waiter
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waiter
A male person who serves guests in a restaurant, café, or bar, takes orders, and serves food and drinks.
Der Kellner brachte uns die Speisekarte und empfahl den Wein.
The waiter brought us the menu and recommended the wine.
The word 'Kellner' (waiter) is derived from 'der Keller' (cellar). Historically, the waiter was responsible for the wine and beverage cellar of a house or inn.
Der Kellner empfahl uns einen ausgezeichneten Wein aus dem Keller des Hauses.
The waiter recommended an excellent wine from the house cellar.
When interacting with a waiter, you often use fixed phrases. You 'call' the waiter (accusative), 'ask him about' something (accusative), or 'give him' a tip (dative).
Könnten Sie bitte den Kellner rufen?
Could you please call the waiter?
Especially in Austria, the term 'der Ober' is often used instead of 'Kellner' (waiter). The form of address is then usually 'Herr Ober'.
„Herr Ober, die Rechnung bitte!“, rief der Gast im Wiener Café.
'Waiter, the bill please!' called the guest in the Viennese café.
upper
“Ober” describes a higher position or status as an adjective, while “der Kellner” refers to a person in a restaurant. Therefore, in the forms given, the words are not interchangeable terms for the same person. For someone serving customers in a restaurant, use “der Kellner.”
Der Kellner brachte uns die Speisekarten.
The waiter brought us the menus.
Die obere Etage des Restaurants war heute geschlossen.
The upper floor of the restaurant was closed today.
