How To Order Coffee In Germany? The German Coffee Guide

how to order coffee in germany?

Germany is home to a delightful coffee culture you will want to experience. When you visit a German café, you’ll experience a world where coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s an integral part of daily life and socializing.

You are going to love ordering your coffee in a truly German way! So, how do you order coffee in Germany?

German Coffee Varieties

German coffee offerings are diverse and deeply rooted in tradition. To confidently order, familiarize yourself with these common choices:

  • Schwarzkaffee: Black Coffee
  • Kaffee mit Milch: Coffee with Milk
  • Milchkaffee: Coffee with Milk (similar to a latte)
  • Café Crema: A longer espresso similar to American coffee
  • Cappuccino: A classic cappuccino
  • Latte Macchiato: Layers of espresso and milk resembling a “stained” latte
  • Espresso: Espresso
  • Doppelter Espresso: Double Espresso
  • Entkoffeinierter Kaffee: Decaffeinated Coffee
  • Eiskaffee: Chilled Coffee, often served with ice cream
  • Kaffee Verkehrt: Coffee with More Milk than Coffee
  • Pharisäer: Coffee with Rum and Whipped Cream

You probably haven’t heard about the last one yet. Pharisäer coffee originated in the Frisian Islands of Northern Germany. It’s said that Frisian seafarers created the drink to warm themselves up after returning from their journeys. The name “Pharisäer” comes from the biblical term “Pharisee,” referencing the hidden alcoholic ingredient.

Ordering Coffee in German Cafés:

When entering a German café, it’s recommended to approach the counter with a friendly smile and greet the barista with a cheerful “Guten Morgen” (good morning) or “Guten Tag” (good day), depending on the time of day.

In Germany, tipping is not obligatory. However, it is customary to round up the total bill or leave a small gratuity as a gesture of gratitude for exceptional service.

To place your order, use the appropriate name from the earlier options. For instance, you might say, “Ein Cappuccino, bitte” (A cappuccino, please). A simple “Ein Schwarzkaffee” will suffice if you prefer black coffee.

Deutche Coffee and Deutche Pünktlichkeit

German punctuality is highly valued, even when it comes to ordering coffee. When you enter a German café, it’s best to approach the counter promptly and order efficiently. Remember that German punctuality doesn’t mean rushing through the process. It’s about being efficient, respecting others’ time, and maintaining a smooth flow in the café. 

You will enjoy your coffee in no time. 

German Coffee with a Companion:

In Germany, pairing your coffee with a delicious treat is common. You can choose from various options, including buttery pastries and rich cakes, and enjoy the excellent combination of flavors between your coffee and the sweet accompaniment.

the german coffee culture is unique. try franzbrötchen and coffee

Embrace the German Coffee Culture:

It’s not just a drink, it’s an experience that immerses you in the vibrant local culture. From big cities to quaint villages, German cafés are the perfect place to relax, savor your coffee, and connect with the rhythm of everyday life. Trust me, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

How to order Coffee in Germany? A helpful dictionary.

  • Kaffee – Coffee
  • Schwarzkaffee – Black Coffee
  • Kaffee mit Milch – Coffee with Milk
  • Milchkaffee – Coffee with Milk (similar to a latte)
  • Café Crema – Café Crema (similar to American coffee)
  • Cappuccino – Cappuccino
  • Latte Macchiato – Latte Macchiato
  • Espresso – Espresso
  • Doppelter Espresso – Double Espresso
  • Entkoffeinierter Kaffee – Decaffeinated Coffee
  • Eiskaffee – Chilled Coffee, often served with ice cream
  • Kaffee Verkehrt – Coffee with more milk than coffee
  • Pharisäer – Coffee with Rum and Whipped Cream

Useful Phrases For Ordering Coffee in Germany:

  • Bitte – Please
  • Ich möchte bestellen – I’d like to order
  • Danke – Thank you
  • Einen Kaffee, bitte – A coffee, please
  • Vielen Dank – Thank you very much
  • Einen Schwarzkaffee, bitte – A black coffee, please
  • Einen Cappuccino, bitte – A cappuccino, please
  • Mit Milch, bitte – With milk, please
  • Ohne Milch, bitte – Without milk, please
  • Mit Zucker, bitte – With sugar, please
  • Ohne Zucker, bitte – Without sugar, please
  • Ein weiterer Kaffee, bitte – Another coffee, please
  • Einen Latte Macchiato, bitte – A latte macchiato, please
  • Eine heiße Schokolade, bitte – A hot chocolate, please
  • Es ist köstlich, danke – It’s delicious, thank you
  • Es ist perfekt, danke – It’s perfect, thank you
  • Die Rechnung, bitte – The bill, please

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