service / operation
Loading your saved state.
waitstaff / server
The person or people who serve guests or customers in a restaurant, café, or shop; the waiter or waitress.
Die Bedienung in diesem Café ist immer besonders freundlich und schnell.
The service in this café is always especially friendly and fast.
operation
The way in which one uses and controls a device, machine, or software.
Die Bedienung der neuen Kaffeemaschine ist zum Glück sehr einfach.
Fortunately, operating the new coffee machine is very easy.
service
The service of serving food and drinks, often as an item on a bill.
Der Preis versteht sich inklusive Steuern und Bedienung.
The price includes taxes and service.
All meanings of 'die Bedienung' (service / operation) come from the verb 'bedienen' (to serve / to operate). You can serve a person (in a restaurant), operate a device (control it), or receive a service.
Der Kellner bedient die Gäste am Nachbartisch.
The waiter serves the guests at the next table.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. In a restaurant, it refers to the person. In connection with a device, it is about handling or operation. On a bill, it refers to the service charge.
Die Bedienung hat uns die Speisekarte gebracht.
The server brought us the menu.
To get the attention of the staff in a restaurant or café, you can call out 'Entschuldigung, Bedienung!' (Excuse me, server!). This is a direct way to address the person.
Entschuldigung, Bedienung, wir würden gern bestellen!
Excuse me, server, we'd like to order!
When referring to the handling or operation of devices, 'Bedienung' is often combined with adjectives such as 'einfach' (simple), 'kompliziert' (complicated), 'leicht' (easy), or 'intuitiv' (intuitive).
Das Gerät hat eine sehr einfache Bedienung.
The device is very easy to operate.
service
In a restaurant, Service can refer to the guests' overall treatment and the quality of the services offered. Bedienung, on the other hand, refers to serving guests directly or to the people who do it. Service is a good fit for the overall customer experience, while Bedienung is more appropriate for the staff or their immediate service.
Die Bedienung im Restaurant brachte uns schnell die bestellten Getränke.
The server at the restaurant quickly brought us the drinks we had ordered.
Der Service im Restaurant war vom Empfang bis zur Beratung ausgezeichnet.
The service at the restaurant was excellent, from the welcome to the advice we received.
