Greetings! So, you’re planning a trip to a German-speaking country or perhaps you’re just interested in learning how to say “What would you like?” in German. Either way, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of expressing this question, providing tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal way: “Was möchten Sie?”
When addressing someone in a formal context, such as a business setting or talking to a stranger, it’s essential to use the polite form of “you” and ask, “What would you like?” in a respectful manner. To do this, you can say, “Was möchten Sie?” which translates directly as “What would you like?” Here’s an example:
Waiter: Guten Tag, was möchten Sie bestellen?
Customer: Guten Tag, ich hätte gerne das Schnitzel, bitte.
In the above example, the waiter uses the formal question to ask the customer what they would like to order, and the customer responds politely with their preference.
Informal way: “Was möchtest du?”
On the other hand, when you’re in a casual setting with friends, family, or acquaintances, it’s appropriate to use the informal version of “you” and ask, “What would you like?” in a more relaxed manner. The German equivalent is “Was möchtest du?” Let’s see it in action:
Friend: Hey, wir bestellen Pizza. Was möchtest du?
You: Ich hätte gerne eine Margherita, bitte.
In this scenario, your friend informs you that they are ordering pizza and then asks you what you would like. You respond by expressing your preference for a Margherita pizza.
Tips for using the phrase
Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “What would you like?” in German, here are a few tips to help you navigate various situations:
- Politeness goes a long way: Germans appreciate politeness, so remember to use “bitte” (please) when making a request. It adds a touch of courtesy to your conversation.
- Master pronunciation: German pronunciation can be a bit tricky, but with practice, you can get closer to sounding like a native speaker. Pay attention to vowel sounds, stress patterns, and consonant articulation.
- Non-verbal cues: In some situations, such as crowded cafes or noisy environments, it might be helpful to use non-verbal cues like pointing or gesturing towards items on a menu or display to indicate your preference.
- Varying regional expressions: While “Was möchten Sie?” and “Was möchtest du?” are widely understood throughout German-speaking areas, there might be regional variations or dialects that locals use. Feel free to explore local expressions when you become more familiar with a specific region or town.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned two essential ways to ask “What would you like?” in German. Remember, “Was möchten Sie?” is the formal version for when you’re speaking with strangers or in professional settings, while “Was möchtest du?” is the informal version suitable for friends and family. Practice using these phrases, pay attention to pronunciation, and always add a kind “bitte” for extra politeness. Enjoy your German language journey!
