Ordering food and drinks in Swiss German
In this Swiss German lesson, you will learn how to behave in a Swiss restaurant. It shouldn't be a problem to order in English, but since you want to integrate better with the Swiss society, I always encourage my students to order in Swiss German. Although in the beginning, the task might be a bit daunting try to make an effort to speak the local dialect. Below are common phrases which you might use in the restaurant.
Mer send z'sächst und möchted gärn öppis ässe.
There are six of us and we'd like to eat something.
Hend Si e freie Tisch för 6 Persone?
Do you have a free table for six?
Chöm-mer die zwöi Tisch zämestöue?
Can we put two tables together?
Mer möchted öppis chlises ässe a de Bar.
We'd like to eat something small at the bar.
Hend Si e Menucharte?
Do you have a menu?
Was isch s' Tagesmönü?
What are the daily specials?
Was git's hüt zum Tagesmenü?
What's on the daily special?
I hett gärn e Salat mit Tete de Moine.
I'd like the salad with the tête de Moine.
Zur Vorspiis hett i gärn e Tomatesuppe ...
For the first course I'd like the tomato soup.
und zur Hauptspiis Zürcher Gschnätzlets met Härdöpfu und Gmües.
and for the main course I'd like Gschnätzlets with potato and vegetables.
Nämed Si no es Kafi oder es Desser?
Would you like a coffee or a desser then?
Nei danke, ech ha gnueg gha.
No thanks, I'm full (I've had enough)
Ja gärn, aber ech muess zersch no d' Dessercharte e chli studiere.
Yes please, but we'd like to study the dessert menu a bit.
Was chönd Si mer empfähle?
What can you recommend?
Was trinked Si?
What are you drinking?
E Stange (Bier)
A big glass (of beer)
Es Bier
A beer
Es Kafi met Hanewasser, bitte.
A coffee and tap water, please.
