Top 50 phrases to get by Germany (Advanced): Dining out
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Key Phrases
Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte.
A table for two, please.
Die Speisekarte, bitte.
The menu, please.
Die Rechnung, bitte.
The bill, please.
Skills You'll Learn
How to ask for a table and start a restaurant visit politely.
Wie man höflich nach einem Tisch fragt und einen Restaurantbesuch beginnt.
How to order food and drinks and ask about menu recommendations.
Wie man Essen und Getränke bestellt und nach Empfehlungen auf der Speisekarte fragt.
How to handle payment, including asking for the bill and paying together or separately.
Wie man das Bezahlen regelt, einschließlich nach der Rechnung zu fragen und zusammen oder getrennt zu zahlen.
Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases
Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte.
EYE-nen tish fyoor tsvy BIT-tuh
A table for two, please.
Haben Sie eine Reservierung?
HAH-ben zee EYE-nuh reh-zair-vee-ROONG
Do you have a reservation?
💬 [Sie] takes the same verb form as [sie] ("they"): [haben], not [hast]. You'll see that same pattern in questions like [Kommen Sie?] and statements like [Sie haben reserviert].
🇩🇪 Staff normally use [Sie] with guests, and you should use [Sie] back. It's the default polite form in restaurants.
See breakdown →Ich habe eine Reservierung.
ikh HAH-buh EYE-nuh reh-zair-vee-ROONG
I have a reservation.
Wir möchten essen.
veer MURKH-ten ESS-en
We would like to eat.
Die Speisekarte, bitte.
dee SHPY-zeh-kar-tuh BIT-tuh
The menu, please.
Können wir die Speisekarte sehen?
KURN-nen veer dee SHPY-zeh-kar-tuh ZAY-en
Can we see the menu?
Was empfehlen Sie?
vahs emp-FAY-len zee
What do you recommend?
💬 [Sie] here is formal "you," so the verb is [empfehlen], not [empfiehlst]. The same switch shows up in [Können Sie…?] and [Haben Sie…?].
🇩🇪 This is a normal, natural question to ask a server. In Germany you'll often get a direct personal recommendation rather than a long sales pitch.
See breakdown →Was ist die Tagesempfehlung?
vahs ist dee TAH-gess-emp-FAY-loong
What is today's special?
Ich hätte gern das.
ikh HET-tuh ghearn dahs
I would like this.
💬 [hätte gern] is a very common soft way to ask for something. You can swap in almost anything after it: [Ich hätte gern die Suppe] or [Ich hätte gern ein Wasser].
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