Ich hätte gerne
The English phrase 'may I have' can be translated into German as Ich hätte gerne.
Ich hätte gerne is the standard polite way to order food or drinks in a restaurant or cafe in Germany.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means 'I would gladly have'. It uses the subjunctive form of haben (to have) and the adverb gerne (gladly/with pleasure).
Which one should you use?
While Ich möchte is also polite, Ich hätte gerne is more common when specifically requesting a physical object like a dish or a drink.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using Ich will to order food, as it sounds demanding and impolite in a service setting.
Did you know?
- In some regions of Germany, you can replace Ich hätte gerne with Ich nehme, meaning 'I take'. While it sounds blunt in English, it is a perfectly polite and standard way to order in a cafe.
- While Ich hätte gerne is standard, you might hear a waiter respond with Gerne! to mean 'With pleasure!' or 'Certainly!', essentially mirroring your own adverb back to you.
- The 'ich' in this phrase is derived from the Proto-Germanic ek, which is a distant relative of the English word 'I'.
Examples in context
- Ich hätte gerne einen Kaffee.I would like a coffee.
- Ich hätte gerne die Rechnung, bitte.I would like the bill, please.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are at a bakery.
- LauraHallo, ich hätte gerne ein Stück Kuchen.Hello, I would like a piece of cake.
- FelixGerne, welche Sorte möchten Sie?Sure, which flavor would you like?
- LauraIch nehme den Schokoladenkuchen, bitte.I'll take the chocolate cake, please.
- FelixHier ist Ihr Kuchen, Laura.Here is your cake, Laura.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ich, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
