Language/Czech/Vocabulary/Ordering-Food

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Czech → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → At the Restaurant → Ordering Food

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the world of Czech cuisine and learn how to order food at a restaurant. Food is an essential part of any culture, and Czech cuisine offers a unique blend of flavors and traditions. By expanding your vocabulary and learning how to navigate a menu, you will be able to confidently order your favorite Czech dishes in no time. Whether you are a fan of hearty meat dishes, delicious pastries, or refreshing beverages, this lesson will equip you with the necessary vocabulary and phrases to satisfy your culinary cravings.

We will begin by exploring the different sections of a typical Czech menu and learning the names of common foods and drinks. Then, we will dive into the process of ordering food at a restaurant, including how to ask for recommendations and make special requests. Along the way, we will also discuss cultural aspects related to Czech dining etiquette and customs.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently navigate a Czech menu, order food and drinks, and engage in conversations with waitstaff at restaurants. So let's embark on this gastronomic adventure and explore the flavors of Czech cuisine!

Czech Food and Drink Vocabulary

Before we dive into the process of ordering food, let's familiarize ourselves with some common Czech food and drink vocabulary. This will help us understand the menu and communicate our preferences to the waitstaff. Here are some essential words and phrases:

Food Vocabulary

To begin, let's learn the names of different types of food commonly found on Czech menus:

Czech	Pronunciation	English
Hovězí guláš	[ˈhovjɛˌziː ˈɡulaːʃ]	Beef goulash
Smažený sýr	[ˈsmaʒɛniː ˈsiːr]	Fried cheese
Bramborové knedlíky	[ˈbramborovɛː ˈknɛdlɪkiː]	Potato dumplings
Svíčková	[ˈsviːtʃkovaː]	Sirloin with cream sauce
Řízek	[ˈr̝iːzɛk]	Schnitzel
Vepřová pečeně	[ˈvɛpr̝ovaː ˈpɛʧɛɲɛː]	Roast pork
Smažený kuřecí řízek	[ˈsmaʒɛniː ˈkur̝ɛtʃiː ˈr̝iːzɛk]	Fried chicken schnitzel
Guláš	[ˈɡulaːʃ]	Goulash
Bramborák	[ˈbramboraːk]	Potato pancake
Zelňačka	[ˈzɛlɲaːtʃka]	Sauerkraut soup
Rajská omáčka	[ˈrajskaː ˈomaːtʃka]	Tomato sauce
Nakládaný hermelín	[ˈnaklaːdaːniː ˈhɛr̝mɛliːn]	Pickled Camembert cheese
Tatarák	[ˈtatar̝aːk]	Beef tartare
Sýrové noky	[ˈsiːr̝ovɛː ˈnokiː]	Cheese gnocchi
Rajská polévka	[ˈrajskaː ˈpolɛːvka]	Tomato soup
Brambory	[ˈbramborɪ]	Potatoes

Feel free to practice pronouncing these words and familiarize yourself with their meanings. As you progress, you will become more comfortable using them in conversations at restaurants.

Drink Vocabulary

Now, let's move on to the drink vocabulary. The Czech Republic is known for its excellent beer, but there are also other refreshing options to explore. Here are some common drinks you may encounter on a Czech menu:

Czech	Pronunciation	English
Pivo	[ˈpɪvo]	Beer
Káva	[ˈkaːva]	Coffee
Čaj	[ˈtʃaɪ̯]	Tea
Víno	[ˈviːno]	Wine
Nealko	[ˈnɛalko]	Non-alcoholic
Limonáda	[lɪmoˈnaːda]	Lemonade
Coca-Cola	[koˈtsaːkoˌlaː]	Coca-Cola
Džus	[dʒus]	Juice
Minerálka	[mɪnɛˈraːlka]	Mineral water
Teplý nápoj	[ˈtɛpliː ˈnaːpoj]	Hot beverage
Ledový čaj	[ˈlɛdoviː ˈtʃaɪ̯]	Iced tea
Alkoholický koktejl	[alkoˈɦolɪtskiː ˈkoktɛjl]	Alcoholic cocktail
Becherovka	[ˈbɛxɛrofka]	Becherovka (a Czech herbal liqueur)
Tmavé pivo	[ˈtmaːvɛː ˈpɪvo]	Dark beer
Ovocný džus	[ɔˈvotsniː dʒus]	Fruit juice
Svařené víno	[ˈsvar̝ɛnɛː ˈviːno]	Mulled wine

With these words in your vocabulary, you will be able to confidently order your preferred beverages at Czech restaurants.

Ordering Food at a Restaurant

Now that we have a good understanding of Czech food and drink vocabulary, let's move on to the process of ordering food at a restaurant. Ordering food involves more than just choosing dishes from a menu - it's about communicating your preferences and making informed decisions. In this section, we will explore the different steps involved in ordering food and learn useful phrases and expressions along the way.

