Learning how to say “takeaway” in German can be useful when you’re traveling or residing in a German-speaking country. Whether you want to order a quick meal on the go or simply want to know how to refer to takeout food, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express the concept of “takeaway” in German. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Takeaway in German
1. Ausserhaus
The term “Ausserhaus” is commonly used in Germany to refer to takeout or takeaway food. When you’re in a restaurant or cafe, you can ask for your food “zum Mitnehmen, bitte” (to go, please). This phrase is polite and widely understood in formal contexts.
Example:
“Ich hätte gerne ein Sandwich zum Mitnehmen bitte.”
(I would like a sandwich to go, please.)
2. Mahlzeit zum Mitnehmen
Another formal way to say takeaway is “Mahlzeit zum Mitnehmen.” This translates to “meal to go” and is often used in restaurants or food establishments offering takeout options.
Example:
“Könnte ich bitte eine Portion Spaghetti Bolognese als Mahlzeit zum Mitnehmen bekommen?”
(Could I please have a portion of spaghetti Bolognese as a meal to go?)
Informal Ways to Say Takeaway in German
1. To Go
The phrase “To Go” is commonly used in informal settings to express the concept of takeaway food. It is frequently seen in fast food restaurants and cafes, especially those influenced by American culture.
Example:
“Ich nehme einen Kaffee To Go, bitte!”
(I’ll take a coffee to go, please!)
2. Zum Mitnehmen
When you’re in a casual environment, such as a street food stall or a small bakery, you can use the phrase “Zum Mitnehmen,” which is similar to the formal expression but less formal.
Example:
“Kann ich bitte zwei Körnerbrötchen zum Mitnehmen haben?”
(Can I please have two whole wheat rolls to go?)
Regional Variations
While the aforementioned expressions are widely understood throughout Germany, certain regional variations exist. In some regions, people may use the word “Außer-Haus” instead of “Ausserhaus,” or a combination of both.
It’s important, however, to note that these regional variations are not widely used across the entire country. The formal and informal ways mentioned earlier will be more than sufficient for most situations.
Tips for Ordering Takeaway in German
1. Be polite: When ordering takeaway food, it’s always a good idea to use please and thank you. Politeness goes a long way, especially in formal settings.
2. Practice pronunciation: To make yourself easily understood, practice the pronunciation of the German phrases. Use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) if needed.
3. Use gestures: If you’re unsure how to pronounce the German phrases, you can always use gestures to indicate that you want the food to go. Holding up an imaginary food container and nodding your head can help clarify your request.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “takeaway” in German can enhance your dining experience while abroad or in a German-speaking country. By using the formal expressions of “Ausserhaus” or “Mahlzeit zum Mitnehmen” along with the informal options of “To Go” or “Zum Mitnehmen,” you’ll be able to easily order your favorite dishes on the go. Remember to be polite and practice the pronunciation for a successful and enjoyable food experience!
