Etwas Essen Gehen Groß Oder Klein

Willkommen! Planning a trip to a German-speaking country? One of the most essential phrases you'll need to know is "Etwas essen gehen," which simply translates to "to go eat something." But the experience of essen gehen (going to eat) in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland is so much more than just satisfying your hunger. It's about culture, connection, and creating memories. This guide will help you navigate the world of German dining, from bustling beer gardens to cozy cafes, ensuring you have a delightful and delicious experience, whether you're looking for a grand feast or a quick bite.

Groß oder Klein? Big or Small? Understanding Your Options

The phrase "Groß oder Klein?" directly translates to "Big or Small?" and, while it literally refers to the size of a drink or a portion, it can also apply to the scale of your entire dining experience. Are you looking for a celebratory, multi-course meal, or a casual snack to keep you going?

The "Groß" Experience: A Feast for the Senses

Choosing "Groß" means opting for a full-fledged dining experience. This might involve visiting a traditional restaurant, a Gasthaus (inn), or a Biergarten (beer garden, depending on the weather and location). Here's what you can expect:

Traditional Restaurants (Restaurants/Gasthäuser): These establishments offer a wide variety of dishes, ranging from regional specialties to international cuisine. Expect a full menu (Speisekarte), attentive service, and a more formal atmosphere than a snack stand. Popular choices include schnitzel (breaded cutlet), sauerbraten (marinated pot roast), sausages of all kinds (Bratwurst, Currywurst, Weißwurst), and Spätzle (egg noodles).
Biergärten: These are quintessential German experiences, especially during the warmer months. You can usually bring your own food to enjoy alongside your beer, or purchase snacks and meals from vendors within the garden. Biergärten are perfect for larger groups and offer a lively, communal atmosphere. Expect hearty fare like pretzels (Brezeln), Obatzda (a Bavarian cheese spread), and grilled meats.
Multi-Course Meals: German dining often involves multiple courses. A typical meal might start with a soup (Suppe) or salad (Salat), followed by a main course (Hauptspeise), and perhaps a dessert (Nachtisch) or coffee (Kaffee). Don't feel obligated to order all courses, but be prepared for a leisurely dining experience.
Reservations (Reservierungen): For popular restaurants, especially on weekends, making a reservation is highly recommended. You can usually do this by phone (Telefon) or online. When making a reservation, state the number of people (Anzahl der Personen) and the time (Uhrzeit).

The "Klein" Experience: Quick Bites and Casual Eats

Sometimes, you just need a quick and convenient bite. "Klein" options are perfect for those moments when you're on the go or just looking for a light meal. Here are some possibilities:

Imbissstände (Snack Stands): These are ubiquitous in German cities and offer a variety of quick and affordable snacks. Popular choices include Currywurst (sausage with curry ketchup), Döner Kebab (Turkish sandwich), Pommes Frites (French fries), and various types of sandwiches (belegte Brötchen).
Bäckereien (Bakeries): German bakeries are a treasure trove of delicious pastries, breads, and sandwiches. Grab a Brötchen (roll) with cheese and ham, a slice of cake (Kuchen), or a hearty bread (Brot) to enjoy on the go.
Cafés: Cafés offer a relaxed atmosphere and a selection of coffee, tea, pastries, and light meals. They're perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon break, or a light lunch. Look for classics like Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or Käsekuchen (cheesecake).
Supermarkets (Supermärkte): Many supermarkets have prepared food sections where you can find sandwiches, salads, and other quick meals. This is a budget-friendly option and a good way to try local specialties.

Beyond the Food: Etiquette and Culture

Knowing the basics of German dining etiquette will enhance your experience and help you avoid any faux pas.

Greetings: When entering a restaurant, it's customary to greet the staff with "Guten Tag" (Good day) or "Guten Abend" (Good evening).
Seating: In some restaurants, you can seat yourself (especially in Biergärten). In others, you'll need to wait to be seated by a staff member. Asking "Ist hier frei?" (Is this seat free?) is helpful if you're unsure.
Ordering: When you're ready to order, make eye contact with the server and say "Ich möchte..." (I would like...) or "Ich hätte gern..." (I would like...). Be polite and patient; servers are often busy, especially during peak hours.
Tipping (Trinkgeld): Tipping is customary in Germany, but it's not as high as in some other countries. A tip of 5-10% is generally appreciated. You can round up the bill or simply tell the server the total amount you want to pay. For example, if the bill is €18.50 and you want to tip €1.50, you can say "Zwanzig, bitte" (Twenty, please).
Paying the Bill (Die Rechnung bezahlen): Ask for the bill by saying "Die Rechnung, bitte" (The bill, please). You can pay with cash (bar) or credit card (Kreditkarte), although cash is still widely preferred, especially in smaller establishments. Always check if the restaurant accepts credit cards before ordering.
Table Manners: Keep your hands above the table, don't talk with your mouth full, and use your cutlery properly. When finished, place your knife and fork parallel to each other on your plate.
Toasting (Anstoßen): When toasting, make eye contact with everyone you're toasting with and say "Prost!" or "Zum Wohl!" (To your health!).

Must-Try Dishes and Drinks

No trip to a German-speaking country is complete without trying some of the local specialties. Here are a few recommendations:

Sausages (Würste): From Bratwurst to Currywurst to Weißwurst, there's a sausage for every taste.
Schnitzel: A breaded and fried cutlet, usually pork or veal. Wiener Schnitzel is a classic Austrian dish.
Sauerbraten: A marinated pot roast, often served with dumplings and red cabbage.
Spätzle: Soft egg noodles, often served as a side dish or with cheese (Käsespätzle).
Pretzels (Brezeln): A classic German snack, often served with butter or Obatzda.
Beer (Bier): Germany is famous for its beer, with countless varieties to choose from. Try a local brewery for an authentic experience.
Wine (Wein): While Germany is known for beer, it also produces excellent wines, especially Riesling.
Apfelstrudel: A sweet pastry filled with apples, cinnamon, and raisins.
Black Forest Gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte): A rich chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream.

Useful Phrases for Ordering Food

Here are some additional useful phrases that will help you navigate the ordering process:

Ich möchte... (I would like...)
Ich hätte gern... (I would like...)
Was empfehlen Sie? (What do you recommend?)
Gibt es vegetarische Optionen? (Are there vegetarian options?)
Ich bin allergisch gegen... (I am allergic to...)
Kann ich die Karte sehen, bitte? (Can I see the menu, please?)
Noch ein Bier, bitte. (Another beer, please.)
Das schmeckt sehr gut! (That tastes very good!)
Die Rechnung, bitte. (The bill, please.)
Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? (Can I pay with card?)
Stimmt so. (Keep the change.)

Enjoy Your Culinary Adventure!

Whether you choose a "Groß" or "Klein" experience, remember to embrace the local culture and savor the flavors of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. "Etwas essen gehen" is more than just eating; it's an opportunity to connect with people, learn about traditions, and create lasting memories. So, go ahead, explore the culinary landscape, and Guten Appetit! (Enjoy your meal!) We hope this guide makes your culinary journey smoother and tastier!