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German Phrase

Ich würde gern Abendessen bestellen.

/ɪç ˈvʏʁdə ɡeːn ˈaːbənˌdɛsn bəˈʃtɛlən/
Meaning"I would like to order dinner."
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Meaning

Literally, 'I would gladly order dinner.' It is a polite way to express that you want to place a dinner order, either in a restaurant, over the phone, or via a delivery app.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you are at a restaurant, calling a take‑away place, or ordering food online and want to sound courteous. It works both in informal and formal settings, though in a formal context you would usually address the staff with 'Sie'.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchwürdegernAbendessenbestellen.

1

Conditional (würde + infinitive)

The construction 'würde' + infinitive expresses a polite conditional or a wish, similar to 'would' in English.

2

gern / gerne

'gern' (or 'gerne') is an adverb meaning 'gladly' or 'with pleasure' and softens the request.

3

Noun case

'Abendessen' is a neuter noun used here in the accusative case as the direct object of 'bestellen'.

4

Verb placement

In main clauses the finite verb ('würde') occupies the second position; the infinitive ('bestellen') goes to the end.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich würde gern Abendessen bestellen.

I would like to order dinner.

Natürlich, was möchten Sie denn?

Of course, what would you like?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich würde gerne Abendessen bestellen.

    Both 'gern' and 'gerne' are correct; learners often think only 'gerne' is allowed.

  • Ich würde gern das Abendessen bestellen.

    Do not add an article before 'Abendessen' when it functions as a direct object.

  • Ich würde bestellen gern Abendessen.

    The infinitive must stay at the end of the clause; placing it before 'gern' breaks word order.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich möchte gern Abendessen bestellen.

    I would like to order dinner.

  • Ich würde gerne Abendessen bestellen.

    I would like to order dinner.

  • Ich bestelle gern Abendessen.

    I order dinner gladly.

de

Cultural Tip

In German restaurants the polite form 'würde gern' is very common and shows respect for the staff. 'Gern' and 'gerne' are interchangeable, but 'gerne' is slightly more formal. Remember to use the formal 'Sie' when speaking to waitstaff you don't know personally: 'Ich würde gern das Abendessen bestellen, bitte.'