Food and Eating Out (AQA) - German

German Cuisine

An Overview:German cuisine is diverse, influenced by regional variations, climate, and history, featuring hearty dishes with meats, bread, and potatoes.

Bread (Brot)

A staple in Germany with hundreds of varieties, including Brötchen (bread rolls), Roggenbrot (rye bread), and Brezel (pretzel).

Meat (Fleisch)

Sausages, known as Wurst, are central to German cuisine, with over 1,500 types, including Bratwurst (grilled sausage) and Weißwurst (white sausage).

Potatoes (Kartoffeln)

Used in various dishes like Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) and Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes).

Cabbage (Kohl)

Popular side dishes include Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and Rotkohl (red cabbage).

Desserts

Traditional desserts include Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake).

Vocabulary and Phrases Related to Food

Essential vocabulary for discussing food and ordering in a restaurant.

Frühstück

Breakfast in German, typically a light meal.

Mittagessen

Lunch in German, traditionally the main meal of the day.

Abendessen

Dinner in German, often a lighter meal.

Getränke

Drinks in German.

Nachtisch

Dessert in German.

Ordering Food

Key phrases for ordering food in a restaurant.

Die Speisekarte, bitte

"The menu, please" in German.

Ich hätte gerne...

"I would like..." in German.

Was empfehlen Sie?

"What do you recommend?" in German.

Die Rechnung, bitte

"The bill, please" in German.

Stimmt so

"Keep the change" in German, used when tipping.

Dietary Preferences

Vocabulary related to dietary needs.

Vegetarisch

Vegetarian in German.

Vegan

Vegan in German.

Glutenfrei

Gluten-free in German.

Ich habe eine Allergie gegen...

"I am allergic to..." in German.

Meal Customs and Dining Etiquette

Important customs for dining in Germany.

Mealtime Structure

The typical structure of meals in Germany.

Dining Etiquette

Customs such as waiting for everyone to be served and saying Guten Appetit.

Getrennt bezahlen

"Paying separately" in German, a common practice when dining out.

Dining Out in Germany

Overview of the dining experience in Germany.

Biergarten

A beer garden, a casual dining establishment in Germany.

Gasthaus/Gasthof

A traditional inn or tavern serving local cuisine.

Imbiss

A snack bar or food stand offering quick meals.

Café

A place for coffee, pastries, and light meals.

Restaurant

A more formal dining setting with a varied menu.

Typical Dining Experience

What to expect when dining out in Germany.

Reservations

Recommended for dinner in German restaurants.

Guten Abend

"Good evening" in German, a common greeting by staff.

Tipping

Customary practice in Germany, usually around 5-10% of the bill.

Special Dietary Needs and Trends

Rising awareness of dietary preferences in Germany.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Many restaurants now offer dedicated menus for these diets.

Organic Food

Bioprodukte (organic products) are widely available in Germany.

International Cuisine

German cities feature diverse international food scenes, including Italian, Turkish, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines.