Ordering at a German Bakery — Words and Phrases
After this lesson you can order bread and pastries and understand the price you are given.
Do this first: Numbers 0–20
Ordering at a German Bakery — Words and Phrases
A bakery order is a fixed exchange, the same in every shop in the country. Four phrases and you never have to point again.
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Kulturnotiz
The bread roll is the most regionally contested word in German. It is das Brötchen across most of the north and west, die Semmel in Bavaria and Austria, and die Schrippe in Berlin — and people are genuinely attached to their version. Say Brötchen anywhere and you will be understood; say Semmel in Munich and you will sound local.
Common questions
+What is the politest way to order?
Ich hätte gern … — literally "I would have gladly". It is the standard polite request form and works for food, drinks, tickets and shopping generally.
+What does zum Mitnehmen mean?
To take away. The opposite is zum Hiertrinken (for a drink) or zum Hieressen — eating in. In Germany the price is sometimes different, because eat-in carries a higher rate of VAT.
+Do I need cash?
Often, yes. German bakeries are among the last strongholds of cash-only trade, and many that take cards have a €10 minimum. Ask: Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?
+How do I say "that's all"?
Nein danke, das war's — "no thanks, that was it". Avoid Ich bin fertig, which means you personally are finished, not the order.