German for Reserving a Table: "Ich möchte einen Tisch für zwei um 19 Uhr reservieren"
Learn to reserve a restaurant table in German by phone or in person. Master the polite phrase "Ich möchte einen Tisch für zwei um 19 Uhr reservieren" and handle typical responses about time, name, and availability.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
Reserving a table is different from ordering food. You need to state the number of people, the time, and often your name. In German, the polite phrase "Ich möchte einen Tisch für zwei um 19 Uhr reservieren" works both on the phone and in person. This lesson teaches you that sentence, how to answer follow-up questions, and how to confirm or change a reservation. You will also learn to understand typical replies such as "Für wie viele Personen?" and "Auf welchen Namen?" so you can complete the booking confidently.
By the end, you can…
- reserve a table for two at 7 p.m. in German using a polite phrase.
- answer questions about party size, time, and name during a reservation.
- confirm or change a reservation and thank the staff appropriately.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Ich möchte einen Tisch für zwei um 19 Uhr reservieren.
I would like to reserve a table for two at 7 p.m.
ikh MERKH-tuh EYE-nen tish fewr tsvai oom NOYN-tseyn OOR reh-zer-VEE-ren
Use this full sentence when you call or speak to a host. It is polite and clear. You can replace "zwei" with any number and "19 Uhr" with another time.
Für wie viele Personen?
For how many people?
fewr vee VEE-luh per-ZOH-nen
This is a typical question you will hear. Answer with a number and "Personen": "Für zwei Personen."
Auf welchen Namen?
Under what name?
owf VEL-khen NAH-men
The restaurant asks for your name to hold the reservation. Answer with "Auf den Namen ..." followed by your surname.
Um wie viel Uhr?
At what time?
oom vee feel OOR
Another common question. Answer with a time: "Um 19 Uhr" or "Um sieben Uhr abends."
Vielen Dank, bis dann!
Many thanks, see you then!
FEE-len dahnk, bis dahn
Use this to close the reservation politely. "Bis dann" is friendly and suitable for both phone and in-person.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is: "Ich möchte einen Tisch für [number] Personen um [time] reservieren." The verb "möchte" means "would like" and is followed by the accusative object "einen Tisch" (a table). The time expression uses "um" + clock time. For example: "Ich möchte einen Tisch für vier Personen um 20 Uhr reservieren." If you want to be more formal, you can say "Ich würde gerne einen Tisch reservieren." Both are correct; "möchte" is slightly more direct but still polite.
When to use it
Use this reservation language when you call a restaurant or speak to a host at the entrance. It is not for ordering food at the table. If you are already seated and want to order, you would say "Ich möchte bestellen" or "Ich nehme ...". For reservations, always mention the number of people and the time. If you are flexible, you can add "Wenn möglich" (if possible) or "Haben Sie noch einen Tisch frei?" (Do you still have a free table?). In Austria and Switzerland, "reservieren" is also used, but you may hear "eine Reservierung" as a noun more often.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Guten Abend, ich möchte einen Tisch für zwei um 19 Uhr reservieren.
Good evening, I would like to reserve a table for two at 7 p.m.GOO-ten AH-bent, ikh MERKH-tuh EYE-nen tish fewr tsvai oom NOYN-tseyn OOR reh-zer-VEE-renFür wie viele Personen?
For how many people?fewr vee VEE-luh per-ZOH-nenFür zwei Personen. Auf den Namen Müller.
For two people. Under the name Müller.fewr tsvai per-ZOH-nen. owf deyn NAH-men MEW-lerIn Ordnung, ein Tisch für zwei um 19 Uhr. Vielen Dank, bis dann!
All right, a table for two at 7 p.m. Many thanks, see you then!in ORT-noong, ine tish fewr tsvai oom NOYN-tseyn OOR. FEE-len dahnk, bis dahnA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, punctuality is valued, so arrive at the reserved time. If you are running late, call to let them know. For informal restaurants, a reservation may not be necessary, but for popular places or groups, it is expected. In Austria and Switzerland, the polite form "Grüß Gott" or "Grüezi" may be used instead of "Guten Tag" when you arrive. When speaking on the phone, use "Guten Tag" or "Guten Abend" and state your request directly.
One thing to watch for
Saying "Ich will einen Tisch reservieren" (I want to reserve a table).
Try this instead: "Ich will" sounds demanding. Use "Ich möchte" or "Ich würde gerne" instead. For example: "Ich möchte einen Tisch für zwei reservieren." This is polite and appropriate for service situations.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say "I would like to reserve a table for four at 8 p.m." in German?
Show a sample answer
Ich möchte einen Tisch für vier um 20 Uhr reservieren.
This uses the polite "möchte" and the correct time expression "um 20 Uhr". You could also say "Ich würde gerne einen Tisch für vier um 20 Uhr reservieren."
2The host asks "Auf welchen Namen?" What is an appropriate answer?
Show a sample answer
Auf den Namen Schmidt.
This answers the question directly with the surname. You can also say "Mein Name ist Schmidt." Both are correct.
3How would you ask if a table is still available for two people at 7 p.m.?
Show a sample answer
Haben Sie noch einen Tisch für zwei um 19 Uhr frei?
This is a polite question using "frei" (free/available). You could also say "Ist noch ein Tisch für zwei um 19 Uhr frei?" Both work.
To reserve a table in German, use "Ich möchte einen Tisch für [number] Personen um [time] reservieren." Be ready to give your name and confirm the time. Always use "möchte" instead of "will" for politeness.
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