der Gast
guest
A person whom you invite to your home or to an event and entertain or provide hospitality for.
EXAMPLE
Wir erwarten heute Abend Gäste zum Essen.
We are expecting guests for dinner this evening.
der Gast
guest
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Meanings
der Gast
guest / customer
A person who uses the services of a hotel, restaurant, or another hospitality establishment; a customer.
EXAMPLE
Der Kellner brachte dem Gast die Speisekarte.
The waiter brought the guest the menu.
der Gast
guest
A person who participates in an event, a program, or an institution for a limited time without being a permanent member.
EXAMPLE
In der heutigen Talkshow ist ein berühmter Schauspieler zu Gast.
A famous actor is a guest on today's talk show.
Usage tips
Private vs. commercial
A 'Gast' (guest) at home is an invited person. A 'Gast' (guest/customer) in a restaurant or hotel is a paying customer. The context (private or business) determines the exact meaning.
EXAMPLE
Meine Eltern haben am Wochenende Gäste zum Kaffee da.
My parents are having guests over for coffee at the weekend.
Compound words
'Gast' (guest) is often used as the first part of compound words to describe a temporary role. Examples include 'der Gastarbeiter' (guest worker), 'der Gastprofessor' (visiting professor), or 'der Gastauftritt' (guest appearance).
EXAMPLE
Die Universität hat für dieses Semester einen Gastprofessor aus Japan eingeladen.
The university has invited a visiting professor from Japan for this semester.
Fixed expression
The expression 'zu Gast sein' (to be a guest) is very common and means that someone is temporarily present at a place or at an event. It is often used with the preposition 'bei' (at/with) or 'in' (in).
EXAMPLE
Nächste Woche ist eine berühmte Autorin in unserer Schule zu Gast.
Next week, a famous author will be a guest at our school.
Compare with
Gast vs Kunde
customer
In a restaurant, der Kunde and der Gast can refer to the same person. Kunde focuses on the person as the buyer of a service, for example when paying or making a complaint. Gast, by contrast, emphasizes the person’s stay and the hospitable service they receive; from the restaurant’s perspective, this term is usually more appropriate.
Gast
Als Gast wird Paul im Restaurant freundlich an seinen Tisch begleitet.
As a guest, Paul is courteously shown to his table in the restaurant.
Kunde
Als Kunde reklamiert Paul einen Fehler auf der Restaurantrechnung.
As a customer, Paul complains about an error on the restaurant bill.
In real life
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