When visiting Germany or any German-speaking region, it’s always nice to know how to say common phrases like “Enjoy your drink” in the local language. Politeness goes a long way, and Germans appreciate when you make an effort to communicate in their native tongue. In this guide, you will learn how to say “Enjoy your drink” in German, both formally and informally. We’ll also cover a few regional variations, although it’s important to note that the phrase remains fairly consistent throughout the country.
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Formal Ways to Say “Enjoy Your Drink” in German
If you’re in a formal setting or speaking to someone you don’t know well, it’s important to use the appropriate formal language. Here are a few ways to say “Enjoy your drink” formally in German:
- “Genießen Sie Ihr Getränk.” – This is the most common formal way to say “Enjoy your drink.” The word “Genießen” means “to enjoy,” and “Sie” is the formal form of “you.” “Ihr” translates to “your,” and “Getränk” means “drink.” Remember to pronounce the “s” at the beginning of “Genießen” as a “z” sound, such as “Genie-zen.”
- “Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Appetit.” – Although this phrase literally means “I wish you a good appetite,” it is also commonly used to wish someone enjoyment of their drink. Germans often use it interchangeably with “Genießen Sie Ihr Getränk” in formal settings. Pronounce “wünsche” as “vün-she” and “Ihnen” as “ee-nen.”
Informal Ways to Say “Enjoy Your Drink” in German
When speaking to friends, family, or in casual situations, it’s more common to use informal language. Here are a couple of ways to say “Enjoy your drink” informally in German:
- “Genieß dein Getränk.” – In informal contexts, you can use “du” instead of “Sie” to address someone. “Genieß” is the informal form of “Genießen,” meaning “to enjoy,” and “dein” means “your” when talking to someone familiar. “Getränk” remains the same, meaning “drink.” Pronounce “Genieß” as “gen-eeß” and “dein” as “dine.”
- “Lass es dir schmecken.” – This colloquial phrase translates to “Let it taste good for you.” It’s a common way to wish someone enjoyment of their drink in an informal context. Pronounce “Lass” as “las,” “es” as “ess,” “dir” as “deer,” and “schmecken” as “sh-mek-en.”
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood across Germany, here are a few regional variations you might encounter:
Southern Germany and Austria:
In some regions of southern Germany and Austria, people might say:
“Oans, zwoa, g’suffa!” (Bavarian dialect) – This phrase is a traditional Bavarian toast commonly heard at Oktoberfest and other Bavarian events. It translates to “One, two, drink up!” It’s a fun and lively way to encourage enjoyment of drinks.
Switzerland:
In Switzerland, they often use the Swiss German phrase “En Guete” to wish someone “Enjoy your meal” or “Enjoy your drink.” Pronounce it as “en goo-teh.”
Cologne (Köln):
In Cologne, a popular phrase to wish someone enjoyment of their drink is “Prost!” which is similar to the English “Cheers!” It’s a simple and widely used expression. Pronounce it as “prohst.”
Tips
- While “Genießen Sie Ihr Getränk” is the most common formal phrase, it’s always good to be aware of regional variations if you’re traveling throughout Germany.
- When speaking informally, using “Lass es dir schmecken” or “Genieß dein Getränk” will make you sound more natural and friendly.
- Pay attention to pronunciation, especially with sounds like “s” and “sch,” as it can slightly vary between regions.
- If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of politeness and use the formal expressions, especially when talking to someone older or in a professional setting.
Examples
Let’s explore a few examples to demonstrate how to use these phrases:
Formal:
You are at a business conference and someone hands you a drink. You could say:
“Genießen Sie Ihr Getränk.”Informal:
You’re at a friend’s dinner party, and they serve you a beverage. You can say:
“Genieß dein Getränk.”
Remember, it’s always appreciated to make an effort to communicate in the local language and show respect for the customs and culture of the region you are visiting. By learning how to say “Enjoy your drink” in German, you’re bound to impress and create a positive impression on the locals. Prost! (Cheers!)
