Course Content
Introduction to German Language and Culture
This module introduces the basics of the German language, including the alphabet, pronunciation, and common greetings. It also provides an overview of German-speaking countries and cultural norms to help students understand the language's context.
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Basic Vocabulary and Expressions
Students learn essential vocabulary, including numbers, colors, family terms, and professions. Basic expressions for introducing oneself and asking personal questions are also covered, laying the groundwork for simple interactions.
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Grammar Fundamentals
This module covers foundational grammar concepts, such as nouns and articles, pronouns, and verb conjugations in the present tense. Students learn how to form simple sentences and questions, which are essential for creating meaningful communication.
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Everyday Conversations
Here, students learn practical language skills for daily life, such as introducing oneself, discussing hobbies, ordering food, and asking for directions. The focus is on conversational phrases that are immediately useful for beginners.
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Listening and Reading Comprehension
This module focuses on developing comprehension skills through listening to simple dialogues and reading short texts. Students gain confidence in understanding spoken and written German in everyday contexts.
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Review and Practice
In this final module, students review all vocabulary and grammar concepts covered in the course. Practice exercises, a final assessment, and conversational applications reinforce what they've learned and prepare them for real-world usage.
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German A1 Course (Free)
About Lesson

Shopping and ordering food are essential daily life activities that involve specific vocabulary, phrases, and cultural norms. This lesson focuses on helping students communicate in a shop, market, or restaurant, including asking for prices, ordering food, and understanding menus.


Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  1. Use common phrases for shopping and ordering food in German.
  2. Ask and answer questions about prices and quantities.
  3. Understand basic menu items and food-related vocabulary.

Lesson Content


1. Key Vocabulary

Shopping Vocabulary:
  • Wie viel kostet das? – How much does that cost?
  • Haben Sie ___? – Do you have ___?
  • Ich möchte ___ kaufen. – I would like to buy ___.
  • Das ist zu teuer. – That is too expensive.
  • Gibt es ein Angebot? – Is there an offer/discount?
Common Items:
  • das Brot – bread
  • die Milch – milk
  • das Obst – fruit
  • das Gemüse – vegetables
  • der Käse – cheese
  • die Wurst – sausage
  • das Wasser – water
  • der Saft – juice

Ordering Food Vocabulary:
  • Ich hätte gern ___. – I would like ___.
  • Was empfehlen Sie? – What do you recommend?
  • Die Speisekarte, bitte. – The menu, please.
  • Ich nehme ___. – I’ll take ___.
  • Ich bin vegetarisch. – I am vegetarian.
  • Die Rechnung, bitte. – The bill, please.
Common Dishes and Beverages:
  • die Suppe – soup
  • das Steak – steak
  • die Nudeln – pasta
  • der Salat – salad
  • das Bier – beer
  • der Wein – wine

2. Useful Phrases for Shopping

Example Dialogue (at a supermarket):
  • Verkäufer: Kann ich Ihnen helfen?
    (Can I help you?)
  • Kunde: Ja, ich suche Brot und Käse. Wie viel kostet das Brot?
    (Yes, I’m looking for bread and cheese. How much does the bread cost?)
  • Verkäufer: Das Brot kostet zwei Euro.
    (The bread costs two euros.)
  • Kunde: Gut, ich nehme zwei.
    (Good, I’ll take two.)
Practice Questions:
  1. Wie viel kostet die Milch?
  2. Haben Sie frisches Obst?
  3. Ist das im Angebot?

3. Useful Phrases for Ordering Food

Example Dialogue (at a restaurant):
  • Kellner: Guten Abend! Möchten Sie etwas trinken?
    (Good evening! Would you like something to drink?)
  • Gast: Ja, ich hätte gern ein Glas Wasser.
    (Yes, I would like a glass of water.)
  • Kellner: Was möchten Sie essen?
    (What would you like to eat?)
  • Gast: Ich nehme die Suppe und einen Salat.
    (I’ll take the soup and a salad.)
  • Kellner: Sehr gut. Die Rechnung, bitte?
    (Very good. The bill, please?)
  • Gast: Ja, danke.
    (Yes, thank you.)

4. Asking for Quantities

Key Expressions:
  • Wie viel? – How much?
  • Wie viele? – How many?
  • Ein Kilo / ein Pfund / ein Liter – A kilo / a pound / a liter
Example Questions:
  • Wie viele Äpfel möchten Sie? – How many apples would you like?
  • Ein Kilo Tomaten, bitte. – A kilo of tomatoes, please.
  • Haben Sie ein halbes Brot? – Do you have half a loaf of bread?

5. Paying for Items

Common Phrases:
  • Ich zahle bar. – I’ll pay in cash.
  • Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? – Can I pay with a card?
  • Stimmt so. – Keep the change.
  • Können Sie das aufteilen? – Can you split the bill?

6. Exercises

A. Vocabulary Matching
Match the German word to its English translation:

  1. Brot
  2. Käse
  3. Milch
  4. Salat
  5. Wasser

B. Fill in the Blanks
Complete the dialogue:

  • Kellner: Was möchten Sie essen?
  • Gast: Ich hätte gern ___ Suppe.
  • Kellner: Und etwas zu trinken?
  • Gast: Ein Glas ___, bitte.

C. Translate Sentences

  1. I would like to buy apples and bread.
  2. How much does the milk cost?
  3. I’ll pay with a card.

D. Roleplay
In pairs, practice a conversation where one person is the customer, and the other is the shop assistant or waiter.


7. Cultural Notes

  1. Politeness:
    Always use polite forms (Sie, bitte) when speaking to shop assistants or waiters. For example, say Ich hätte gern… instead of Ich will….

  2. Tipping in Germany:
    It is customary to round up the bill when tipping, usually leaving 5-10% of the total.

  3. Cash Culture:
    While credit and debit cards are accepted in many places, some small shops and restaurants prefer cash.


Lesson Summary

In this lesson, you learned the essential vocabulary and phrases needed for shopping and ordering food in German. Practice these skills to feel confident communicating in stores, markets, and restaurants.