32+ Easy Phrases To Order Food In German

Want to order food in German like a native speaker? We honestly can’t blame you! While you can simply order using English or point to the dishes you want to try, nothing beats the excitement of ordering food or Essen in the local language and feeling like the best tourist ever. In this post, we’ll equip you with every phrase and word you need to know to nail your next food order. Let’s begin!

As travelers, we all have our own unique reasons for exploring different parts of the world. Some of us seek to immerse ourselves in the vibrant cultures of Asia, taking in stunning temples and exotic traditions. Others yearn for the enchanting charm of European architecture, with its dreamy cobblestone streets and fairytale-like landmarks. If you’re the latter, visiting German-speaking countries is an absolute must-add to your bucket list! From the Rothenburg in Germany and Hallstatt in Austria to the Andermatt in Switzerland, it’s impossible not to be tempted to twirl in delight ala Disney princess.

However, there’s more to these countries than you can imagine! For instance, taking on a gastronomic adventure in Germany actually quite surprised me. Whenever I think of this country, what usually comes to mind are the Michelin-star quality eats like sausages and potato-based dishes . But boy, I was wrong! During my trip, I got to try out those delectable Kaiserschmarrn and savory Leberknödelsuppe, which totally made me adore German food even more!

But before you run to the nearest German restaurant, we highly recommend that you learn at least the basic words and phrases first! By having a strong foundation on this topic, you can navigate the menu on your own and even make special requests. Ready to learn? Let’s dive right into it!

What Is Food In German?

The word for “food” in German is “Essen.” This is a noun that can refer to any type of food or meal and can be used in various contexts, such as ordering food, cooking, or discussing food preferences. It is mainly used as a subject or object of the sentence and is modified by articles or adjectives.

For example:

• The food tastes very good = Das Essen schmeckt sehr gut.
• We like to eat Italian food = Wir essen gerne italienisches Essen.
• The waiter brings the food to the table = Der Kellner bringt das Essen zum Tisch.

On the other hand, the locals also use the word “esse.” This version is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb “essen.” It is used when the subject of the sentence is “I,” and the verb needs to be conjugated accordingly.

For example:

• I like to eat pizza = Ich esse gerne Pizza.
• I eat my food slowly = Ich esse mein Essen langsam
• I’m eating dinner right now = Ich esse gerade zu Abend.

Now that you know the basic terminology related to this topic, let’s now move forward to the German phrases you need to use to order food like a pro.

How To Order Food In German

Just like in many other countries, locals in Germany typically enjoy three main meals throughout the day: das Frühstück (breakfast), das Mittagessen (lunch), and das Abendessen (dinner). If you’re eager to order your favorite dishes during these times, we’ve got you covered! Below, we’ve compiled the best German phrases and organized them into an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Greet And Inquire

As soon as you step foot into a German restaurant, a friendly server will usually greet you and assist you in finding your reserved table. However, it’s worth noting that there are also some establishments where you can simply pop in and seat yourself. Once a server approaches you, feel free to use the following expressions to start your dining experience on the right foot.

Step 2: Read The Menu

Now that you’re seated, we bet that the inner child in you will be screaming, “Ich bin hungrig” or “I’m hungry.” To prevent this from happening, ordering your main course and your favorite drink should be done right away. Usually, the servers will automatically give you the menu, but in case they miss it, you can politely ask for it by saying either “Darf ich bitte die Karte sehen?” or “Könnten Sie mir bitte die Speisekarte bringen?“

Once you have the “die Speisekarte” or menu in hand, you should be able to see all the basic categories like the following:

Now that you know the basic parts of the menu, let’s quickly go over some of the German words you’ll come across per category.

Meat

Germany is known for its hearty meat dishes that are often accompanied by potatoes, bread, and vegetables. Some of the top meat dishes in Germany include schnitzel, which is a thin, breaded, and pan-fried meat cutlet that can be made with veal, pork, or chicken and is often served with a side of potato salad or French fries. Want to try these? Order them by remembering the translations below.

Fruit

While Germany may not be known for its fruit-based dishes, there are still many tasty ways to enjoy fruits in German cuisine. One popular dish is Apfelstrudel, which is a sweet pastry filled with spiced apples and served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream. Another popular dessert is Rote Grütze, which is a berry pudding made with red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and currants and is often served with vanilla sauce or cream. To order those correctly, take note of the following translations.

Vegetables

Germany is a country that appreciates fresh and flavorful vegetables, and many traditional German dishes are built around these healthy ingredients. One popular vegetable dish is sauerkraut, which is a fermented cabbage that is often served as a side dish or as a topping on sausages or pork dishes. To see whether what you’re ordering contains veggies, take note of the translations below.

Drinks

Germany has a rich and diverse drinking culture that encompasses a wide range of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. One of the most popular beverages in Germany is beer, with Germany being home to over 1,500 breweries and a wide variety of beer styles. So if you want to order one, remember the translation for it, which you can find below.

Step 3: Order Food And Drinks

Feel like you’re finally ready to delight your tastebuds? If you are, don’t be afraid to call the attention of the servers by saying “Entschuldigung” and starting your sentence with either Ich möchte(I would like) + the name of the dish or Ich hätte gern(I would like) + the name of the dish. The first phrase is more direct and common, while the second phrase is more polite and formal.

For example:

• I would like two bread rolls, please = Ich hätte gern zwei Brötchen bitte.
• I would like a Schnitzel, please = Ich hätte gern das Schnitzel, bitte.
• I would like apple juice = Ich möchte einen Apfelsaft.

Step 4: Make Special Requests

When dining in a German restaurant, it’s important to be able to communicate your specific food preferences and needs. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to make a special request, knowing how to ask for what you want in German can help ensure that you have an enjoyable and satisfying dining experience. In this table, we’ve compiled a list of useful phrases for making special requests when ordering in German.

Step 5: Ask For The Check

While tipping is not mandatory, leaving a small amount of money as a gesture of appreciation for good service is common. When I picked the brain of the locals, the consensus was that a tip of 5-10% of the total bill is considered appropriate. However, some restaurants may automatically include a service charge in the bill, so it’s important to check before leaving a tip. And speaking of the bill, here are the top phrases you need to master related to that aspect.

Ready To Learn More Phrases In German?

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