German Table Manners: How to Say What You Should Do
Learn to talk about table manners in German using 'man sollte' and 'man darf nicht', with polite phrases for dining situations.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about table manners in German. You will use the impersonal pronoun 'man' with modal verbs like 'sollte' (should) and 'darf nicht' (must not) to describe expected behavior at the table. You will also learn polite phrases for asking someone to pass something, complimenting the food, and excusing yourself. By the end, you will be able to explain customs from your own culture and ask about German customs.
By the end, you can…
- use 'man sollte' and 'man darf nicht' to describe table manners.
- politely ask for something to be passed at the table.
- compliment the food and excuse myself in German.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
In meiner Kultur sollte man warten, bis alle am Tisch sitzen, bevor man anfängt zu essen.
In my culture, you should wait until everyone is seated at the table before you start eating.
in MY-nuh kul-TOOR ZOL-tuh man VAR-ten, bis AL-uh am TISH ZIT-sen, beh-FOR man AN-fengt tsoo ES-sen
Use this to describe a common rule in your culture. 'man' is an impersonal pronoun, similar to 'one' or 'you' in general statements.
Man sollte nicht mit vollem Mund sprechen.
You shouldn't speak with your mouth full.
man ZOL-tuh nikht mit FOL-em MUNT SHPREH-khen
A general table manner rule. 'mit vollem Mund' means 'with a full mouth'.
Kannst du mir bitte das Salz reichen?
Can you please pass me the salt?
KANST doo meer BIT-tuh das ZALTS RY-khen
Polite way to ask someone to pass something at the table. Use 'bitte' to make it polite.
Das schmeckt sehr lecker!
That tastes very delicious!
das SHMEKT zeyr LEK-er
A compliment to the cook. 'lecker' is common in everyday German.
Entschuldigung, ich muss kurz auf die Toilette.
Excuse me, I need to go to the toilet briefly.
ent-SHOOL-dee-goong, ikh moos koorts ouf dee toy-LET-tuh
Polite way to excuse yourself during a meal. 'kurz' means 'briefly'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To talk about table manners in German, use 'man sollte' (one should) or 'man darf nicht' (one must not). For example: 'Man sollte beim Essen nicht schmatzen.' (You shouldn't smack your lips while eating.) 'Man darf das Messer nicht in den Mund nehmen.' (You must not put the knife in your mouth.) The pronoun 'man' is used for general rules and customs. The verb is always in the third person singular: 'man sollte', 'man darf', 'man isst'.
When to use it
Use these phrases when discussing cultural differences in table manners. For instance, if you want to explain a custom from your country, say: 'In meiner Kultur sollte man dem Gast zuerst servieren.' (In my culture, you should serve the guest first.) To ask about German customs, say: 'Was sollte man in Deutschland beim Essen beachten?' (What should one pay attention to when eating in Germany?) This is polite and shows interest.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
In meiner Kultur sollte man warten, bis alle am Tisch sitzen, bevor man anfängt zu essen.
In my culture, you should wait until everyone is seated at the table before you start eating.in MY-nuh kul-TOOR ZOL-tuh man VAR-ten, bis AL-uh am TISH ZIT-sen, beh-FOR man AN-fengt tsoo ES-senInteressant! In Deutschland ist es ähnlich. Man sagt oft 'Guten Appetit', bevor man anfängt.
Interesting! In Germany it's similar. People often say 'Enjoy your meal' before starting.in-te-res-ANT! in DOYCH-lant ist es AYN-likh. man ZAKT oft GOO-ten ap-pe-TEET, beh-FOR man AN-fengtUnd was sollte man noch beachten?
And what else should one pay attention to?unt vas ZOL-tuh man nokh beh-AKH-tenMan sollte nicht mit vollem Mund sprechen und das Besteck richtig halten.
You shouldn't speak with your mouth full and you should hold the cutlery correctly.man ZOL-tuh nikht mit FOL-em MUNT SHPREH-khen unt das beh-SHTEK RIKH-tikh HAL-tenA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, table manners often include saying 'Guten Appetit' before starting, keeping both hands on the table (not in your lap), and using the fork in the left hand and knife in the right. However, customs vary by region and family. In formal settings, wait for the host to start. Using 'man' statements is a neutral way to discuss customs without sounding prescriptive.
One thing to watch for
Using 'du solltest' when talking about general customs, as in 'Du solltest nicht mit vollem Mund sprechen.'
Try this instead: For general rules, use 'man sollte': 'Man sollte nicht mit vollem Mund sprechen.' Use 'du solltest' only when giving direct advice to a specific person you address informally.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'In my culture, you should not start eating before the host?'
Show a sample answer
In meiner Kultur sollte man nicht anfangen zu essen, bevor der Gastgeber anfängt.
This uses 'man sollte nicht' for a negative rule and 'bevor' for 'before'. You could also say 'In meiner Kultur isst man nicht, bevor der Gastgeber anfängt.'
2What is a polite way to ask someone to pass the bread?
Show a sample answer
Kannst du mir bitte das Brot reichen?
This uses 'Kannst du mir bitte...' which is polite. You could also say 'Würdest du mir bitte das Brot reichen?' for more formality.
3How do you excuse yourself to go to the bathroom during a meal?
Show a sample answer
Entschuldigung, ich muss kurz auf die Toilette.
This is a polite phrase. 'Entschuldigung' means 'excuse me', and 'kurz' means 'briefly'. In formal contexts, you might say 'Entschuldigen Sie bitte, ich muss kurz zur Toilette.'
Use 'man sollte' and 'man darf nicht' to describe table manners in German. Remember to say 'Guten Appetit' and keep polite phrases like 'Kannst du mir bitte...' handy.
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