4.12 Eating out in Germany-1

Town and country

 

The choice of restaurants in Germany is broad and varied. This is particularly the case in large cities wher you can find the cuisine of most countries of the world represented. Even smaller towns however will have their fair share of Italian, Greek, Turkish and Chinese restaurants - although Indian cuisine has yet to catch on to the extent that it has in Great Britain. What have become popular and very common are take-aways on the American pattern, delivering pizzas, Chinese and Mexican food to your home.

 

In the country you are more likely to come across "eine Gaststätte", "ein Gasthaus" or "eine Gaststube", a combination of pub, restaurant and café which invariably offers local delicacies. Take a look at the menu boards which are hung outside all German restaurants to see what they are offering!

 

What you will not find in either town or country is an equivalent for the British "caff" or "greasy spoon". Cafés in German-speaking countries are in general more upmarket, with tablecloths, carpets and upholstered chairs.

 

Restaurant etiquette

When entering a restaurant in a German-speaking country, it is customary for the diner to find their own seat rather than waiting to be designated one. You should also not be surprised if another party asks if they may sit at your table. This is common practice on the European mainland. And do not be offended if the people in that party do not engage in conversation with you. They are rarely interested in making friends, just looking for a seat in a crowded restaurant.

 

It used to be the case that you would address the waiter as Herr Ober and waitresses as Fräulein. These forms of address are out of date nowadays however and should be avoided. If you want to order or pay you should make a sign with your hand (but do not click your fingers!) and say something along the lines of Kann ich bestellen, bitte? (= "May I order, please"?).