German Conversation · Level 26
90 words
German word
servieren
Pronunciation
IPA/zɛɐ̯ˈviːʁən/
Meaning
- verbserve
Example
Der Kellner serviert den Gästen das Abendessen.
The waiter serves the guests dinner.
More examples
Am Buffet servieren die Köche warme Speisen.
At the buffet, the cooks serve hot dishes.
Core concept
A server presents a prepared meal or beverage directly to the people who will consume it.
Common phrases
servieren ein Menü
serve a set menu
an den Tisch servieren
serve at the table
auf dem Buffet servieren
serve on the buffet
Similar words
reichen: To pass something to someone by holding it out or handing it over.
bringen: To bring something from one place to another person or location.
anbieten: To present something for someone to take or use if desired.
bedienen: To look after customers by serving their meals and drinks.
Definition in German
Etwas, besonders Essen oder Getränke, den Gästen bringen oder an den Tisch stellen und anbieten.
Word origin
French servir supplied German servieren, ultimately from Latin servire, and the borrowed verb developed its specific sense of serving meals and beverages.
Usage tips
- The recipient is often expressed with dative jemandem, while the meal or drink is accusative, as in den Gästen das Abendessen servieren.
Other meanings
- wait onverb
Opposites
- abräumenclear awayverb
- wegnehmentake awayverb
Related words
- Servierwagenserving trolleynoun
- Servierungplatingnoun