Eating Out (Leaving Cert German): Revision Notes
Eating Out
When travelling in German-speaking countries, knowing how to navigate restaurants, cafés, and bars is essential. This vocabulary will help you order food and drinks confidently in various dining establishments.
Types of eating places
Different German establishments offer various dining experiences. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right place for your needs and set proper expectations for service and atmosphere.
| German | English | Description |
|---|---|---|
| das Café | café | Sometimes attached to a cake shop (Konditorei) |
| die Konditorei | cake shop/patisserie | Where you can sit and sample cakes |
| der Biergarten | beer garden | Open-air pub with hearty food and beer |
| die Selbstbedienung | self-service | Cafeteria-style dining |
| das Bistro | bistro | Good for breakfast, snacks, coffee and cakes |
| die Eisdiele/das Eiscafé | ice cream parlour | Specialises in ice cream and cold treats |
| das Restaurant | restaurant | Full-service dining establishment |
Example sentences in context:
- Wir gehen ins Café. (We're going to the café.)
- Ist das eine Selbstbedienung? (Is this self-service?)
- Der Biergarten ist sehr gemütlich. (The beer garden is very cosy.)
Biergarten culture is particularly important in Bavaria and Austria. These outdoor establishments typically offer communal seating and allow you to bring your own food while purchasing drinks on-site.
Ordering drinks in a café or bar
When ordering drinks, these phrases and vocabulary will help you communicate effectively with staff. Mastering these essential ordering phrases will make your dining experience much smoother.
Essential ordering phrases
| German | Pronunciation Guide | English |
|---|---|---|
| Was möchten Sie? | vas MŒRH-ten zee | What would you like? |
| Ich möchte... | ikh MŒRH-te | I would like... |
| Darf es sonst noch etwas sein? | darf es zonst nokh ET-vas tsyn | Would you like anything else? |
| Das ist alles, danke | das ist AL-es DAN-ke | That's all, thank you |
| Die Speisekarte, bitte | dee SHPY-ze-kar-te BIT-e | The menu, please |
Drinks vocabulary
| German | English |
|---|---|
| der schwarze Kaffee | black coffee |
| der Milchkaffee | white coffee |
| der Tee | tea |
| mit Milch | with milk |
| mit Zitrone | with lemon |
| ohne Zucker | without sugar |
| das Mineralwasser | mineral water |
| mit Kohlensäure | sparkling |
| still | still |
| das helle Bier | lager |
| das Altbier | bitter/dark beer |
| ein Kleines | a small beer |
| ein Großes | a large beer |
Sample dialogue at a café:
- Kellner: "Was möchten Sie?" (What would you like?)
- Kunde: "Ich möchte einen Kaffee mit Milch, bitte." (I would like a coffee with milk, please.)
- Kellner: "Sonst noch etwas?" (Anything else?)
- Kunde: "Nein, das ist alles." (No, that's all.)
Pronunciation tip: The "ö" in "möchten" sounds like the "ur" in "hurt" but shorter. This is a crucial sound to master as it appears in many polite expressions.
Understanding German menus
German menus are typically organised into clear sections. Understanding these categories will help you navigate any menu confidently and find exactly what you're looking for without confusion.
Menu sections
| German | English |
|---|---|
| die Speisekarte | menu |
| die Vorspeisen | starters |
| die Suppen | soups |
| die Salate | salads |
| das Knoblauchbrot | garlic bread |
| das Fleisch | meat |
| Wild und Geflügel | game and poultry |
| der Fisch | fish |
| Meeresfrüchte | seafood |
| das Gemüse | vegetables |
| der Käse | cheese |
| das Dessert | dessert |
| die Getränke | drinks |
Common menu terms
| German | English |
|---|---|
| das Tagesgericht | dish of the day |
| die Tageskarte | today's menu |
| das Mittagsmenü | lunch menu |
| Getränke nicht inklusive | drinks not included |
| der Imbiss | snack food |
| die Bratwurst | fried sausage |
| die Bockwurst | boiled sausage |
| die Buletten | thick hamburgers |
Das Tagesgericht (dish of the day) is often the best value for money and features seasonal, fresh ingredients. It's always worth asking about even if it's not prominently displayed.
