Which German phrases matter most here?

“Können wir draußen sitzen?” (Can we sit outside); “Ist der Tisch draußen frei?” (Is the table outside free); “Setzen Sie sich, wohin Sie möchten.” (Sit wherever you like). The full list is above.

Can I hear how they sound?

Yes: press the speaker next to a phrase to hear it, recorded for the Frasa app.

How can I practise this conversation?

Press “Start the conversation” above to play it through and choose your replies, with a note on why some fit better in Germany. Frasa, an iPhone app, lets you save these phrases and rehearse them out loud.

German phrases for getting a table on a café terrace in Germany

Catch a server’s eye and ask “Können wir draußen sitzen?” or “Ist der Tisch draußen frei?”. The reply is often “Setzen Sie sich, wohin Sie möchten”. Ask “Haben Sie WLAN?” if you want to stay and work, and ask how late they’re open before you order a second round.

Try it · about two minutes

On a sunny afternoon you look for a free table outside a café and ask about the wifi and how late they’re open.

Sound on: the server speaks German. You choose what to say back, and Frasa tells you why it works.

How does the conversation usually go?

You reach a café with tables out on the pavement. A server is clearing a table nearby, and you catch their eye.
You
Können wir draußen sitzen?
Can we sit outside?
Server
Setzen Sie sich, wohin Sie möchten.
Sit wherever you like.
You
Danke, wir setzen uns in die Sonne.
Thanks, we’ll sit in the sun.
Server
Möchten Sie etwas trinken?
Would you like something to drink?
You
Kann ich bitte die Karte haben?
Can I see the menu, please?
Server
Darf es sonst noch etwas sein?
Can I get you anything else?
You
Haben Sie WLAN?
Do you have wifi?
Server
Ist alles in Ordnung?
Is everything all right?
You
Ja, danke. Bis wann haben Sie heute geöffnet?
Yes, thanks. Until when are you open today?
Server
Zahlen Sie bar oder mit Karte?
Are you paying cash or by card?
You
Mit Karte, bitte.
By card, please.

Which German phrases do you need?

Können wir draußen sitzen?
Can we sit outside?
Ist der Tisch draußen frei?
Is the table outside free?
Setzen Sie sich, wohin Sie möchten.
Sit wherever you like.
Ist hier noch frei?
Is this seat free?
Haben Sie etwas dagegen, wenn wir uns zu Ihnen setzen?
Do you mind if we share this table?
Haben Sie WLAN?
Do you have wifi?
Wie lautet das WLAN-Passwort?
What’s the wifi password?
Kann ich hier mein Handy aufladen?
Can I charge my phone here?
Ist es in Ordnung, wenn ich hier ein paar Stunden arbeite?
Is it okay if I work here for a few hours?
Zahlen Sie bar oder mit Karte?
Are you paying cash or by card?

What is worth knowing in Germany?

How it goes on a terrace

1
Look for a sign: some places ask you to wait to be seated, others let you pick any free table.
2
In a café with table service, the server comes to you. You order at the table, not at the counter.
3
Tell the server when you want to pay. The bill comes to your table.
The bill, please.

Sharing a table

In beer gardens and busy cafés it is normal to ask to sit at a table that still has room. Ask the people already there first.

Haben Sie etwas dagegen, wenn wir uns zu Ihnen setzen?

Do you mind if we share this table?

Wifi is WLAN

In Germany wifi is usually called WLAN. If you plan to stay and work for a few hours, it’s polite to ask first.

Ist es in Ordnung, wenn ich hier ein paar Stunden arbeite?

Is it okay if I work here for a few hours?

Questions about this situation

Which German phrases matter most here?: “Können wir draußen sitzen?” (Can we sit outside); “Ist der Tisch draußen frei?” (Is the table outside free); “Setzen Sie sich, wohin Sie möchten.” (Sit wherever you like). The full list is above.
Can I hear how they sound?: Yes: press the speaker next to a phrase to hear it, recorded for the Frasa app.
How can I practise this conversation?: Press “Start the conversation” above to play it through and choose your replies, with a note on why some fit better in Germany. Frasa, an iPhone app, lets you save these phrases and rehearse them out loud.

Related situations in German

All situations in German

Practise these phrases in Frasa

Frasa is an iPhone app for the conversations in front of you. Save phrases like these, rehearse them out loud, and they come back until they stick.

Try free on the App Store (opens the App Store in a new tab)

AI-generated. May be inaccurate.