If you're planning a trip to Germany or simply want to expand your knowledge of the German language, knowing dining room vocabulary is essential. From ordering food in a restaurant to hosting a dinner party in your own home, understanding these words and phrases will make your dining experience more enjoyable and authentic. Here are the top 10 German dining room terms you need to know.German Dining Room Vocabulary: A Comprehensive Guide
At the center of every dining room is the table, or Tisch in German. This is where you and your guests will gather to enjoy a meal together. When making reservations at a restaurant, be sure to specify the number of people in your party and request a table accordingly.1. Tisch (Table)
No dining experience is complete without a comfortable chair to sit in. In German, this is called a Stuhl. Whether you're sitting down for a formal dinner or a casual meal, make sure you have a sturdy and comfortable chair to enjoy your food in.2. Stuhl (Chair)
Besteck refers to the utensils used for eating, such as forks, knives, and spoons. In Germany, you may find that the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right, with the tines of the fork facing down. This is the traditional European style of dining.3. Besteck (Cutlery)
Teller is the German word for plate. It's where your food will be served and where you'll place your cutlery when not in use. In a formal dining setting, you may see multiple plates stacked on top of each other for different courses.4. Teller (Plate)
The most common beverage served with meals in Germany is water, or Wasser. To drink it, you'll need a Glas or glass. Depending on the type of restaurant, you may also be offered a variety of wines and other beverages served in different types of glasses.5. Glas (Glass)
If you're a coffee or tea drinker, you'll want to know the word for cup, or Tasse, in German. Coffee is a popular beverage in Germany and is typically served in a small cup with a saucer. Tea is also popular, with a variety of flavors to choose from.6. Tasse (Cup)
When dining at a restaurant, you'll be presented with a Speisekarte, or menu, to choose from. This will list all the dishes and beverages available, along with their prices. If you're unsure of what something is, don't be afraid to ask your server for a translation or recommendation.7. Speisekarte (Menu)
In Germany, the first course of a meal is called Vorspeise, or appetizer. This can range from soups and salads to small dishes like cheese and meat platters. It's meant to stimulate the appetite before the main course.8. Vorspeise (Appetizer)
The Hauptgericht is the main course of a meal, typically consisting of a meat dish with vegetables and starch. In Germany, popular main courses include schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerbraten. Don't forget to pair it with a side of potatoes or spätzle, a type of egg noodle.9. Hauptgericht (Main Course)