German restaurant phrases for ordering: 20 useful sentences

Here are the most useful German restaurant phrases for ordering, complete with English translations and quick tips, so you can order confidently the next time you sit down for a meal.

Which German phrases do I need to order food in a restaurant?

Start with a simple greeting and let the staff know you’re ready to order.

• Ich möchte bestellen, bitte. I would like to order, please.
• Kann ich die Speisekarte sehen? May I see the menu?
• Ich nehme das Schnitzel, bitte. I’ll have the schnitzel, please.
• Ein Glas Wasser, bitte. A glass of water, please.
• Für mich bitte die Suppe des Tages. For me, the soup of the day, please.

Notice the polite word bitte (please) appears in every request. Using it consistently makes your request sound courteous.

How do I ask about the menu and specials?

Understanding the menu vocabulary helps you choose confidently.

• Was empfehlen Sie? What do you recommend?
• Gibt es heute ein Tagesgericht? Is there a daily special today?
• Ist das Gericht scharf? Is the dish spicy?
• Kann ich das Gericht ohne Nüsse bekommen? Can I have the dish without nuts?
• Wie viel kostet das? How much does that cost?

When you’re unsure, the phrase Was empfehlen Sie? invites the waiter to suggest a popular or personal favorite.

What are polite ways to request the bill and say thank you?

Finishing the meal smoothly shows good manners.

• Die Rechnung, bitte. The bill, please.
• Könnten wir getrennt zahlen? Could we pay separately?
• Vielen Dank für das Essen. Thank you very much for the meal.
• Es war sehr lecker. It was very tasty.
• Auf Wiedersehen! Goodbye!

Adding Vielen Dank or Es war sehr lecker leaves a positive impression.

Practical steps to practice ordering in German today

1. Write down the ten phrases above on flashcards. Put the German side on top, the English translation on the back.
2. Record yourself saying each phrase aloud, then listen with the repeat tool to match pronunciation.
3. Use the everyday phrases tool to discover similar restaurant expressions and add them to your deck.
4. Role‑play with a friend: one acts as the waiter, the other as the customer, swapping roles after each round.
5. After a week, test yourself by writing a short dialogue in the prompt tool and compare your sentences with the corrections.

How to practise these phrases with German Buddy

German Buddy lets you turn these sentences into real‑life practice. In Conversation mode you can choose a “Restaurant” scenario and speak the phrases aloud; the app gives gentle corrections and a short tip for more natural wording. With the free daily allowance you can practise a few minutes each day, and the first 7 days give you unlimited sessions to build confidence.

Ready to start? start practising free – you get 7 days unlimited, then a free daily allowance that never runs out.

FAQ

Do I need to know German grammar to use these restaurant phrases?

No. The phrases are ready‑to‑use sentences. Focus on pronunciation and polite particles like bitte and Danke, and you’ll be understood.

Can I use these phrases in Austria or Switzerland?

Yes. The wording is standard German and works in all German‑speaking countries. Minor regional variations (e.g., “Bier” vs “Bierchen”) are easy to adapt.

How can I remember the vocabulary quickly?

Combine flashcards with spaced‑repetition tools such as the word‑of‑the‑day feature, and practice the phrases daily in the app.

What if I want more advanced restaurant language?

After mastering the basics, explore German Buddy’s advanced phrase lists and add specific dish names or wine terminology to your practice routine.