🍽️German for hospitality & restaurant staff
Waiting tables, working a bar or a hotel front desk in the DACH region means constant German with guests. These are the phrases you’ll use from your first shift.
Key phrases on the job
Was darf es sein?What can I get you?
Möchten Sie schon bestellen?Would you like to order?
Kommt sofort.Coming right up.
Zusammen oder getrennt?Together or separately? (the bill)
Zahlen bitte?The bill, please?
Guten Appetit!Enjoy your meal!
Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?Did you enjoy it?
Tut mir leid, das ist gerade aus.Sorry, that’s currently sold out.
Vocabulary you need
Build the core words for this job — each list is free to browse and download (CSV or Anki):
Learn it faster — free
Test yourself with a quick quiz on these words, then watch real German videos with dual subtitles so the phrases stick in context — tap any word to learn it.
Frequently asked questions
What German level do I need to work in a restaurant in Germany?
A2–B1 is usually enough for service roles — you mainly need confident, fast everyday phrases with guests, not perfect grammar.
How do I practise restaurant German?
Drill the Food & Drink list, then watch German food/vlog videos with dual subtitles and shadow the speakers to build speaking speed.