How to Say ‘Do you have a preference?’ in German
Hätten Sie einen Wunsch?
HET-ten zee EYE-nen voonsh
[HET-ten zee EYE-nen voonsh]
🇩🇪 In Germany: This is a natural, service-style question in a restaurant and sounds attentive rather than stiff. Staff may ask this instead of directly offering options like window, terrace, or quiet corner.
Phrase Breakdown
Hätten
[HET-ten]
would have
Polite subjunctive form used to ask about preferences or wishes.
Hätten Sie einen Wunsch? ist eine sehr höfliche Frage im Restaurant.
Would you have a preference? is a very polite question in a restaurant.
Sie
[zee]
you
Formal 'you' used politely with guests.
In Hätten Sie einen Wunsch? ist Sie die höfliche Anrede.
In Would you have a preference?, you is the polite form of address.
einen
[EYE-nen]
a
Accusative masculine article used before 'Wunsch.'
In Hätten Sie einen Wunsch? gehört einen zu Wunsch.
In Would you have a preference?, a belongs with preference.
Wunsch
[voonsh]
wish
A preference or special request, such as indoor seating or a window table.
Mit Hätten Sie einen Wunsch? fragt das Personal nach Ihrem Platzwunsch.
With Would you have a preference?, the staff asks about your seating preference.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”
Emma L., 27, UX Researcher
“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”
Marcus J., 40, Engineer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager