📞 German phrase guide
How to book a table in German
Booking a table means a phone call, which is the scariest kind of conversation because you can't point at anything. These phrases cover the whole call, from the greeting to spelling your name.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key German phrases
| German | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Ich möchte einen Tisch reservieren. | I'd like to book a table. | |
| Für vier Personen | For four people | |
| Heute Abend um acht | Tonight at eight | |
| Haben Sie einen Tisch draußen? | Do you have a table outside? | |
| Auf den Namen… | Under the name… | |
| Geht es auch später? | Is there anything later? | |
| Wir sind leider ausgebucht. | We're fully booked. | |
| Können Sie das buchstabieren? | Can you spell that? | |
| Ich muss meine Reservierung stornieren. | I need to cancel my reservation. | |
| Bis heute Abend! | See you tonight! |
Example conversation
Restaurant
Restaurant La Piazza, guten Tag.
Hello, La Piazza restaurant.
You
Hallo, ich möchte für heute Abend einen Tisch für vier Personen reservieren.
Hello, I'd like to book a table for four tonight.
Restaurant
Um wie viel Uhr?
What time?
You
Um acht, wenn möglich.
At eight, if possible.
Restaurant
In Ordnung. Auf welchen Namen?
Perfect. Under what name?
You
Auf den Namen Taylor. Bis heute Abend!
Under the name Taylor. See you tonight!
Good to know
💡 "Ausgebucht" means fully booked. Germans expect punctuality, and a table is often held for only about 15 minutes.
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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Practice "Book a table" in German →More German situations
☕ How to order coffee🍽️ 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🚆 How to buy a train ticket👕 How to shop for clothes💊 How to ask for help at a pharmacy🌤️ How to make small talk