Don't Get Caught Out! Ordering Drinks in Germany is Like a Game of Truth or Dare
Did you think the biggest challenge of travelling the world was sorting out flights and hotels?
Think again. The real challenges often hide in the most unexpected moments.
Imagine this: You finally settle into a charming German restaurant, ready to dig into a delicious meal. The waiter approaches with a smile, and before you've even had a chance to glance at the menu, he asks: "What would you like to drink?"
Your heart skips a beat. You think, "I'll just get a water," and confidently blurt out "Water, please." The result? You're served a... fizzy one? One sip and your tongue practically does a jig!
Welcome to the first hurdle of travelling in Germany: ordering drinks. This seemingly simple task is actually a game of Truth or Dare, full of cultural pitfalls. Get it right, and you'll unlock an authentic new experience; get it wrong, and you might have to drink your "surprise" with a tear in your eye.
Today, we're going to uncover this German "Drink Survival Guide," turning you from a travel newbie into an ordering pro in no time.
It All Starts With a Glass of "Water"
Back home in China, people are used to looking at the main courses first after being seated, and waiters will bring complimentary tea. But in Germany, the order is completely flipped – you order your drinks first, then take your time deciding what to eat.
It's their custom, and your first challenge.
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Pitfall #1: The default "water" is fizzy If you just ask for "Wasser" (water), nine times out of ten you'll get a glass of fizzy sparkling water (
mit Kohlensäure). Germans absolutely love this sensation, but it might not be to your taste. The Secret Code: Make sure you specify that you want "still water" (ohne Kohlensäure). Or, if you want to save a few bucks, you can try asking if the establishment offers free "tap water" (Leitungswasser). German tap water is safe to drink straight from the tap, but not all restaurants are keen to offer it, mind you. -
Pitfall #2: "Juice" might also give you a shock Want to order an apple juice for the kids? Careful! You might end up with a fizzy apple juice spritzer (
Apfelschorle). Germans love mixing juice with sparkling water; this kind of drink is called aSchorle. It has a refreshing taste and offers great value for money, but if you're expecting 100% pure juice, you might be in for a surprise. The Secret Code: If you want pure juice, make sure you check if the menu saysSaft(juice) orSchorle(juice spritzer).
Don't Want to Risk It? Here's Your "Safe Bet"
If you don't want to rack your brain and just want a delicious drink you can't go wrong with, remember this word: Radler (pronounced 'RAHD-ler').
This is basically the ultimate all-rounder of German beverages. It's a mix of half beer and half lemon-flavoured soft drink, with a low alcohol content and a refreshingly sweet taste. It's a hit with everyone, young and old. Even if it's not on the menu, just ask the waiter directly; they can definitely whip one up.
When in doubt about what to order, a simple "Ein Radler, bitte!" (One Radler, please!) is absolutely your best bet.
The Ultimate Challenge: That Love-Hate Relationship with "Apple Wine"
Alright, time to switch to 'expert mode'. In the Frankfurt region, you'll encounter a speciality that sounds delightful – Apfelwein (apple wine).
Based on the name, did you think it would be a sweet and tangy apple cider, bursting with fruity flavour?
Think again!
Traditional German Apfelwein is made from fermented apples. It's sour and tart, and can even have a somewhat "unhappy" taste to it. Many tourists try it out of curiosity, only to wrinkle their nose at the first sip. This is definitely the biggest "adventure" on the German drinks menu.
So, is all hope lost for this drink?
Not at all! Locals actually rarely drink it straight; they have their own secret way of drinking it.
The Ultimate Secret Code: Remix it like a Radler! You can tell the waiter you'd like Apfelwein, but "with half lemonade, make it sweet, please!" (mit Limonade, süß, bitte!).
And just like magic! The tart apple wine is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the lemonade, instantly transforming it into a fruity, refreshing concoction that everyone raves about. See? A small tweak turns a potential "blunder" into a delightful surprise!
The Real Secret: Confidently Expressing Your Intent
From a glass of water to a glass of Apfelwein, you'll discover that when travelling overseas, the most crucial thing isn't memorising a bunch of words, but rather understanding cultural differences and confidently expressing your needs.
But what if I forget these "secret codes"? Or what if I want to make more complex requests, like "less ice," "half sugar," or "mix two juices together"?
That's when a tool that can break down language barriers becomes your ultimate "cheat code."
Give Intent a go. It's a chat app with built-in AI translation, allowing you to communicate with anyone in the world using your native language.
When you're unsure how to order, simply type your request in Chinese into Intent, for example: "Hello, I'd like a glass of Apfelwein, but could you please fill it with lemonade? I prefer it a bit sweeter." It will instantly translate it into natural German for you. Just show it directly to the waiter.
This way, you can not only avoid awkward ordering situations but also create your own perfect drink, just like a local, exactly how you like it.
True travel isn't just superficial sightseeing and ticking off tourist spots; it's about diving in, experiencing, and connecting. Next time you're sitting in a foreign land, don't be afraid to speak up.
Because every successful order is a small cultural victory.
Ready to start your adventure?
Prost! (Cheers!)