German · Food & Drink
"Waiter" in German: Kellner
der Kellner
Note: female: die Kellnerin
Waiter in German is der Kellner; female is die Kellnerin. Say Der Kellner kommt gleich. Older Herr Ober is rarer now.
Ordering
Der Kellner nimmt die Bestellung auf.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Kellner
Say it
KEL-ner
/ˈkɛlnɐ/
KEL-ner. Short e. Soft final -er.
"Waiter" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Kellner | waiter Masculine headword. | Masculine headword. |
| die Kellnerin | waitress Feminine. | Feminine. |
| den Kellner rufen | to call the waiter Service. | Service. |
| Herr Ober | waiter (old-fashioned) Rare today. | Rare today. |
How to use Kellner in real life
- 1Ordering
Der Kellner nimmt die Bestellung auf.
The waiter is taking the order.
Der Kellner.
- 2Help
Können wir den Kellner bitte kurz sprechen?
Can we speak to the waiter briefly?
Den Kellner.
- 3Tip talk
Die Kellnerin war total freundlich.
The waitress was totally friendly.
Kellnerin also counts via stem.
Mistakes English speakers make with Kellner
Incorrect: die Kellner (singular)
Correct: der Kellner
Singular masculine is der Kellner.
Incorrect: der Waiter
Correct: der Kellner
Use Kellner, not English waiter.
Good to know
Catching a Kellner's eye is normal; loud snapping is not. Service charge is often included, but rounding up for the Kellner is still common.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Needing the check at a café
ChatPal
Siehst du den Kellner irgendwo?
Do you see the waiter anywhere?
You
Ja, der Kellner steht an der Bar.
Yes, the waiter is at the bar.
ChatPal
Wink ihm. Der Kellner kommt gleich.
Wave to him. The waiter will come soon.
You
Mach ich. Rechnung bitte.
Will do. The bill, please.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Waiter" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Waiter" in German
How do you say waiter?
Der Kellner.
Waitress?
Die Kellnerin.
Call the waiter?
Den Kellner rufen.
Plural?
Die Kellner / die Kellnerinnen.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
