German word

Ober

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈoːbɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounwaiter

Example

Entschuldigung, Ober, wir möchten bestellen.

Excuse me, waiter, we'd like to order.

Illustration for Ober (waiter)

More examples

Entschuldigung, könnten Sie bitte den Ober ansprechen?

Excuse me, could you please speak to the waiter?

Core concept

A restaurant server moves between tables, takes orders, and brings food or drinks.

Common phrases

  • den Ober ansprechen

    speak to the waiter

  • dem Ober Trinkgeld geben

    tip the waiter

  • dem Ober danken

    thank the waiter

Similar words

Kellner: A male employee who takes table orders and brings plates or drinks.
Kellnerin: A female employee who takes table orders and brings plates or drinks.
Bedienung: A restaurant employee who assists guests, takes orders, and serves them.
Servicekraft: A restaurant or hotel employee who provides guest service and handles food or drink service.

Definition in German

Eine Person, die Gäste bedient, Bestellungen annimmt und Speisen oder Getränke bringt.

Word origin

Ober is a shortened form of Oberkellner, with Ober meaning a senior or supervising waiter from German ober, meaning 'upper'.

Usage tips

  • Ober is masculine, so the article is der and the plural is Ober; the word can sound old-fashioned or formal in modern German.

Opposites

Related words

  • Oberkellnerhead waiternoun
  • Oberkellnerinhead waitressnoun

Word lists with this word