German word

Couvert

Pronunciation

IPA/kuˈveːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • neuter nouncover charge

Example

Im Restaurant werden pro Gast Couverts berechnet.

The restaurant charges each guest a cover charge.

Illustration for Couvert (cover charge)

More examples

Die Speisekarte nennt den Preis pro Couvert.

The menu lists the price per cover.

Core concept

One guest receives one prepared place at the table, marked by a separate addition to the bill.

Common phrases

  • pro Couvert

    per cover

  • Couvert inbegriffen

    cover charge included

  • das Couvert berechnen

    charge a cover charge

Similar words

Gedeck: A per-guest fee for the cutlery, napkin, and other table items provided.
Bedienungszuschlag: A service fee automatically added to the restaurant bill.
Trinkgeld: Money a customer chooses to give for satisfactory service.

Definition in German

Kleine Gebühr pro Person für das Gedeck und den Service am Tisch.

Word origin

French couvert developed from couvrir, meaning 'to cover', and German adopted the noun for the table setting and its customary fee.

Usage tips

  • Couvert is a neuter noun, so standard German uses das Couvert and a capital C.

Other meanings

  • table chargenoun

Opposites

  • Gebührenfreiheitfee exemptionnoun

Related words

  • Couvertgebührcover chargenoun
  • couvertpflichtigsubject to a cover chargeadjective

Word lists with this word