Steering Clear of Pitfalls! Ordering Drinks in Germany is Like a Game of 'Truth or Dare'

Do you also believe that the biggest challenge when travelling the world is sorting out flights and hotels?

You'd be mistaken. The real challenges often hide in the most unassuming moments.

Imagine this: You finally settle down in a charming German restaurant, ready to tuck into a hearty meal. The server approaches with a smile, and before you even have a chance to look at the menu, they ask: "What would you like to drink?"

A wave of panic washes over you. You think, "I'll start with a glass of water," so you confidently say, "Water, please." The result? A glass of... sparkling water! You take a sip, and your tongue starts tingling.

Welcome to the first challenge 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; make a mistake, and you might find yourself reluctantly sipping on a "surprise".

Today, we're here to reveal this German "Beverage Survival Guide", turning you from a travel novice into an ordering pro in no time.

The Story Begins with a Glass of "Water"

In India, we're used to looking at the main dishes first after being seated, and the server usually brings complimentary water or tea. In Germany, the order is completely reversed—first, you order your drinks, then you take your time deciding what to eat.

This is their custom, and your first challenge.

• Trap One: The default "water" is sparkling If you just say "Wasser" (water), nine times out of ten, you'll receive a glass of sparkling water (mit Kohlensäure). Germans absolutely love this fizzy sensation, but we might not be used to it. The Passcode to Success: Be sure to specify that you want "still" water (ohne Kohlensäure). Or, if you want to save some money, you can try asking the establishment if they provide free "tap water" (Leitungswasser). German tap water is potable, but not all restaurants are willing to offer it.

• Trap Two: "Juice" might also give you a surprise Want to order apple juice for your child? Beware, you might receive a sparkling apple juice spritzer (Apfelschorle). Germans love mixing juice with sparkling water; this drink is called Schorle. It's refreshing and incredibly cost-effective, but if you're expecting 100% pure juice, you might be in for a slight surprise. The Passcode to Success: If you want pure juice, remember to check if the menu states Saft (juice) or Schorle (juice spritzer).

Don't Want to Take Risks? Here's Your "Safe Bet"

If you don't want to rack your brains and just want a delicious drink that absolutely won't go wrong, remember this word: Radler (pronounced "rahd-ler").

This is practically the "cure-all" of German beverages. It's a mix of half beer and half lemon-flavoured soda, low in alcohol, with a sweet and refreshing taste that's loved by everyone, young and old. Even if it's not on the menu, you can directly ask the server for it, and they'll surely be able to make it.

When you're unsure what to drink, a simple "Ein Radler, bitte!" (A Radler, please!) is definitely your best choice.

The Ultimate Challenge: That Love-Hate Relationship with "Apple Wine"

Alright, now let's move into "pro mode." In the Frankfurt region, you'll encounter a speciality that sounds quite delightful—Apfelwein (apple wine).

Based on the name, do you imagine it to be a sweet and sour, fruit-fragrant apple cider?

You couldn't be more wrong!

Traditional German apple wine is made from fermented apples, and it tastes quite sour and tart, even with a somewhat "unpleasant" flavour. Many tourists try it out of curiosity, only to wrinkle their brows at the first sip. This is undoubtedly the biggest "adventure" on the German drinks menu.

So, is this drink beyond redemption?

Of course not! Locals rarely drink it straight; they have their own "secret way" of enjoying it.

The Ultimate Passcode to Success: Modify it just like you'd order a Radler! You can tell the server you want Apfelwein, but "with half lemonade, sweet, please" (mit Limonade, süß, bitte!).

Something magical happens! The sour and tart apple wine is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the soda, instantly transforming into a fruit-infused, highly praised specialty drink. You see, a small change can turn a potential "mistake" into a "delightful surprise."

The Real Secret: Confidently Expressing Your Thoughts

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 "passcodes to success"? Or what if I want to make a more complex request, like "less ice," "half sugar," or "mix two juices together"?

At such times, a tool that can break down language barriers becomes your "ultimate cheat code."

Try Intent. 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 don't know how to order, simply type your thoughts in Hindi or your preferred language into Intent, for example: "Hello, I'd like a glass of apple wine, but can you please add plenty of lemonade? I prefer it sweet." It will instantly translate it into natural-sounding German, which you can simply show to the server.

This way, you can not only avoid ordering awkwardness but also, like a local, freely create your own perfect drink.

True travel isn't about superficial sightseeing; it's about delving deep, 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 start your adventure?

Prost! (Cheers!)

https://intent.app/