Step 1: Greeting and Seating

When you enter a restaurant, it's important to greet the waitstaff politely. Here are some common greetings you can use:

• Dobrý den - Good day
• Ahoj - Hello
• Dobrý večer - Good evening

After greeting the waitstaff, they will guide you to a table. If you have a preference for indoor or outdoor seating, you can politely ask:

• Můžeme sedět venku? - Can we sit outside?
• Můžeme sedět uvnitř? - Can we sit inside?

Once you are seated, the waitstaff will provide you with menus. Take your time to browse through the options before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Asking for Recommendations

If you are unsure about what to order or looking for some guidance, don't hesitate to ask the waitstaff for recommendations. They are familiar with the menu and can suggest popular or signature dishes. Here are some phrases you can use:

• Co byste nám doporučili? - What would you recommend?
• Máte nějaké oblíbené jídlo? - Do you have any favorite dish?
• Jaké jsou vaše speciality? - What are your specialties?

Listen attentively to their recommendations and ask for more details if needed. This will help you make an informed decision and try something new and exciting.

Step 3: Placing the Order

Once you have decided on the dishes you would like to order, it's time to communicate your preferences to the waitstaff. Here are some useful phrases to help you place your order:

• Chtěl bych / Chtěla bych... - I would like...
• Dám si... - I will have...
• Můžu prosím dostat... - Can I please have...
• Jeden / Jednu / Jedno... - One...
• S... / Bez... - With... / Without...
• Můžete mi přinést... - Could you bring me...

For example, if you would like to order a beef goulash, you can say:

• Chtěl bych hovězí guláš. - I would like beef goulash.

Remember to use the correct form of the adjective or pronoun to match the gender and number of the noun you are ordering. The waitstaff may also ask you additional questions about your preferences, such as how you would like your steak cooked or what side dishes you would like to accompany your main course.

Step 4: Special Requests

If you have any dietary restrictions or specific requests, it's important to communicate them to the waitstaff. Here are some phrases to help you make special requests:

• Mám alergii na... - I have an allergy to...
• Můžete to připravit bez... - Can you prepare it without...
• Můžete to změnit... - Can you change...
• Můžete mi přinést omáčku zvlášť? - Can you bring the sauce separately?
• Můžete to udělat vegetariánské? - Can you make it vegetarian?

By clearly communicating your special requests, the waitstaff will be able to accommodate your needs and ensure an enjoyable dining experience.

Step 5: Drinks and Extras

After placing your food order, the waitstaff will ask you about your drink preferences. If you would like to order drinks or additional items, here are some phrases you can use:

• Můžeme objednat nějaké nápoje? - Can we order some drinks?
• Co byste nám doporučil k jídlu? - What would you recommend to drink with our meal?
• Dám si pivo / kávu / vodu. - I will have beer / coffee / water.
• Můžeme také objednat dezert? - Can we also order dessert?

Feel free to ask for recommendations on pairing drinks with your meal. The waitstaff will be happy to suggest suitable options based on your preferences and the dishes you have ordered.

Step 6: Confirming the Order

Once your food and drink orders are complete, the waitstaff will confirm your order to ensure accuracy. They may repeat your order or ask you to confirm the details. Listen carefully and respond with a simple "Ano" (Yes) or "Je to správně" (It is correct).

Step 7: Enjoying Your Meal

After the waitstaff confirms your order, sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal. Take the time to savor the flavors and appreciate the culinary delights of Czech cuisine. If you need anything during your meal, you can politely get the attention of the waitstaff by saying "Promiňte" (Excuse me) or raising your hand slightly.

Cultural Insights

Czech dining culture is rich in traditions and customs that add to the overall dining experience. Understanding these cultural aspects can enhance your enjoyment and help you navigate the social expectations at restaurants. Let's explore some interesting cultural insights related to Czech dining:

Přivítání a Loučení

In Czech culture, it is customary to greet the waitstaff upon entering a restaurant and bid them farewell when leaving. This simple gesture shows respect and acknowledges the waitstaff's role in providing a pleasant dining experience. Remember to say "Dobrý den" (Good day) or "Dobrý večer" (Good evening) when entering, and "Děkuji, na shledanou" (Thank you, goodbye) when leaving.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Czech restaurants. It is customary to leave a tip for the waitstaff as a token of appreciation for their service. The standard tip is around 10% of the total bill, but you can adjust it based on the quality of service received. When paying the bill, you can say "Můžete přidat spropitné, prosím?" (Can you add the tip, please?). The waitstaff will then calculate the total amount including the tip.

Dining Etiquette

Czech dining etiquette is relatively informal, but there are some guidelines to keep in mind. Here are a few tips to navigate Czech dining etiquette:

• Wait to be seated: In Czech restaurants, it is common to wait for the waitstaff to assign you a table. Avoid seating yourself without permission.

