. Yes, a table for two under the name Müller.

Kellner: Ah, richtig. Bitte folgen Sie mir.(Ah, RICH-tikh. BIT-teh FOL-gen Zee meer.)Ah, right. Please follow me.

(The waiter leads them to a table.)

Kellner: Möchten Sie etwas trinken zur Einstimmung?(MERKHT-en Zee ET-was TRINK-en tsoor EYN-shtim-moong?)Would you like something to drink to start?

Gast: Gern. Ich hätte gern zwei Glas Rotwein, bitte.(Gehrn. Ikh HET-tuh gehrn tsvei glahs ROHT-vine, BIT-tuh.)Sure. I’d like two glasses of red wine, please.

Kellner: Sehr gern. Ich bringe Ihnen die Weinkarte in der Zwischenzeit. Und hier ist schon mal die Speisekarte.(Zair gehrn. Ikh BRING-eh EE-nen dee VINE-kar-tuh in der TSVISH-en-tsyt. Oond heer ist shohn mahl dee SHPY-ze-kar-tuh.)Certainly. I’ll bring you the wine list in the meantime. And here is the menu.

(A few minutes later, the waiter returns to take the food order.)

Kellner: Haben Sie sich schon entschieden?(HAH-ben Zee zikh shohn en-chEE-den?)Have you decided yet?

Gast: Ja. Ich nehme das Rindersteak mit Gemüse, bitte. Meine Frau nimmt den Fisch.(Yah. Ikh NAY-meh das RIN-der-stake mit geh-MUE-seh, BIT-tuh. MY-neh frow nimt den fish.)Yes. I’ll take the beef steak with vegetables, please. My wife will have the fish.

Kellner: Wie möchten Sie das Steak? Medium?(Vee MERKHT-en Zee das steak? MEE-dee-oom?)How would you like the steak? Medium?

Gast: Medium, bitte.(MEE-dee-oom, BIT-tuh.)Medium, please.

Kellner: Alles klar. Möchten Sie noch eine Beilage oder Salat dazu?(AL-les klahr. MERKHT-en Zee nokh EYE-neh BYE-lah-guh OH-der zah-LAHT dah-tsoo?)All right. Would you like a side dish or salad with that?

Gast (Frau): Für mich bitte einen kleinen Salat.(Fuer mikh BIT-tuh EYE-nen KLY-nen zah-LAHT.)For me, a small salad, please.

Kellner: Sehr gern. Kommt sofort.(Zair gehrn. Kommt soh-FORT.)Certainly. It’ll come right up.

(After the meal is served and eaten, the waiter checks on them.)

Kellner: Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?(HAT es EE-nen ge-SHMECKT?)Did you enjoy your meal? (Did it taste good?)

Gast: Ja, danke. Es war ausgezeichnet.(Yah, DAN-kuh. Es war OWSS-ge-tsy-khnet.)Yes, thank you. It was excellent.

Gast (Frau): Wirklich sehr lecker, danke.(VIRK-likh zair LEK-ker, DAN-kuh.)Really delicious, thank you.

Kellner: Das freut mich. Möchten Sie vielleicht noch einen Nachtisch oder einen Kaffee?(Das froYT mikh. MERKHT-en Zee fee-LEICHT nokh EYE-nen NAHKH-tish OH-der EYE-nen KAH-fay?)I’m glad to hear that. Would you perhaps like a dessert or a coffee?

Gast: Hmm, später vielleicht nicht. Aber einen Espresso nehmen wir gern. Zwei Espresso, bitte.(Hmm, SHPAY-ter fee-LEICHT nikht. AH-ber EYE-nen ess-PRESS-oh NAY-men veer gehrn. Tsvei ess-PRESS-oh, BIT-tuh.)Hmm, maybe not a dessert. But we’d like an espresso. Two espressos, please.

Kellner: Kommt sofort.(Kommt soh-FORT.)Coming right up.

(After coffees, the guests are ready to pay.)

Gast: Entschuldigung… Wir würden jetzt gern bezahlen. Die Rechnung, bitte.(en-SHOOL-di-goong… Veer VUR-den jetz gehrn beh-TSAH-len. Dee REHKH-noong, BIT-tuh.)Excuse me... We’d like to pay now. The check, please.

Kellner: Natürlich. Zusammen oder getrennt?(na-TYR-likh. tsoo-ZAH-men OH-der geh-TRENT?)Of course. Together or separate?

Gast: Zusammen, bitte.(tsoo-ZAH-men, BIT-tuh.)Together, please.

Kellner: Also, das macht €84,50.(AL-soh, das makht vier-und-achtzig Euro fuenfzig.)Alright, that comes to 84 euros 50.

Gast: Hier sind 90. Stimmt so, danke.(Heer zint NOYN-tsig. Shtimmt soh, DAN-kuh.)Here is 90. Keep the change, thanks.

