Signification
Ordering or consuming a coffee.
Contexte culturel
Coffee is often served with a small glass of water. This is to cleanse the palate and stay hydrated, a tradition from the old Viennese coffee houses. Historical cafes (kavárny) are places where people sit for hours with a single cup of coffee, reading newspapers or working. It is not considered rude to stay long. The 'Turek' (Turkish coffee) is made by pouring boiling water over grounds. Don't drink the bottom part! When someone says 'Musíme si dát kávu' (We must have a coffee), it's often a polite way to end a conversation, similar to 'We should do lunch' in English. It may or may not lead to an actual meeting.
The 'Si' Rule
Whenever you order food or drink for yourself, use 'si'. Dám si pivo, dám si pizzu, dám si kávu.
Accusative Case
Don't forget to change 'káva' to 'kávu'. The 'u' ending is for feminine objects you are acting upon.
Signification
Ordering or consuming a coffee.
The 'Si' Rule
Whenever you order food or drink for yourself, use 'si'. Dám si pivo, dám si pizzu, dám si kávu.
Accusative Case
Don't forget to change 'káva' to 'kávu'. The 'u' ending is for feminine objects you are acting upon.
Kafe vs. Káva
'Kafe' is very common and informal. Use 'káva' in menus and formal settings, but 'kafe' with friends.
Ordering like a pro
Just say 'Jedno kafe, prosím' (One coffee, please) if you forget the verb. It's short and natural.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun to say 'I will have a coffee.'
Dám ___ kávu, prosím.
In the phrase 'dát si kávu', the reflexive dative 'si' is required.
Which sentence is the most natural way to order a coffee in a Czech cafe?
How do you order?
'Dám si kávu' is the standard idiomatic way to order.
Match the Czech phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
Understanding the tense and aspect is key.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a customer.
Číšník: Co si dáte k pití? Zákazník: ___________.
The customer should use the 'dát si' construction to order.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Dát si vs. Pít
Coffee Types
Popular
- • Espresso
- • Cappuccino
- • Turek
- • Vídeňská
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDám ___ kávu, prosím.
In the phrase 'dát si kávu', the reflexive dative 'si' is required.
How do you order?
'Dám si kávu' is the standard idiomatic way to order.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Understanding the tense and aspect is key.
Číšník: Co si dáte k pití? Zákazník: ___________.
The customer should use the 'dát si' construction to order.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but it's very direct and can sound a bit rude, like a child. 'Dám si kávu' is much more polite.
Yes, if you are the one drinking it. Without 'si', you are giving the coffee to someone else.
'Káva' is the standard, formal word. 'Kafe' is the colloquial, everyday version.
Use the past tense: 'Dal jsem si kávu.'
Absolutely! 'Dám si čaj', 'Dám si pivo', 'Dám si vodu'.
You would say 'Piju kávu' (I am drinking coffee).
Grammatically yes, but it functions as a present-tense order (I will have = I'll take).
Say 'Zaplatím, prosím' (I will pay, please).
It's long black coffee with a tall head of whipped cream on top.
Yes, if they offer it to you. 'Dám si, děkuji' is a perfect response.
It's always 'kávu' in this phrase because it's the object of the verb.
In tourist areas, yes. In local neighborhoods, a 'turek' or espresso is quite cheap.
Expressions liées
Jít na kávu
similarTo go for a coffee
Dát si čaj
builds onTo have a tea
Pozvat na kávu
specialized formTo invite for a coffee
Pít kávu
contrastTo drink coffee
Dát si pauzu
similarTo take a break
Uvařit kávu
relatedTo brew/make coffee
