In Germany the main meal of the day is lunch (Mittagessen). Breakfast (Frühstück) is also often a substantial meal. Look out for breakfast buffets (Frühstücksbüfett). Breastfeeding is accepted in most restaurants and cafés. However, in some formal restaurants or more traditional Kaffeehäusern, it may not be permitted.
FACE TO FACE
Ich möchte einen Tisch für heute Abend/morgen Abend/acht Uhr reservieren
ikh mur’kh-te yn-en tish fuer hoy-te ahbent/morgen ahbent/akht oo-er re-zer-veer-ren I’d like to book a table for tonight/tomorrow night/8 p.m.
Für wie viele Personen?
fuer vee fee-le per-zohnen?
For how many people?
cold | kalt | kalt |
greasy | fettig | fettikh |
rare | leicht angebraten | lykht an-ge-brah-ten |
salty | salzig | zaltsikh |
spicy | scharf | shahf |
warm | warm | vahm |
well cooked | durchgebraten | doorkh-ge-brah-ten |
In Germany and Austria, standard tipping is between 5 and 10% of the bill. The waiter or waitress will usually tell you the total and then stay at your table so that you can add the tip and tell him/her what you want to pay: Das macht 36 Euro und 40 Cent, bitte. (That’s 36 euros and 40 cents, please.) 40. Danke! (Make it 40, thanks!) Or you could simply say Stimmt so (Keep the change.) You may also be asked Zusammen oder getrennt? (Are you paying separately or together?) In most formal restaurants, you get the bill in a folder and leave the money inside.