German phrases for making a reservation: 12 ready examples

To make a reservation in German you usually start with a polite opening, state the date, time and number of guests, then confirm the details; the following guide gives you exactly that and shows how to use the phrases in real‑life situations.

What are the key German phrases for making a reservation?

Below are the 12 most useful sentences. Each German sentence is bolded and followed by an English translation.

• Ich möchte einen Tisch reservieren. I would like to reserve a table.
• Haben Sie einen freien Platz für vier Personen am Freitag um 19 Uhr? Do you have a free seat for four people on Friday at 7 p.m.?
• Könnte ich ein Einzelzimmer für zwei Nächte buchen? Could I book a single room for two nights?
• Gibt es noch ein Zimmer mit Blick auf den Garten? Is there still a room with a garden view?
• Wir würden gerne um 20:30 Uhr kommen. We would like to come at 8:30 p.m.
• Können Sie mir die Reservierung bestätigen? Can you confirm the reservation for me?
• Gibt es eine Stornierungsfrist? Is there a cancellation deadline?
• Ich habe eine Reservierung unter dem Namen Müller. I have a reservation under the name Müller.
• Könnten Sie einen Kinderstuhl bereitstellen? Could you provide a high‑chair for a child?
• Bitte notieren Sie meine Telefonnummer: 0171 1234567. Please note my phone number: 0171 1234567.
• Ist das Frühstück im Preis inbegriffen? Is breakfast included in the price?
• Vielen Dank, wir freuen uns auf den Besuch. Thank you, we look forward to the visit.

Practice these sentences aloud; the rhythm and intonation are as important as the words.

How do I adapt the reservation phrases for different venues?

Restaurants, hotels and even doctors’ offices have slightly different expectations. Adjust the key nouns and verbs while keeping the polite structure.

For a restaurant you might say Ich möchte einen Tisch für zwei Personen reservieren. (I would like to reserve a table for two people). In a hotel the verb changes to buchen and you add the room type: Ich möchte ein Doppelzimmer buchen. (I would like to book a double room).

When calling a doctor’s office, the phrase shifts to an appointment rather than a reservation: Ich möchte einen Termin für nächste Woche vereinbaren. (I would like to schedule an appointment for next week).

Notice the consistent use of möchten for polite requests and the placement of the time expression after the main request. You can explore more everyday phrases at the free phrase tool, which also provides audio for each sentence.

Step‑by‑step practice routine to master reservation phrases

Use this three‑step routine daily until the sentences feel natural.

1. Listen: Open the repeat tool and listen to each example three times.
2. Repeat aloud: Record yourself saying the bolded sentence, then compare with the native audio.
3. Write: Use the prompt tool to write a short dialogue that includes at least two of the sentences. Review the correction for natural phrasing.

After a week, try swapping the date and number of guests to test flexibility.

How can German Buddy help me practice reservation dialogues?

German Buddy’s Conversation mode lets you role‑play a reservation call with a virtual host. Choose the “restaurant” or “hotel” scenario, speak the sentences, and receive a gentle correction plus one short tip for a more natural expression.

The app also offers a printable worksheet from the free worksheets section that contains a fill‑in‑the‑blank version of the 12 sentences, perfect for quick review.

Practice reservation phrases with German Buddy

Start a 7‑day unlimited trial in the app, then continue with a free daily allowance that never expires. The reservation scenarios are available from day one, so you can apply what you learned immediately. start practising free.

FAQ

Can I make a reservation in German over the phone?

Yes, the same phrases work on the phone; just speak clearly and repeat the confirmation number if the host gives one.

Do I need to know formal vs. informal address for reservations?

Reservations are usually made with the formal Sie form, especially in hotels and restaurants. Use du only if you know the staff personally.

What if the restaurant is fully booked?

You can ask politely: Gibt es eine Warteliste? (Is there a waiting list?) or ask for an alternative time: Könnten wir für morgen um 20 Uhr reservieren? (Could we reserve for tomorrow at 8 p.m.?)

How long should I practice each day?

Even five minutes of focused repetition using the three‑step routine is enough to build confidence; consistency beats length.