Germany
German coffee culture has a fascinating blend of traditional filter coffee and the widespread adoption of Italian espresso-based drinks, alongside unique regional specialties. Here's a guide to ordering coffee in Germany:
Black Coffee Options:
Kaffee / Tasse Kaffee: This is the most traditional and common way to order a black coffee in Germany. You'll typically receive a larger cup of filter coffee (drip coffee), which tends to be milder than an espresso. If you just ask for "einen Kaffee, bitte" (a coffee, please), this is often what you'll get, especially outside of specialty coffee shops.
Filterkaffee: Explicitly asking for "Filterkaffee" ensures you get drip coffee, particularly useful in modern cafés that might also heavily feature espresso machines.
Espresso: A small, strong, concentrated espresso shot, served in a small demitasse cup. This is universally understood.
Doppelter Espresso / Doppio: A double espresso.
Ristretto: A very short, highly concentrated espresso.
Lungo: A "long" espresso, less concentrated than a standard espresso, but typically stronger than an Americano.
Café Crème / Caffè Crema: This is a popular espresso-based black coffee in Germany (and Switzerland). It's essentially a long espresso, often made with a specific setting on an espresso machine that uses more water, resulting in a larger cup of coffee with a prominent layer of crema. It's milder than a regular espresso but stronger than a filter coffee. Many Germans consider this their "normal" black coffee when ordering from an espresso machine.
Americano: An espresso shot diluted with hot water. Widely understood, similar to other European countries.
Coffee with Milk Options:
Milchkaffee: This literally means "milk coffee" and is the German equivalent of a café au lait or a large latte. It's typically made with a 1:1 ratio of strong coffee (often filter coffee or a milder espresso) and a generous amount of steamed milk, served in a large cup or bowl. It's generally less foamy than a cappuccino.
Cappuccino: A classic Italian-style coffee with espresso, steamed milk, and a significant layer of foamed milk on top. Often dusted with cocoa powder.
Latte Macchiato: Very popular in Germany, often served in a tall glass, showcasing its distinct layers. It's primarily steamed milk, with an espresso shot poured through it, creating layers, and topped with a good amount of foam. It's milkier than a regular latte.
Espresso Macchiato: An espresso "stained" or "marked" with a small dollop of foamed milk on top. For those who want to taste the espresso prominently but with a touch of creaminess.
Flat White: Increasingly common in specialty coffee shops. It's made with a double shot of espresso and velvety steamed milk with a very thin layer of microfoam. It has a stronger coffee flavor and less foam than a latte or cappuccino, usually served in a smaller cup.
Kaffee mit Milch: "Coffee with milk." This usually refers to a filter coffee with a small jug of milk (hot or cold) served alongside for you to add yourself.
Kaffee mit Sahne: "Coffee with cream." A black coffee served with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Iced and Specialty Options:
Eiskaffee: This is a classic German iced coffee, but it's more of a dessert than a simple iced black coffee. It typically consists of chilled filter coffee, 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, and is generously topped with whipped cream, often with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Served in a tall glass.
Pharisäer (Pharisee Coffee): A regional specialty from North Frisia. It's a strong, sweetened coffee with a shot of rum, topped with a thick layer of whipped cream. Traditionally, it's served without a spoon, as the whipped cream was meant to "hide" the alcohol from strict pastors.
Rüdesheimer Kaffee: A specialty from the town of Rüdesheim. It's made with strong coffee, sugar cubes, and a generous shot of Asbach Uralt brandy, which is flambéed before the coffee and whipped cream are added. It's a very specific and theatrical preparation, often served in a special cup.
Eiskaffee mit Vanilleeis: An explicit way to ask for an "Eiskaffee" as described above.
Key things to remember when ordering:
"Einen Kaffee, bitte" is the most basic order and will usually get you a filter coffee in traditional settings, or sometimes a "Café Crème" in more modern ones. If you want an espresso, ask for "einen Espresso, bitte."
Sugar: Sugar packets or cubes are typically provided on the side.
Milk: If you want milk with your Kaffee (filter coffee), it's usually served on the side. For espresso-based drinks, the milk is already incorporated.
"Zum hier trinken" / "Zum Mitnehmen": "To drink here" or "To take away." You'll often be asked this.
Kaffee und Kuchen: Germans love their "coffee and cake" tradition, particularly in the afternoon. Many cafés offer a wide selection of delicious cakes and pastries to go with your coffee.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.