German - Ordering Food

Ich hätte gern ___.

I'd like ___.

Meaning: I'd like ___.

When to use: Use this polite frame when you want to order a specific food or drink (add the item in the accusative: einen Kaffee, eine Cola, ein Wasser).

Tip: Beginners sometimes forget the correct article in the accusative (einen/ eine/ ein).

Kann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben?

Can I see the menu?

Meaning: Can I see the menu?

When to use: Ask this when you want the menu in a restaurant, café, or bakery; it's polite and common.

Das war's, danke.

That's all, thanks.

Meaning: That's all, thanks.

When to use: Say this when you have finished ordering and do not want to add anything else.

Einen kleinen ___, bitte.

A small ___, please.

Meaning: A small ___, please.

When to use: Use this to choose a size for a drink or food item; adjust the article/adjective for gender and case (einen kleinen Kaffee, eine kleine Cola, ein kleines Wasser).

Tip: Watch adjective endings: 'kleinen' for masculine accusative (einen kleinen Kaffee).

Ohne ___, bitte.

No ___, please.

Meaning: No ___, please.

When to use: Use this to ask for an item to be left out (ingredients like onions, cheese). Put the ingredient after 'ohne' (e.g., ohne Zwiebeln).

Kann ich bitte die Rechnung haben?

Can I have the check, please?

Meaning: Can I have the check, please?

When to use: Ask this at the end of a meal when you want to pay; in Germany ask for 'die Rechnung'.

Zum Mitnehmen, bitte.

To go, please.

Meaning: To go, please.

When to use: Say this when you want your order for takeaway rather than eating in.

Ich hätte gern ___.

I'd like to order ___.

Meaning: I'd like to order ___.

When to use: Another common polite frame for ordering an item; add the item in the accusative (einen Kaffee, eine Cola).

Kann ich ___ bekommen?

Can I get ___?

Meaning: Can I get ___?

When to use: Use this casually at a counter or café to request an item; include the desired item (often with its accusative article).

Einmal ___, bitte.

One ___, please.

Meaning: One ___, please.

When to use: Use this simple quantity phrase to order one item (works well to avoid article confusion).

Zum Hieressen, bitte.

For here, please.

Meaning: For here, please.

When to use: Use this to say you will eat at the café or restaurant, as opposite to takeaway.

Ist das scharf?

Is it spicy?

Meaning: Is it spicy?

When to use: Ask this when you want to know if a dish is hot/spicy (würzig/scharf).

Ist da ___ drin?

Is there ___ in it?

Meaning: Is there ___ in it?

When to use: Use this to ask if a dish contains a specific ingredient (Ist da Nuss drin? / Ist da Fleisch drin?).