Guten Tag! If you’re looking to expand your German vocabulary and learn how to say “take out” in German, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover various ways to express this phrase in both formal and informal contexts. While there are no significant regional variations, we might occasionally mention specific dialects where appropriate. So, let’s dive right in and explore the different ways to say “take out” in German!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Take Out”
When it comes to formal settings or polite conversations, Germans prefer a more refined language. Here are a few phrases commonly used in such situations:
1. Mitnehmen: Literally meaning “to take along,” this verb is quite versatile and suitable for various contexts. For example, you can say “Das Essen zum Mitnehmen, bitte” (The food to take along, please).
2. Außer-Haus-Verkauf: If you’re referring to take-out food specifically, you can use this derived phrase, which translates to “selling outside the house.”
3. Speisen zum Mitnehmen: This phrase specifically refers to taking food to-go, and it is commonly used in restaurants or cafés.
Informal Ways to Say “Take Out”
In more casual or friendly contexts, Germans tend to use everyday language and shorter phrases. Here are a few informal alternatives:
1. Zum Mitnehmen: This is a shortened version of “Speisen zum Mitnehmen” mentioned earlier. It’s widely used to request take-out food in a more casual manner.
2. Essen zum Mitnehmen: Another informal option, which translates directly to “food to take along.”
Examples and Usage Tips
To help you gain a better understanding of how to use these phrases, let’s explore some examples and useful tips:
1. Common Usage in Restaurants:
- Formal: Sie bieten also keinen Außer-Haus-Verkauf an? (So, you don’t offer take-out food?)
- Informal: Könnte ich das Essen zum Mitnehmen haben, bitte? (Could I have the food to take out, please?)
2. When Ordering Fast Food:
- Formal: Ich würde gerne etwas zum Mitnehmen bestellen. (I would like to order something to take out.)
- Informal: Kann ich das bitte zum Mitnehmen haben? (Can I please have that to go?)
3. Talking about Take-Out Food:
- Formal: Für Menschen, die wenig Zeit zum Kochen haben, sind Speisen zum Mitnehmen eine gute Option. (For people with little time for cooking, take-out food is a good option.)
- Informal: Ich liebe es, Essen zum Mitnehmen zu bestellen, wenn ich keine Lust zum Kochen habe. (I love ordering take-out food when I don’t feel like cooking.)
Polite Expressions and Considerations
German culture highly values politeness and proper expressions. Here are a few polite phrases that can be helpful:
1. Bitte: Just like in English, “bitte” (please) can be added at the end of your request to make it more polite. For example, “Könnte ich das bitte zum Mitnehmen haben?” (Could I please have that to go?)
2. Vielen Dank: Expressing gratitude is always appreciated. Adding “vielen Dank” (thank you very much) after your request is a kind gesture.
3. Entschuldigung: If there’s any confusion during the conversation, don’t hesitate to use “entschuldigung” (excuse me) to politely seek clarification or ask for a repetition.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “take out” in German. Remember, formal situations call for more refined phrases like “Mitnehmen” or “Außer-Haus-Verkauf,” while casual conversations favor shorter options like “Zum Mitnehmen” or “Essen zum Mitnehmen.” Practice these phrases in different contexts, and you’ll soon impress others with your German language skills!
Ich wünsche dir viel Glück! (I wish you good luck!)
