How to Say ‘What do you recommend?’ in German
Was empfehlen Sie?
vahs emp-FAY-len zee
[vahs emp-FAY-len zee]
💬 Usage Tip: [Sie] here is formal "you," so the verb is [empfehlen], not [empfiehlst]. The same switch shows up in [Können Sie…?] and [Haben Sie…?].
🇩🇪 In Germany: 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.
Phrase Breakdown
Was
[vahs]
what
Question word used to ask for information.
Wenn du unsicher bist, fragst du: Was empfehlen Sie?
If you are unsure, you ask: What do you recommend?
empfehlen
[emp-FAY-len]
recommend
Formal/plural verb meaning to recommend something.
Im Restaurant kann man den Kellner fragen: Was empfehlen Sie?
In a restaurant you can ask the waiter: What do you recommend?
Sie
[zee]
you
Formal 'you,' used politely with staff or strangers.
Zu einer Servicekraft sagst du höflich: Was empfehlen Sie?
To a staff member you politely say: What do you recommend?
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