Kann ich bestellen?
The English phrase "can I order?" is translated into German as Kann ich bestellen?
This phrase is a request used to ask a server or staff member if you may place an order for food or drinks.
Which one should you use?
You might use Kann ich was bestellen? to mean "Can I order something?" in informal settings. A more natural and common way to signal you are ready to order is to say Ich würde gerne bestellen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Darf ich bestellen? is a formal and more polite way to ask for permission in a restaurant setting compared to using Kann ich… For informal situations, you might use Kann ich was bestellen?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, one might say Kann i bestelln? instead of Kann ich bestellen?
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb bestellen is used in the infinitive form at the end of the sentence because kann is a modal verb.
Did you know?
- In many traditional German restaurants, you do not need to ask Kann ich bestellen? because servers wait for you to close your menu or make eye contact as a silent signal.
- The word bestellen is formed from the prefix be- and the verb stellen, which means 'to put' or 'to place'.
- In some regions of Germany, the word bestellen can also mean 'to appoint' someone to a position or 'to arrange' a meeting.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag, kann ich den vegetarischen Burger bestellen, bitte?Good day, can I order the vegetarian burger, please?
Example conversation
A busy cafe where a waiter approaches the table.
- JulianEntschuldigung, kann ich bestellen?Excuse me, can I order?
- JuliaJa, natürlich! Was möchten Sie?Yes, of course! What would you like?
- JulianIch hätte gerne einen Kaffee.I would like a coffee.
- JuliaGerne, kommt sofort.Certainly, coming right up.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bestellen, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