Kellner: Vielen Dank! Einen schönen Abend noch. Auf Wiedersehen!(FEE-len dank! EYE-nen SHER-nən AH-bend nokh. Owf VEE-der-zayn!)Thank you very much! Have a lovely evening. Goodbye!

Gast & Frau: Danke, gleichfalls. Auf Wiedersehen!(DAN-kuh, GLYKHFALTS. Owf VEE-der-zayn!)Thanks, same to you. Goodbye!

Dialogue 2: Casual Café Conversation (Austria)

Situation: Late morning in a cosy Viennese café. The customer walks in for coffee and cake. No reservation – just a casual stop.

Kellnerin (Waitress): Grüß Gott! Möchten Sie sich setzen oder etwas mitnehmen?(GREWS gott! MERKHT-en Zee zikh ZET-zen OH-der ET-was MIT-neh-men?)Hello! Would you like to sit down or take something to go?

Kunde (Customer): Grüß Gott, ich würde gerne hier sitzen, danke.(GREWS gott, ikh VUR-deh GERN-eh heer ZIT-tsen, DAN-kuh.)Hello, I’d like to sit here, thank you.

Kellnerin: Gerne. Suchen Sie sich einen Platz aus – wo Sie möchten.(GERN-eh. ZOO-khen Zee zikh EYE-nen platz owss – voh Zee MERKHT-en.)Sure. Pick any seat you like – wherever you prefer.

(The customer sits at a table. The waitress comes by with a menu.)

Kellnerin: Möchten Sie die Karte?(MERKHT-en Zee dee KAR-tuh?)Would you like the menu?

Kunde: Ja, gern. Dankeschön.(Yah, gehrn. DANK-eh-shern.)Yes, gladly. Thank you.

(After a minute.)

Kellnerin: Kann ich schon etwas zu trinken bringen?(Kann ikh shohn ET-was tsu TRINK-en BRING-en?)Can I already bring you something to drink?

Kunde: Ich hätte gern einen Cappuccino, bitte.(Ikh HET-tuh gehrn EYE-nen kap-oo-CHEE-noh, BIT-tuh.)I’d like a cappuccino, please.

Kellnerin: Kommt sofort. Mit normaler Milch oder Sojamilch?(Kommt soh-FORT. Mit nor-MAH-ler milch OH-der SOH-yah-milch?)Coming right up. With regular milk or soy milk?

Kunde: Normale Milch, bitte.(nor-MAH-leh milch, BIT-tuh.)Regular milk, please.

Kellnerin: Alles klar. Und darf es vielleicht schon ein Stück Kuchen sein? Wir haben heute frischen Apfelstrudel…(AL-les klahr. Und darf es fee-LEICHT shohn ine shtueck KOO-khen zine? Veer HAH-ben HOY-teh FRISH-en AP-fel-STROO-del.)Alright. And maybe a piece of cake already? We have fresh apple strudel today…

Kunde: Oh, das klingt gut! Ja, gerne. Ein Stück Apfelstrudel bitte.(Oh, das klingt goot! Yah, GERN-eh. Ine shtueck AP-fel-STROO-del, BIT-tuh.)Oh, that sounds good! Yes, gladly. One piece of apple strudel, please.

Kellnerin: Sehr gerne, kommt gleich.(Zair GERN-eh, kommt glych.)Very good, coming right away.

(After the customer finishes the coffee and cake, the waitress approaches.)

Kellnerin: Hat alles gepasst? Möchten Sie noch etwas?(Hat AL-les ge-PAST? MERKHT-en Zee nokh ET-was?)Was everything alright? Would you like anything else?

Kunde: Es war perfekt, danke. Ich bin satt. Nur bezahlen, bitte.(Es war per-FEKT, DAN-kuh. Ikh bin zat. Noor beh-TSAH-len, BIT-tuh.)It was perfect, thank you. I’m full. Just the bill, please.

Kellnerin: Gerne. Das macht dann €8,40.(GERN-eh. Das macht dan ACHT Euro vierzig.)Sure. That comes to 8 euros 40.

Kunde: (Gibt einen 10-Euro-Schein.) Hier bitte. Stimmt so.(Geebt EYE-nen tsein OY-roh shyne.) Heer BIT-tuh. Shtimmt soh.(Gives a €10 note.) Here you are. Keep the change.

Kellnerin: Vielen Dank! Schönen Tag noch.(FEE-len dank! SHER-nen tahk nokh.)Thank you very much! Have a nice day.

Kunde: Danke, Ihnen auch. Auf Wiedersehen!(DAN-kuh, EE-nen owkh. Owf VEE-der-zayn!)Thanks, you too. Goodbye!

(The customer leaves the café, satisfied with a delicious Viennese treat.)