• Napkin usage: Place the napkin on your lap upon sitting down. Use it to wipe your mouth during the meal and place it neatly on the table when you finish.

• Cutlery usage: Start with the outermost cutlery and work your way in as the meal progresses. Keep your hands on the table during the meal, but avoid resting your elbows on the table.

• Pace yourself: Czech meals are often served in multiple courses. Take your time and enjoy each course before moving on to the next. It is considered polite to finish your plate.

• Bread etiquette: In Czech restaurants, bread is often served as a complimentary side. It is customary to break the bread with your hands rather than using a knife.

• Toasting: If someone proposes a toast, it is polite to make eye contact and clink glasses with everyone at the table. Say "Na zdraví" (To your health) before taking a sip.

By observing these dining etiquette practices, you can blend in seamlessly with the local culture and have a more authentic dining experience in the Czech Republic.

Practice Exercises

Now let's put our newly acquired knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. These exercises will help reinforce the vocabulary and phrases we have learned so far. Feel free to write down your answers or practice speaking out loud.

Exercise 1: Match the Czech dish with its English translation.

Czech	English Translation
Smažený sýr	a. Fried cheese
Vepřová pečeně	b. Roast pork
Rajská omáčka	c. Tomato sauce
Sýrové noky	d. Cheese gnocchi
Guláš	e. Goulash

Exercise 2: Choose the correct phrase to order the following dishes. 1. Beef tartare 2. Potato pancake 3. Fried chicken schnitzel

a. Chtěl bych sýrovou noky. b. Dám si smažený kuřecí řízek. c. Můžeme sedět venku?

Exercise 3: Imagine you have a food allergy. How would you communicate this to the waitstaff? Write a sentence using the phrase "Mám alergii na..." (I have an allergy to...).

Exercise 4: Create a dialogue between a customer and a waitstaff, where the customer asks for recommendations and places an order. Be sure to include greetings, asking for recommendations, and ordering food.

Solutions

Exercise 1: 1. Smažený sýr - a. Fried cheese 2. Vepřová pečeně - b. Roast pork 3. Rajská omáčka - c. Tomato sauce 4. Sýrové noky - d. Cheese gnocchi 5. Guláš - e. Goulash

Exercise 2: 1. Beef tartare - b. Dám si smažený kuřecí řízek. 2. Potato pancake - a. Chtěl bych sýrovou noky. 3. Fried chicken schnitzel - b. Dám si smažený kuřecí řízek.

Exercise 3: Mám alergii na... (I have an allergy to...) [insert specific allergen]

Exercise 4: Customer: Dobrý den. Co byste nám doporučili? Waitstaff: Dobrý den. Máme tu dnes výbornou svíčkovou s bramborovými knedlíky. Je to náš nejoblíbenější pokrm. Customer: Zní to skvěle. Dám si svíčkovou s bramborovými knedlíky, prosím. Waitstaff: Samozřejmě. A co si dáte k pití? Customer: Dám si jedno pivo, prosím. Waitstaff: Okamžik, přinesu vám to.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to order food at a Czech restaurant. By expanding your vocabulary and practicing the phrases and expressions provided, you will be able to confidently navigate a Czech menu and communicate your preferences to the waitstaff. Remember to embrace the cultural aspects of Czech dining, such as greeting the waitstaff and observing dining etiquette. Now you can fully immerse yourself in the flavors of Czech cuisine and enjoy an authentic culinary experience in the Czech Republic.

Table of Contents - Czech Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Consonants
• Vowels
• Accents and Special Characters

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Introduction to Nouns
• Personal Pronouns
• Demonstrative Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Verbs

• Introduction to Verbs
• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Introduction to Adjectives
• Introduction to Adverbs
• Comparative and Superlative Forms

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings and Farewells
• Asking for and Giving Information
• Small Talk and Expressing Likes and Dislikes

  ---

At the Restaurant

• Ordering Food
• Asking for the Bill and Tipping
• Dining Etiquette

  ---

Daily Life

• Shopping
• Transportation
• Health and Medical Emergencies

  ---

History and Traditions

• History and Czech Lands
• Festivals and Celebrations
• Czech Cuisine

  ---

Art and Heritage

• Czech Literature
• Architecture and Landmark
• Czech Film and Music

Sources

• Czech | Phrases - Travel | Eating Out
• Czech phrases with audio - restaurant, Czech meals, food and drink ...
• Czech Restaurant, Part 4: Placing an Order - CzechClass101
• Classes and schedule - Everydayczech

Other Lessons

• Asking for and Giving Information
• Useful phrases
• Maps
• Food
• Airport
• Fruits
• Animals
• Environment
• Colors
• Dining Etiquette

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