How to Say ‘What can I get for you?’ in German
Was darf es für euch sein?
vahs darf ess fyoor oykh zine
[vahs darf ess fyoor oykh zine]
💬 Usage Tip: Literally, 'What may it be for you?' This is a very common service phrase. 'Euch' is informal plural, used for more than one person.
🇩🇪 In Germany: Staff may switch between formal and informal depending on the place. Trendy bars may use 'euch,' while more traditional places often use 'Sie' forms.
Phrase Breakdown
Was
[vahs]
what
Question word used to ask what someone wants.
Der Barkeeper fragt: Was darf es für euch sein?
The bartender asks: What can I get for you all?
darf
[darf]
may / can
Here it politely means 'may' or 'can' in a service question.
Der Barkeeper fragt: Was darf es für euch sein?
The bartender asks: What can I get for you all?
es
[ess]
it
Placeholder pronoun in this polite ordering phrase.
Im Restaurant heißt es oft: Was darf es für euch sein?
In a restaurant you often hear: What can I get for you all?
für
[fyoor]
for
Preposition meaning 'for.'
Die Bedienung fragt: Was darf es für euch sein?
The server asks: What can I get for you all?
euch
[oykh]
you all
Informal plural 'you,' used when speaking to more than one person.
Zu einer Gruppe sagt man: Was darf es für euch sein?
To a group you say: What can I get for you all?
sein
[zine]
be
Verb 'to be'; here part of a fixed service expression.
Der Kellner sagt: Was darf es für euch sein?
The waiter says: What can I get for you all?
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