Using menu vocabulary:
- Das Tagesgericht kostet €7,50. (The dish of the day costs €7.50.)
- Haben Sie eine Tageskarte? (Do you have a today's menu?)
- Was empfehlen Sie als Vorspeise? (What do you recommend as a starter?)
Restaurant conversations
When dining at a restaurant, you'll need specific phrases for booking tables, ordering food, and paying the bill. These conversations follow predictable patterns that you can master with practice.
Making reservations
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich möchte einen Tisch reservieren | I'd like to book a table |
| für heute Abend | for tonight |
| für morgen Abend | for tomorrow evening |
| um acht Uhr | at eight o'clock |
| Für wie viele Personen? | For how many people? |
Ordering food
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Was ist das Tagesgericht? | What's the dish of the day? |
| Haben Sie eine Tageskarte? | Do you have a set-price menu? |
| Ich nehme das | I'll have this |
| Was ist das? | What is this? |
| Können Sie eine Spezialität empfehlen? | Can you recommend a local speciality? |
Paying and service
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Entschuldigung! | Excuse me! |
| noch etwas Brot | more bread |
| noch etwas Wasser | more water |
| bitte | please |
| Zahlen, bitte | The bill, please |
| Ist die Bedienung inbegriffen? | Is service included? |
Complete restaurant booking dialogue:
- Gast: "Ich möchte einen Tisch für zwei Personen reservieren." (I'd like to book a table for two people.)
- Kellner: "Für wann?" (For when?)
- Gast: "Für heute Abend um acht Uhr." (For tonight at eight o'clock.)
- Kellner: "Gerne! Ihr Name, bitte?" (Certainly! Your name, please?)
Vegetarian dining
Vegetarianism is becoming more popular in German-speaking countries, though options may still be limited in some areas. Knowing how to communicate your dietary requirements clearly is essential.
Vegetarian vocabulary
| German | English |
|---|---|
| vegetarische Restaurants | vegetarian restaurants |
| 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? |
| die Nudeln | pasta/noodles |
Vegetarian dining dialogue:
- Gast: "Haben Sie vegetarische Gerichte?" (Do you have vegetarian dishes?)
- Kellner: "Ja, wir haben Nudeln und Salate." (Yes, we have pasta and salads.)
- Gast: "Welche Gerichte sind ohne Fleisch?" (Which dishes are without meat?)
- Kellner: "Ich kann Ihnen die Gemüselasagne empfehlen." (I can recommend the vegetable lasagne.)
In larger cities like Berlin, Munich, and Vienna, vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly common. However, in smaller towns or traditional restaurants, you may need to ask specifically about meat-free options.
Common mistakes and tips
Critical pronunciation guidelines:
- "ü" in "für" sounds like the French "u" or like saying "ee" with rounded lips
- "ö" in "möchten" is similar to the "ur" in "hurt" but shorter
- "ie" is pronounced "ee" (as in Bier = beer)
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Don't forget to use "bitte" (please) when ordering - it's considered polite and essential
- Remember that "Entschuldigung" means "excuse me" when trying to get attention
- "Zahlen, bitte" is the correct way to ask for the bill, not just "die Rechnung"
Cultural dining tips:
- In Germany, lunch (Mittagessen) is often the main meal of the day
- Breakfast (Frühstück) can be quite substantial, especially at weekend breakfast buffets
- Service charges are often included, but small tips are still appreciated
Key Points to Remember:
- Learn the basic establishment types to choose the right place for your needs
- Master key ordering phrases: "Ich möchte..." and "Was möchten Sie?"
- Understand menu sections to navigate German menus confidently
- Use polite expressions like "bitte" and "Entschuldigung" in restaurant interactions
- Know vegetarian vocabulary if you have dietary requirements
- Practice pronunciation of key sounds like "ö" and "ü" for better communication