How to Order Coffee in German: Essential Phrases

Key takeaways

• Learning how to order coffee in German helps you feel confident in cafés and bakeries across the country.
• You can use short, simple phrases to ask for drinks, sizes, and extras.
• German coffee menus include traditional options and regional favorites you can recognize with practice.
• Polite forms make your order smooth and pleasant in everyday situations.

Ordering coffee in German is a small moment that builds your confidence quickly. German cafés are friendly spaces, and knowing a few clear phrases helps you enjoy the experience without stress.

You can explore daily German sessions in Promova to practice real café dialogues, polite forms, and everyday expressions at your own pace.

How do you say “coffee” in German?

The word for coffee is

Kaffee.

It sounds like “KAH-fay.” You will hear this word everywhere: bakeries, breakfast menus, train stations, and small local cafés.

Basic phrase to order coffee

A simple, polite request is

Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee.

I would like a coffee.

This phrase works in almost every situation.

How to order coffee in German with variations

German menus often include different coffee styles. Here are common forms you may see:

• Cappuccino — cappuccino
• Latte Macchiato — latte macchiato
• Milchkaffee — coffee with milk
• Espresso — espresso
• Doppelter Espresso — double espresso
• Filterkaffee — filtered coffee

These words appear in most cafés, from small local spots to large chains.

Asking about milk, sugar, or extras

You can add details to your order with short phrases:

• mit Milch — with milk
• ohne Milch — without milk
• mit Zucker — with sugar
• ohne Zucker — without sugar
• mit Hafermilch — with oat milk
• mit Sojamilch — with soy milk

Polite versions include

Bitte.

Please.

How to order coffee in Germany politely

Politeness is important in German service culture. These phrases help your order sound soft and friendly:

• Ich hätte gern… — I would like…
• Könnte ich bitte… haben? — Could I have… please?
• Für mich bitte… — For me, please…

They work in busy cafés or calm breakfast places.

Asking for sizes and takeaway

Not every café uses size names like “small” or “large,” but many places offer:

• klein — small
• groß — large
• zum Mitnehmen — to go
• hier trinken — to drink here

A common question from staff is

Zum Mitnehmen?

To go?

You can answer with

Ja, zum Mitnehmen.

or

Nein, hier trinken.

Typical coffee order examples

These examples help you speak clearly and naturally:

• Ich hätte gern einen Cappuccino, bitte.
• Für mich einen Latte Macchiato ohne Zucker.
• Einen Filterkaffee mit Milch, bitte.
• Einen Espresso zum Mitnehmen.
• Einen Milchkaffee, bitte.

These forms are short and easy to repeat.

Regional drinks in Germany

Some areas offer specialty drinks:

• Eiskaffee — iced coffee with ice cream
• Pharisäer — strong coffee with rum and whipped cream
• Kaffee Crème — smooth coffee popular in southern regions

Trying local versions makes café visits more fun.

Learn how to order coffee in German with Promova

Promova gives you friendly, guided practice for everyday situations like ordering drinks. You can learn short phrases, repeat café dialogues, and build confidence step by step. With clear explanations and daily sessions, you stay calm and prepared for real interactions.

Final thoughts on ordering coffee in German

Ordering coffee in German is simple with a few helpful phrases. Once you know the basic forms, you can ask for milk, sizes, and different drinks with ease. These small skills make travel and daily life in Germany feel more comfortable.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to order a coffee in German?

A clear, simple form is Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee. It is polite and works in any café. You can add details like mit Milch or ohne Zucker.

How do I ask for a coffee to go?

Use the phrase zum Mitnehmen. For example: Einen Cappuccino zum Mitnehmen, bitte.

Do German cafés offer plant-based milk?

Many cafés offer oat, soy, or almond milk. You can ask with the phrase mit Hafermilch or mit Sojamilch.

How do I understand German coffee menus?

Most names are similar to English or Italian forms. Words like Filterkaffee, Milchkaffee, or Doppelter Espresso appear often and are easy to learn.