Mention allergies at the start
Tell the server before you order what you cannot have. They can then suggest suitable dishes.
Phrases and vocabulary for ordering, allergies, special requests, and paying at a restaurant or café.
Short cues that help immediately in a stressful real-life moment.
Tell the server before you order what you cannot have. They can then suggest suitable dishes.
If you want to split the bill, mention it before the check comes. It saves time and avoids confusion.
It is common to round up by five to ten percent. State the total you want to pay when handing over the money.
Short scripts for common moments you are likely to face on site.
You are calling to reserve a table.
Hello, I would like to reserve a table for four for Saturday at seven p.m.
Under which name should I make the reservation?
You want a dish without one ingredient.
Could you make the pasta without cream, please? I cannot have dairy.
Is there an alternative you would recommend?
You want to pay and leave an appropriate tip.
We would like to pay. Make it fifty euros, please.
Could we have a receipt as well?
Short, useful lines you can actually say out loud.
A table for two, please.
Good evening, a table for two, please — by the window if possible.
The menu, please.
Could we get the menu and a jug of water, please?
What can you recommend today?
What can you recommend today? We would like to try something regional.
I am allergic to nuts.
Please note: I am allergic to nuts. Which dishes are safe for me?
Could you make it without onions?
Could you prepare the dish without onions and without garlic, please?
The bill, please.
We would like to pay; the bill, please — split, if possible.
Can I pay by card?
Can I pay by card here, or only in cash?
Can we take this with us?
We did not finish everything — could we please take the rest with us?
Core nouns and terms that come up again and again in this situation.
menu
The menu is also available in English.
bill / check
All drinks are listed separately on the bill.
waiter / server
The server will be at your table in a moment.
reservation
I have a reservation under the name Schmidt.
tip
In Germany you usually leave five to ten percent as a tip.
starter / appetizer
As a starter I recommend the tomato soup.
main course
What would you like to order as a main course?
dessert
For dessert we will have the apple strudel.
Natural wording for the follow-up questions people ask all the time in this situation.
Say: Ich esse vegetarisch (I eat vegetarian) or Ich esse vegan. Then ask: Which dishes are suitable for me?
Tap water is unusual in Germany. Ask politely: Could we have a glass of tap water? — it sometimes costs a little.
Say politely: Excuse me, the food is unfortunately cold. Could you reheat it, please?
Essential language for appointments, forms, queue numbers, documents, and follow-up questions at government offices.
Phrases and vocabulary for tickets, connections, delays, and questions at machines or counters.
Phrases and vocabulary for signing contracts, changing plans, cancelling, and follow-up questions with mobile and internet providers.