Meaning
To book a table in a restaurant or similar venue.
Cultural Background
The '15-minute rule' is common. If you are more than 15 minutes late, your reservation is usually canceled. In traditional Viennese coffee houses, you rarely reserve a table for just coffee, but you MUST for dinner. Reservations are often expected even for lunch in business districts. Many modern restaurants now require a credit card to 'einen Tisch reservieren' to prevent no-shows.
Use 'gerne'
Adding 'gerne' (Ich möchte gerne...) makes your request sound much more polite to German ears.
The 'Sie' form
Always use the formal 'Sie' when calling a restaurant to reserve a table unless it's a very hip, youth-oriented bar.
Meaning
To book a table in a restaurant or similar venue.
Use 'gerne'
Adding 'gerne' (Ich möchte gerne...) makes your request sound much more polite to German ears.
The 'Sie' form
Always use the formal 'Sie' when calling a restaurant to reserve a table unless it's a very hip, youth-oriented bar.
Specifics matter
If you want a quiet spot, say 'einen ruhigen Tisch'. If you want to be near the window, say 'am Fenster'.
No-Show Etiquette
If you can't make it, a quick call to cancel is highly appreciated and considered good 'Knigge' (etiquette).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct article for 'Tisch' in the accusative case.
Ich möchte ______ Tisch für vier Personen reservieren.
Tisch is masculine, and in this sentence, it is the direct object (accusative).
Which verb is correct for booking a table?
Wir ______ einen Tisch im Restaurant.
'Reservieren' is the standard verb for tables. 'Buchen' is for hotels/flights.
Complete the dialogue.
Kellner: 'Haben Sie reserviert?' Gast: 'Ja, auf ______ Namen Schmidt.'
'Auf den Namen' is a fixed prepositional phrase using the accusative.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to sit outside.
'Außenbereich' means outdoor area.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Reservieren vs Buchen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch möchte ______ Tisch für vier Personen reservieren.
Tisch is masculine, and in this sentence, it is the direct object (accusative).
Wir ______ einen Tisch im Restaurant.
'Reservieren' is the standard verb for tables. 'Buchen' is for hotels/flights.
Kellner: 'Haben Sie reserviert?' Gast: 'Ja, auf ______ Namen Schmidt.'
'Auf den Namen' is a fixed prepositional phrase using the accusative.
You want to sit outside.
'Außenbereich' means outdoor area.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that sounds like you are physically building a table. Use 'reservieren'.
It is 'einen Tisch' because it is the object of the verb (Accusative).
Usually no, but some high-end restaurants in cities like Berlin might ask for a credit card.
Use the phrase 'auf den Namen', for example: 'Auf den Namen Smith'.
A table reserved for regular guests. Don't sit there if you aren't one!
Yes, in the context of tables, they are synonyms, though 'reservieren' is more universal.
For popular spots on weekends, 2-3 days in advance is safe.
Yes, many restaurants accept email, but a phone call or app is faster.
Ask: 'Haben Sie einen Tisch für zwei Personen frei?'
Use 'für neunzehn Uhr' or 'für sieben Uhr abends'.
Related Phrases
Einen Tisch bestellen
synonymTo order/book a table
Eine Reservierung vornehmen
formalTo make a reservation
Einen Tisch absagen
contrastTo cancel a table
Den Tisch decken
similarTo set the table
Am Stammtisch sitzen
specialized formTo sit at the regulars' table
