I’ve only been to Germany once, but I learned some valuable lessons during my recent travels there.
One of the more tricky things that one has to learn when traveling in Germany is the art of ordering and dining at a restaurant “;.especially with a group of people.
My trip to Germany was as part of a Truman State University choir trip. Here we are about to sing in a Cathedral.
My tour group also visited Hungary; this picture was taken before we sang in a choir of 900 people from about 20 different countries.
The trip was fast-paced, and we had to learn a few things about ordering from a restaurant in Germany.
I have to say, I got pretty good at this mid-trip.
Here are five rules of etiquette that may save you from an awkward look or two whilst in Germany”;
1. Tips are included in the price but it is typical to “round up” the amount. You have to tell your server the amount (including tip) you want to pay before you pay. For example: If the waiter comes to tell you if your order is 7.42 Euros then you can hand them a 10 Euro bill, say 8 Euros, and get handed back 2 Euros.
2. Credit cards are considered taboo in Germany.
And we paid with credit cards”;.
3. You pay for condiments…
…and we often had many more condiments than just that one.
4. Don’t eat until your waiter or waitress says “Guten Appetit.”
“;unlike we failed to do here.
5. Never let your hands slip under the table…
“;like we all did..
6. We also learned that the waiter will not come ask you if you would like your check. You have to ask for it.
Here’s us waiting”;I’m the third from the right and probably the only one truly expressing how everyone feels at that moment.
These are some great first tips on how to go to a restaurant in Germany, and what is considered polite. If I were to go back I would be able to utilize these methods very well, but the first couple of times didn’t flow as smoothly as I thought they would. But, that is the point of traveling.
To experience new things, and different cultures, even when it comes to something as simple as ordering food.
Have you traveled in Germany? What restaurant tips would you add to this list? Please share in comments below.
This post is written by Megan Bryde, a forever student of the world while also finishing up her bachelors in English at Truman State University this semester.
Involved in too many activities, she sings as loud as she can, writes, cooks, bakes, and drinks a lot of coffee.
Megan is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and aspires to be teaching English someday.
Check out these other posts on visiting Germany and German cuisine….
- Riding the Sommerroldelbahn Through Germany’s Black Forest
- Enjoying Modern German Food at Affäre in Kansas City’s Crossroads
- “Traveling ensures that we aren’t missing out on anything in regards to the process of life.” A Travel Chat with an English Major.
- “Traveling is not just about going places, but experiencing them.” A Travel Chat with German Expats.
- “Be flexible. Un-planned events are our favorites.” A Travel Chat with the Johnsons, former European Ex-pats.