Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | /rɛs.toˈrãː/ /rɛs.toˈrɔ̃ː/ |
neuter |
| Gaststätte | /ˈɡastʃtɛtə/ | feminine |
A Restaurant is an eating establishment in which diners are served food. You can use it to describe different types of dining, such as a feines Restaurant (fancy restaurant), a vegetarisches Restaurant (vegetarian restaurant) or a Fischrestaurant (seafood restaurant).
Which one should you use?
While Restaurant is a loanword often implying a more formal or modern dining setting, Gaststätte often refers to a more traditional, local or rustic establishment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Germany and Austria, the term Gasthaus is commonly used to refer to a restaurant, inn or guesthouse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Restaurant is Restaurants. In the genitive case, Restaurant takes an -s ending, such as in des Restaurants.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the third syllable: /rɛs.toˈrãː/.
Did you know?
- While a Restaurant often implies a certain level of service, a Wirtschaft is a very common term for a casual, local tavern or eatery.
- In Germany, it is common to be seated by the host, but unlike in the US, you may find that you have to share a large table with strangers in a Gaststätte.
- The word Restaurant is actually a French loanword that originally meant 'restorative' or 'something that restores you'.
Examples in context
- Wo ist das Restaurant?Where is the restaurant?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of the Restaurant.Tatoeba #3421262 by pne, translation #2312415 by Adelpa
- Wo ist dein Restaurant?Where is your restaurant located?This sentence asks for the location of your specific Restaurant.Tatoeba #10023924 by Melang, translation #9814844 by Amastan
- Das Restaurant ist leer.The restaurant is empty.This sentence describes the Restaurant as being empty.Tatoeba #10038310 by wolfgangth, translation #3442106 by Hybrid
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir gute Restaurants in der Umgebung empfehlen?Excuse me, could you recommend good restaurants in the area?
- Lass uns heute Abend in ein nettes Lokal gehen!Let's go to a nice restaurant tonight!
- Ich habe gehört, dass das örtliche Wirtshaus großartiges Essen hat.I heard that the local inn has amazing food.
- 493 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are deciding where to eat dinner.
- LauraKennst du ein schönes Restaurant?Do you know a nice restaurant?
- JulianJa, ich kenne ein neues Restaurant.Yes, I know a new restaurant.
- LauraIst das Restaurant in der Nähe?Is the restaurant nearby?
- JulianJa, es ist ganz nah.Yes, it is very close.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “restaurant” translations and entries Restaurant, Gaststätte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gaststätte, Restaurant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
