Saying what you can't eat in German

1. 1
   Allergie/alɛʁˈɡiː/

   allergynoun

   A reaction of the body where a certain thing makes you sick, for example nuts.
2. 2
   allergisch/aˈlɛʁɡɪʃ/

   allergicadjective

   Having an allergy to something.
3. 3
   Erdnuss/ˈeːɐ̯tnʊs/

   peanutnoun

   A small nut that grows in the ground.
4. 4

   Meeresfrüchteseafood

5. 5

   Unverträglichkeitintolerance

6. 6

   vertragento tolerate

7. 7

   enthaltento contain

8. 8

   veganvegan

9. 9

   Milchmilk

10. 10

    Schweinefleischpork

The sentences3 of 10

1. Ich habe leider eine Allergie gegen Nüsse.

   Unfortunately, I have a nut allergy.

2. Mein Sohn ist allergisch gegen Nüsse.

   My son is allergic to nuts.

3. Ist in der Soße Erdnuss enthalten?

   Is there peanut in the sauce?

Pronunciation

• Allergie/alɛʁˈɡiː/

  The -ie at the end is pronounced as a long i, not as two sounds.

• allergisch/aˈlɛʁɡɪʃ/

  The stress falls on the second syllable, -ler-, not on the first.

• Erdnuss/ˈeːɐ̯tnʊs/

  The d in Erd- sounds like a t.

Good to know

Trinkgeld

Service is included in the price, but people usually still leave a little tip, often around 5 to 10 %. You usually round up or state the total when you pay.

Getrennt zahlen

At the table the waiter often asks whether you are paying together or separately. Separate bills are common, and you say so when you pay.

Allergene

Menus often list allergens as abbreviations or numbers. Staff can usually give you information if you ask, so it is worth naming your allergy straight away.

Speisekarte

The waiter usually brings the menu right after you sit down. You order at the table, and only at the counter in simple snack places.

Questions

How do I say I have a nut allergy in German?

You can say "Ich habe leider eine Allergie gegen Nüsse." To speak for someone else, say "Mein Sohn ist allergisch gegen Nüsse."

How do I ask if a dish contains peanuts in German?

Ask "Ist in der Soße Erdnuss enthalten?" The verb enthalten means to have something in it.