Eating Out (Junior Cert German): Revision Notes
Eating Out
Learning how to navigate restaurants and cafés is essential when visiting German-speaking countries. This guide covers the most important vocabulary and phrases you'll need to enjoy dining out confidently.
Types of eating places
German-speaking countries offer various dining options, each with its own character and specialities. Understanding these different venues will help you choose the right place for your needs.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| das Café | café |
| der Biergarten | beer garden |
| die Selbstbedienung | self-service restaurant |
| das Bistro | bistro |
| die Eisdiele/das Eiscafé | ice cream parlour |
Each type of establishment has its own atmosphere and price range. Das Café is often connected to a cake shop (Konditorei) where you can sit and enjoy cakes with your coffee. These tend to be more expensive but offer a cosy atmosphere.
Der Biergarten provides outdoor dining with hearty traditional food like soups and sausages. Perfect for warm weather and a casual meal.
Die Selbstbedienung means self-service, where you collect your own food and drinks - ideal for quick, budget-friendly meals.
Example sentences:
- Gibt es hier einen Biergarten? (Is there a beer garden here?)
- Das Café hat leckere Kuchen. (The café has delicious cakes.)
Ordering drinks in a bar or café
When you enter a café or bar, the server will typically greet you and ask what you'd like to order. Here are the essential phrases and vocabulary you'll need.
Basic ordering dialogue
The foundation of any restaurant interaction starts with understanding basic ordering phrases. These expressions will serve you well in any German-speaking establishment.
| German | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Was möchten Sie? | vas MURK-ten zee | What would you like? |
| Wir möchten... | veer MURK-ten | We would like... |
| Darf es sonst noch etwas sein? | darf es zonst nokh ET-vas zyne | Would you like anything else? |
| Das ist alles, danke | das ist AL-les DAHN-ke | That's all, thank you |
Drink vocabulary
Familiarise yourself with these common beverage terms to order drinks with confidence:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| der schwarze Kaffee | black coffee |
| der Milchkaffee | white coffee |
| der Tee mit Milch | tea with milk |
| das Mineralwasser | mineral water |
| mit Kohlensäure | sparkling |
| still | still |
| das helle Bier | lager |
| das dunkle Bier | dark beer |
Pronunciation tip: The 'ch' in 'möchten' sounds like the 'ch' in the Scottish word 'loch'.
Example conversation:
- Server: Was möchten Sie? (What would you like?)
- You: Ich möchte einen Kaffee mit Milch, bitte. (I would like a coffee with milk, please.)
Quantities and specifications
These terms help you specify exactly what you want and for whom:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| für zwei | for two |
| für mich | for me |
| mit Eis | with ice |
| eine Flasche | a bottle |
| ein Glas | a glass |
Understanding the menu
German menus follow a standard structure that makes them easier to navigate once you know the key terms.
Menu sections
| German | English |
|---|---|
| die Speisekarte | menu |
| die Vorspeisen | starters |
| die Suppen | soups |
| die Salate | salads |
| das Fleisch | meat |
| der Fisch | fish |
| die Gemüse | vegetables |
| der Käse | cheese |
| das Dessert | dessert |
| die Getränke | drinks |
Das Mittagsmenü (lunch menu) often includes a starter, main course and coffee for a set price. Look out for Tagesgericht (dish of the day) which is usually good value.
Common menu terms:
- Getränke nicht inklusive (drinks not included)
- Tagesgericht für 7,50 € (dish of the day for €7.50)
Traditional German snack foods
These traditional German foods are commonly found in casual dining establishments:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| die Bratwurst | fried sausage |
| die Bockwurst | boiled sausage |
| die Buletten | thick hamburgers |
| das Knoblauchbrot | garlic bread |
Example sentence: Ich nehme die Bratwurst mit Sauerkraut. (I'll have the fried sausage with sauerkraut.)
Making restaurant reservations
In Germany, lunch (Mittagessen) is typically the main meal of the day. Breakfast (Frühstück) is also substantial, so look for breakfast buffets (Frühstücksbüfett).
Booking a table
Master these reservation phrases to secure your table:
| German | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ich möchte einen Tisch reservieren | ikh MURK-te EYE-nen tish re-zer-VEE-ren | I'd like to book a table |
| Für wie viele Personen? | fuer vee FEE-le per-ZOH-nen | For how many people? |
| für heute Abend | fuer HOY-te AH-bent | for tonight |
| für acht Uhr | fuer akht oor | for 8 o'clock |
Restaurant ordering phrases
These essential ordering expressions will help you navigate any restaurant menu:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Die Speisekarte, bitte | The menu, please |
| Was ist das Tagesgericht? | What is the dish of the day? |
| Ich nehme das | I'll have this |
| Was ist das? | What is this? |
| Zahlen, bitte | The bill, please |
Example dialogue:
- You: Haben Sie eine Tageskarte? (Do you have a set-price menu?)
- Server: Ja, das Tagesgericht ist Schnitzel mit Kartoffeln. (Yes, the dish of the day is schnitzel with potatoes.)
Vegetarian dining
Vegetarianism is becoming more popular in German-speaking countries, though options may still be limited in traditional restaurants.
Useful vegetarian phrases
These phrases will help you communicate your dietary preferences clearly:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| vegetarische Gerichte | vegetarian dishes |
| ohne Fleisch | without meat |
| ohne Fisch | without fish |
| Ich esse kein Fleisch | I don't eat meat |
| Was können Sie empfehlen? | What can you recommend? |
Example sentences:
- Haben Sie vegetarische Gerichte? (Do you have vegetarian dishes?)
- Ich möchte als Hauptgericht Nudeln. (I would like pasta as a main course.)
Translation exercise
Translation Practice
- Wir möchten zwei Kaffee, bitte.
- Haben Sie einen Tisch für vier Personen?
- I would like the fish, please.
- Is service included?
Answers:
- We would like two coffees, please.
- Do you have a table for four people?
- Ich möchte den Fisch, bitte.
- Ist die Bedienung inbegriffen?
Common mistakes and tips
Avoid These Common Pitfalls:
Word order confusion: Remember that in German, the verb often comes second in a sentence. Say Ich möchte einen Kaffee not "Ich einen Kaffee möchte."
Politeness matters: Always use "bitte" (please) and "danke" (thank you). Germans appreciate good manners in service situations.
Gender awareness: Don't worry too much about getting der/die/das perfect when ordering - servers will understand you. Focus on clear pronunciation.
Pronunciation tip: The German 'r' is rolled more than in English. Practice words like "reservieren" and "Bier."
Key Points to Remember:
- Learn the basic types of German restaurants to choose the right venue for your needs
- Master key ordering phrases: "Was möchten Sie?" and "Ich möchte..."
- Understand menu structure - Vorspeisen, Hauptgericht, Dessert
- Book tables using "Ich möchte einen Tisch reservieren"
- Don't forget "bitte" and "danke" - politeness is highly valued in German culture