What is the German Word for Takeaway Coffee?
The most common German phrase for takeaway coffee is “Kaffee zum Mitnehmen”. This literally translates to “coffee to take with (you)” and is widely understood across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. When you’re at a café or bakery and want your coffee to go, simply ask for “einen Kaffee zum Mitnehmen, bitte” (a coffee to take away, please).
Other Useful Phrases and Variations
While “zum Mitnehmen” is the standard phrase, there are a few other terms and expressions you might encounter or wish to use:
- “To-go”: Many German cafés also use the English term “to-go,” so you’ll often see signs for “Kaffee to-go.” You can order by saying, “einen Kaffee to-go, bitte.”
- “Mitnehmen”: This verb means “to take with.” You might simply hear or use “Mitnehmen?” at the counter to indicate you want your order to go.
- “Außer Haus”: This means “outside the house.” In some places, especially in southern Germany or Austria, you might see “Kaffee außer Haus.”
How to Order Takeaway Coffee in German
Ordering your coffee to go in German is simple once you know the basic phrases. Here are a few examples to get you started:
- “Ich hätte gerne einen Kaffee zum Mitnehmen, bitte.” (I would like a coffee to take away, please.)
- “Einen Cappuccino to-go, bitte.” (A cappuccino to go, please.)
- “Bekomme ich den Kaffee auch zum Mitnehmen?” (Can I get the coffee to go as well?)
Remember to always add “bitte” (please) at the end of your request to be polite!
Cultural Tips for Ordering Coffee in Germany
In Germany, enjoying coffee in a café is a cherished tradition, but takeaway coffee culture is becoming increasingly popular, especially in larger cities. However, some smaller, traditional cafés might not offer takeaway options, so it’s always good to ask first. Additionally, many places encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups to reduce waste. If you have your own cup, you can say, “Ich habe meinen eigenen Becher dabei” (I have my own cup with me).
Common Coffee Types to Order
While you’re learning the phrase for takeaway coffee, it’s helpful to know some popular coffee drinks you might want to order:
- Schwarzer Kaffee – Black coffee
- Cappuccino – Cappuccino
- Milchkaffee – Coffee with milk (similar to a café au lait)
- Espresso – Espresso
- Latte Macchiato – Latte macchiato
Practice Makes Perfect with Talkpal
Ordering coffee is a practical and enjoyable way to practice your German skills in real-life settings. The more you use these phrases, the more confident you’ll become. If you’re looking for more ways to improve your conversational German, Talkpal’s AI language learning tools can help you master everyday interactions, from ordering food to making new friends.
Conclusion
To say “takeaway coffee” in German, remember the phrase “Kaffee zum Mitnehmen.” Whether you choose to use “zum Mitnehmen,” “to-go,” or “außer Haus,” you’ll now be prepared to order your favorite coffee on the move. Keep practicing your German with real-life experiences and let Talkpal guide you to fluency, one cup of coffee at a time!
