German for Everyday Conversations: Asking About Today's Special
Learn to ask 'What is today's special?' in German and understand the response, focusing on daily offers in restaurants or cafes.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you're at a restaurant or cafe in a German-speaking country, you might want to know what special dishes are available today. This lesson teaches you how to ask 'What is today's special?' in German and how to understand the answer. You'll learn key phrases, pronunciation, and cultural tips to navigate daily offers confidently.
By the end, you can…
- ask what today's special is in German.
- understand common responses about daily specials.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Was ist die Tagesempfehlung?
What is today's special?
vahs ist dee TAH-guhs-em-pfay-loong
Standard way to ask for the daily recommendation. Used in most German-speaking regions.
Was gibt es heute?
What is there today?
vahs geept es HOY-tuh
Casual way to ask what's available today. Common in everyday conversation.
Heute empfehle ich...
Today I recommend...
HOY-tuh em-pfay-luh ikh
How a server might start describing the special.
Das Tagesgericht ist...
The dish of the day is...
dahs TAH-guhs-guh-rikht ist
Another term for daily special, often used in restaurants.
Mit Suppe oder Salat?
With soup or salad?
mit ZUP-uh OH-der zah-LAHT
Common question about sides included with the special.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask about daily specials, use 'Was ist...?' (What is...?) or 'Was gibt es...?' (What is there...?). For example, 'Was ist die Tagesempfehlung?' or 'Was gibt es heute?' The response often starts with 'Heute empfehle ich...' or 'Das Tagesgericht ist...'. Note that 'Tagesempfehlung' is feminine (die), while 'Tagesgericht' is neuter (das).
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want to know about daily offers, typically in restaurants or cafes. 'Tagesempfehlung' is slightly more formal, while 'Was gibt es heute?' is casual. In Austria and Switzerland, you might hear 'Tagesempfehlung' as well, but regional variations exist. For example, in Austria, 'Tagesteller' is common.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Guten Tag! Was ist die Tagesempfehlung?
Good day! What is today's special?GOO-ten tahk! vahs ist dee TAH-guhs-em-pfay-loongHeute empfehle ich das Schnitzel mit Kartoffelsalat.
Today I recommend the schnitzel with potato salad.HOY-tuh em-pfay-luh ikh dahs SHNITS-ul mit kar-TOF-ul-zah-lahtKlingt gut. Ist Suppe oder Salat inklusive?
Sounds good. Is soup or salad included?klingt goot. ist ZUP-uh OH-der zah-LAHT in-kloo-ZEE-vuhJa, ein kleiner Salat ist inklusive.
Yes, a small salad is included.yah, ine KLY-nuh zah-LAHT ist in-kloo-ZEE-vuhA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, daily specials are often listed on a separate menu or board. Asking directly is common and polite. In Austria, 'Tagesempfehlung' is understood, but 'Tagesteller' might be used. In Switzerland, 'Tagesmenü' is common. Always use 'Sie' with servers unless you're in a very casual setting.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Was ist das Special?' (mixing English).
Try this instead: Use 'Was ist die Tagesempfehlung?' or 'Was gibt es heute?' instead. For example, 'Was ist die Tagesempfehlung?' is correct.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'What is today's special?' formally in German?
Show a sample answer
Was ist die Tagesempfehlung?
This is the standard formal way. 'Was gibt es heute?' is also correct but more casual.
2What does 'Das Tagesgericht ist...' mean?
Show a sample answer
The dish of the day is...
'Tagesgericht' is another term for daily special. It's neuter, so 'das' is used.
3How might a server ask if you want soup or salad with your special?
Show a sample answer
Mit Suppe oder Salat?
This is a common question. You can respond with 'Mit Suppe, bitte' or 'Mit Salat, bitte'.
To ask about today's special, use 'Was ist die Tagesempfehlung?' or 'Was gibt es heute?' and listen for 'Heute empfehle ich...' or 'Das Tagesgericht ist...'. Remember regional terms like 'Tagesteller' in Austria.
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