Dialogue 3: At a Beer Garden Table (Casual & Communal)

Situation: A busy beer garden in Munich. A visitor is looking for a seat and ends up sharing a table with locals, then ordering from the roaming server.*

Besucher (Visitor): scanningforaseatscanning for a seatscanningforaseat Entschuldigung, ist hier noch frei?(en-SHOOL-di-goong, ist heer nokh fry?)Excuse me, is this spot still free here?

Einheimischer (Local): Ja sicher, setzen Sie sich dazu!(Yah ZI-kher, ZET-zen Zee zikh dah-TSOO!)Yes sure, have a seat with us!

Besucher: Dankeschön.(DANK-eh-shern.)Thank you.

(A server carrying a tray comes by the table.)

Kellner: Servus beinand! Was darfs sein?(ZAIR-voos by-nahnd! Vas darfss zine?)Hello everyone! What’ll it be? (Using Bavarian dialect greeting "Servus beinand" meaning "hello together")

Besucher: Ich hätte gern eine Maß Bier, bitte.(Ikh HET-tuh gehrn EYE-neh Mahss beer, BIT-tuh.)I’d like a liter of beer, please.

Kellner: Alles klar – eine Maß. Sonst noch was? Was zum Essen?(AL-les klahr – EYE-neh Mahss. ZONST nokh vas? Vas tsum ESS-en?)Alright – one liter. Anything else? Something to eat?

Besucher: Vielleicht später etwas. Danke, erstmal nur das Bier.(fee-LEICHT SHPAY-ter ET-was. DAN-kuh, ERST-mahl noor das beer.)Maybe something later. Thanks, just the beer for now.

Kellner: Kommt gleich.(Kommt glych.)Coming right up.

(...After some time, the visitor decides to order food and catches the server’s attention...)

Besucher: wavesslightlywaves slightlywavesslightly Entschuldigung! Ich würde jetzt doch gern etwas essen...(en-SHOOL-di-goong! Ikh VUR-deh jetz dokh gehrn ET-was ESS-en...)Excuse me! I would now actually like to eat something...

Kellner: Jawohl! Was darf es sein?(Ya-VOHL! Vas darf es zine?)Certainly! What would you like?

Besucher: Eine Bratwurst mit Sauerkraut, bitte.(EYE-neh BRAHT-wurst mit ZOW-er-krowt, BIT-tuh.)A bratwurst with sauerkraut, please.

Kellner: Alles klar, kommt sofort.(AL-les klahr, komt soh-FORT.)All right, coming up.

(...Later, after finishing, the visitor is ready to pay...)

Besucher: Entschuldigen Sie, zahlen bitte!(en-SHOOL-di-gen Zee, TSAH-len BIT-tuh!)Excuse me, the check please!

Kellner: Gerne. Des macht dann €12,50.(GERN-eh. Des macht dan zwölff Euro fuff-tsig.)Sure. That’ll be 12 euros 50.

Besucher: Hier sind 15. Passt so, danke.(Heer zint fünf-zehn. Past soh, DAN-kuh.)Here’s 15. That’s fine (keep the change), thanks.

Kellner: Danke schön! Schönen Abend noch.(DAN-kuh shern! SHER-nen AH-bend nokh.)Thank you! Have a nice evening.

Besucher: Danke, Ihnen auch. Tschüss!(DAN-kuh, EE-nen owkh. Tschüss!)Thanks, you too. Bye!

(The visitor leaves the beer garden after a hearty meal, having experienced some German Gemütlichkeit at the shared table.)

Cultural Note: In beer gardens or festivals (like Oktoberfest), it’s normal to sit at long shared tables. Don’t be shy – smile and ask “Ist hier noch frei?” before sitting. You’ll often order from roaming servers or at a counter, and you might use some regional lingo (like Maß for a liter of beer in Bavaria). The dialogues above illustrate that even in informal settings, basic polite phrases and “Sie” form are your safest bet, unless others explicitly switch to “du.”

How to ask for the bill in German- find out in our related post.

Conclusion: Ready to Dine Like a Local

By learning these German restaurant phrases and etiquette tips, you’re well-equipped to enjoy dining out in any German-speaking region. Remember to be polite (“bitte” and “danke” go a long way), observe how locals do it, and don’t be afraid to speak up and practice your German. Whether you’re ordering a pretzel at a Munich beer hall or a coffee in a Zürich café, you now know how to order at a restaurant in Germany (and Austria and Switzerland) with confidence.

Viel Spaß beim Essen und Guten Appetit! (Have fun eating and enjoy your meal!)

If you need more help with German for travel or everyday situations, Olesen Tuition is here to support you. We offer personalised tutoring and a wealth of resources on our language blog to help German learners from A1 to B1 and beyond. With practice and perhaps some expert guidance, you’ll be saying “Ich hätte gern…” like a pro on your next trip. Happy travels and happy learning!