Ordering at a Restaurant: German Words & Phrases
10 essential German words and expressions for "Ordering at a Restaurant". Each entry includes phonetic pronunciation, English translation, and example sentences. Suitable for CEFR A2 level and relevant for "how to order food and drinks".
"Ordering at a Restaurant" — word table
| German | Pronunciation | English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| die Speisekarte | /dee SHPY-zeh-kar-teh/ | menu | Kann ich die Speisekarte haben?Can I have the menu, please? |
| bestellen | /beh-SHTEL-len/ | to order | Ich möchte bestellen.I would like to order. |
| die Vorspeise | /dee FOR-shpy-zeh/ | appetizer | Als Vorspeise nehme ich Salat.For an appetizer, I'll take a salad. |
| die Hauptspeise | /dee HOWPT-shpy-zeh/ | main course | Was ist die Hauptspeise heute?What is the main course today? |
| die Nachspeise | /dee NAKH-shpy-zeh/ | dessert | Ich möchte eine Nachspeise.I would like dessert. |
| lecker | /LEK-ker/ | delicious | Das Essen war sehr lecker.The food was very delicious. |
| die Rechnung | /dee REKH-noong/ | bill | Die Rechnung, bitte.The bill, please. |
| das Trinkgeld | /dahs TRINK-gelt/ | tip | Ich gebe zehn Prozent Trinkgeld.Keep the change as a tip. |
| reservieren | /reh-zer-VEE-ren/ | to reserve | Ich möchte einen Tisch reservieren.I'd like to reserve a table for two. |
| vegetarisch | /veh-geh-TAH-rish/ | vegetarian | Haben Sie vegetarische Gerichte?The waiter is very polite. |
How to memorise these words fast
Listen to the audio pronunciation of each word three times, then repeat the example aloud. 8–10 words per session is enough — overloading reduces retention.
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Frequently asked questions
Which German words relate to "Ordering at a Restaurant"?
Most useful: die Speisekarte, bestellen, die Vorspeise and more — 10 in total, each with pronunciation below.
How do I memorise these words?
Listen to the audio, repeat the examples and do the linked lesson exercises — all free.