Steer Clear of Pitfalls! Ordering Drinks in Germany is Like a Game of 'Truth or Dare'
Did you also think the biggest challenge of travelling the world was sorting out flights and hotels?
How naive! The real challenges often lurk in the most unassuming moments.
Imagine: you've finally settled into a charming German restaurant, ready to tuck 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?"
A moment of panic sets in. "I'll just get a glass of water first," you think, confidently uttering, "Water, please." The result? A glass of... fizzy water? You take a sip, and your tongue starts tingling.
Welcome to the first hurdle of travelling in Germany: ordering drinks. This seemingly simple task is, in fact, a game of 'Truth or Dare' filled with "cultural traps". Order correctly, and you unlock an authentic new experience; get it wrong, and you might find yourself tearfully gulping down a 'surprise'.
Today, we're going to unveil this German "drink survival guide", transforming you from a travel novice into an instant ordering pro.
The Story Begins with a Glass of 'Water'
In China, we're accustomed to looking at the main courses first after being seated, with waiters bringing complimentary tea. In Germany, however, the order is completely reversed – you order your drinks first, then take your time deciding what to eat.
This is their custom, and your first challenge.
-
Trap 1: The default 'water' is fizzy If you simply ask for "Wasser" (water), nine times out of ten you'll receive a glass of sparkling water (
mit Kohlensäure). Germans absolutely love this kind of sensation, but we might not be used to it. The Key to Success: Be sure to clearly specify "still" (ohne Kohlensäure). Alternatively, if you want to save money, you could try asking the establishment if they provide free "tap water" (Leitungswasser). German tap water is safe to drink directly, but not all restaurants are willing to provide it. -
Trap 2: 'Juice' might also give you a shock Want to order an apple juice for your child? Beware, you might end up with a fizzy apple juice spritzer (
Apfelschorle). Germans love mixing fruit juice with sparkling water; this kind of drink is called aSchorle. It's refreshing and excellent value for money, but if you're expecting 100% pure juice, you might be a little surprised. The Key to Success: If you want pure juice, remember to check whether the menu statesSaft(juice) orSchorle(juice spritzer).
Don't Want to Risk It? Here's Your 'Safe Bet'
If you don't want to rack your brains and just want a delicious, foolproof drink, remember this word: Radler (pronounced "rahd-ler").
This is practically the "Swiss Army knife" of German beverages. It's a mix of half beer and half lemon-flavoured sparkling lemonade, low in alcohol, with a light and sweet taste that's loved by everyone, young and old. Even if it's not on the menu, you can usually just ask the waiter for one, and they'll be able to make it.
When you're unsure what to drink, a simple "Ein Radler, bitte!" ("A Radler, please!") is definitely your best bet.
The Ultimate Challenge: That 'Apple Wine' You'll Love and Loathe
Alright, now we're entering "expert mode". In the Frankfurt region, you'll encounter a speciality that sounds rather lovely – Apfelwein (apple wine).
Judging by the name, you'd probably expect a sweet-and-sour, richly fruity apple cider, wouldn't you?
Think again!
Traditional German apple wine is fermented from apples and has a taste that's both sour and tart, even carrying a somewhat "unhappy" flavour. Many tourists try it out of curiosity, only to frown after the first sip. This is definitely the biggest "gamble" on the German drinks menu.
So, is this drink truly beyond saving?
Of course not! Locals actually rarely drink it neat; they have their own "secret way of drinking it".
The Ultimate Key to Success: Transform it just like you would a Radler! You can tell the waiter you'd like Apfelwein, but to "add half sparkling lemonade, sweet please" (mit Limonade, süß, bitte!).
And then, something magical happens! The sour, tart apple wine is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the lemonade, instantly transforming into a fruity, highly praised specialty drink. See? A small change can turn a potential "miss" into a "hit".
The Real Secret: Express Your Thoughts Confidently
From a glass of water to a glass of apple wine, you'll discover that when travelling abroad, the most crucial thing isn't memorising countless words, but rather understanding cultural differences and confidently expressing your needs.
But what if I forget these "keys to success"? Or what if I want to make more complex requests, such as "less ice", "half sugar", or "mix two types of juice together"?
That's where a tool that can break down language barriers becomes your "ultimate superpower".
Try Intent. It's a chat app with built-in AI translation, allowing you to communicate in your native language with anyone worldwide.
When you're unsure how to order, simply type your thoughts in Chinese into Intent, for example: "Hello, I'd like a glass of apple wine, but could you please fill it up with lemonade for me? I prefer it a bit sweeter." It will instantly translate it into authentic German, which you can then just show to the waiter.
This way, you'll not only avoid awkward ordering situations but also be able to create your own perfect drink, just like a local, with complete freedom.
True travel isn't about superficially ticking off tourist spots; it's about delving deeper, experiencing, and connecting. Next time you're seated in a foreign land, don't be afraid to speak up.
Because every successful order is a small cultural victory.
Ready to begin your adventure?
Prost! (Cheers!)