15 Important German Phrases For Dining Out

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Eating out or visiting a bar in Germany can be great fun – if you know how to order! Avoid the most common language pitfalls by learning these 15 important German phrases for dining out just like a local. Guten Appetit!

Why Learn German Restaurant Phrases?

If you’re traveling through Germany, whether it’s Berlin, Munich, or a small town in Bavaria, knowing a few key phrases can completely transform your dining experience. It shows respect for the local culture, helps avoid misunderstandings, and can even earn you a warm smile (or a larger schnitzel!).

These German phrases for eating out will help you order confidently, ask the right questions, and navigate any restaurant or café like a local.

Bonus: Many Germans speak excellent English, but a little effort in German goes a long way in creating a more authentic and enjoyable experience.

15 Essential German Phrases For Dining Out at Restaurants

Kann ich einen Tisch reservieren, bitte? – Can I reserve a table, please?
Haben Sie Platz für zwei/drei/vier? – Do you have room for two/three/four people?

In Germany, it is common practice for people to wait to be seated. There are several different ways to express this generic phrase.

Einen Tisch für zwei, bitte – a table for two, please
Haben Sie ein Tagesmenü? – Do you have today’s special?

Asking the waiter for the ‘daily menu’ will allow you to sample some of the best seasonal dishes in Germany.

Darf ich bitte die Karte sehen? – Can I see the menu please?
Haben Sie vegetarische Gerichte? – Do you have any vegetarian dishes?
Gibt es etwas Veganes? – Do you have any vegan dishes?

Ist das Gericht nussfrei? – Is the dish free from nuts?
Perhaps one of the most important phrases to learn for those who struggle with allergies. Other common ingredients to ask about can include:

…milchfrei – dairy free
…glutenfrei – gluten free

Ich möchte jetzt bestellen – I would like to order now

Ich möchte… – I would like…
This basic phrase is a life saver when ordering food. You can use this phrase with anything off the menu, for example:

das Hähnchen – chicken
der Fisch – fish
das Rindfleisch – beef
das Schweinefleisch – pork
der Kaffee – coffee
das Wasser – water
Weißwein – white wine
das Bier – beer

Entschuldigen Sie bitte – Excuse me, please
A more formal phrase to use would be Entschuldigen Sie bitte, Ober (excuse me, waiter), but the simple Entschuldigung (excuse me) will also work fine here!
Noch eins, bitte – Another one, please
This can also be substituted with other numbers, such as noch zwei bitte! (another two, please!)

Können wir mehr Wasser haben, bitte? – Could we have more water, please?
Like many of the other phrases included in this blog post, water can be substituted for other drinks, side dishes, or sauces:

…Senf – mustard
…Ketchup – ketchup
…Milch – milk
…Salz – salt
…Pfeffer – pepper

Das war wirklich lecker! – That was really tasty!
If your waiter asks if you enjoyed your meal Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?, there are numerous alternative adjectives to substitute lecker with:

…prima – excellent
…köstlich – delicious
…durchschnittlich – average
…kalt – cold
…nicht so gut – not very good

14. Ich möchte bitte bezahlen – I would like to pay, please

Die Rechnung, bitte – The bill, please

Often in Germany, the bill is brought to the table for you. When deciding how to pay, you can choose to pay Zusammen (together) or Getrennt (separately).

Pronunciation Tips for Beginners

German pronunciation can feel tricky at first, but many words are spoken just as they’re written. Here are a few helpful tips:

“ch” in ich is soft (like “shh”)
“z” is pronounced like “ts” (e.g., zahlen sounds like “tsahlen”)
“ie” makes a long “ee” sound (Bier = beer)
“Bitte” (please/you’re welcome) = BIT-tuh
“Entschuldigung” (excuse me) = ent-SHOOL-dee-goong

💡 Use a free app like Forvo or Google Translate’s audio button to hear native pronunciations.

Bonus German Phrases for Eating Out

Want to go beyond the basics? These extra phrases will help you sound more natural, or at least impress your waiter:

“Noch ein Bier, bitte.” – One more beer, please.
“Stimmt so!” – Keep the change.
“Was empfehlen Sie?” – What do you recommend?
“Gibt es vegetarische Optionen?” – Are there vegetarian options?
“Das sieht lecker aus!” – That looks delicious!

Use these casually to add some flair to your interactions!

Dining Etiquette Tips in Germany

German restaurant culture has its own rhythm. Here are some quick etiquette tips to help you blend in like a local:

Wait to be seated: In many places, you’ll be directed to a table – but casual spots may allow self-seating.
Tipping isn’t automatic: Round up the bill or add ~5–10%. Say “Stimmt so” to let them keep the change.
Water isn’t free: Ask for “Leitungswasser” (tap water) if you don’t want bottled.
Don’t rush: Meals are more relaxed in Germany – you may need to ask for the bill (“Die Rechnung, bitte”) when ready to leave.
Cash is still king: Some places don’t take cards, especially smaller cafés or beer gardens.

You’re All Set to Dine Like a Local

With these essential 15 important German phrases for dining out, you’re all set to enjoy your meals with confidence, whether you’re ordering schnitzel in a traditional Gasthaus or sipping coffee in a Berlin café. A little language goes a long way in making your experience smoother, more authentic, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

So next time you’re handed a German menu, you won’t just nod and smile, you’ll be ready to speak up, ask questions, and even impress the locals.

Hungry for more? Explore our other language guides and travel tips to feel even more prepared on your next adventure.

👉 Explore More German Language and Travel Guides

Looking for more inspiration? Discover our helpful guides to speaking German confidently and exploring incredible places across Germany. From essential phrases for every situation to must-visit destinations and cultural tips, these articles will make your next trip unforgettable. Click a blog article below to browse our most popular language and travel resources.