☕ German phrase guide
How to order coffee in German
Ordering a coffee is one of the first real conversations you'll have abroad. It's short and predictable, and a great place to build confidence. Here are the phrases you'll actually hear and say at the counter.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key German phrases
| German | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Hallo / Guten Morgen | Hello / Good morning | |
| Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee, bitte. | I'd like a coffee, please. | |
| Einen Milchkaffee, bitte. | A milky coffee (latte), please. | |
| klein / mittel / groß | Small / medium / large | |
| Zum Hiertrinken oder zum Mitnehmen? | For here or to go? | |
| Zum Mitnehmen, bitte. | To go, please. | |
| Mit Hafermilch, bitte. | With oat milk, please. | |
| Was macht das? | How much is it? | |
| Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? | Can I pay by card? | |
| Danke, schönen Tag noch! | Thanks, have a nice day! |
Example conversation
Barista
Hallo! Was darf's sein?
Hi! What can I get you?
You
Ich hätte gern einen Milchkaffee, bitte.
I'd like a latte, please.
Barista
Klein oder groß?
Small or large?
You
Groß, zum Mitnehmen.
Large, to go.
Barista
Das macht vier Euro fünfzig.
That's four euros fifty.
You
Bitte schön. Danke!
Here you go. Thanks!
Good to know
💡 "Ich hätte gern…" is the polite, go-to way to order anything. "Was macht das?" (literally "what does that make?") is the everyday way to ask for the total.
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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Practice "Order a coffee" in German →More German situations
🍽️ How to order at a restaurant🧭 How to ask for directions🏨 How to check into a hotel🙋 How to introduce yourself🩺 How to make a doctor's appointment