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German Phrase

Ich hätte gern einen schwarzen Kaffee, bitte.

/ɪç ˈhɛtə ˈɡɛʁn ˈaɪ̯nən ˈʃvaʁtsən ˈkafeː ˈbɪtə/
Meaning"I would like a black coffee, please."
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Meaning

This sentence is a courteous way to order a black coffee in a German‑speaking café or restaurant. It combines the conditional form of 'haben' with 'gern' to soften the request, and ends with 'bitte' for added politeness.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are at a coffee shop, restaurant, or any place that serves coffee and you want a plain, black coffee without milk or sugar. It works in both formal and informal settings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchhättegerneinenschwarzenKaffeebitte

1

Conditional 'hätte'

The verb 'haben' in Konjunktiv II (hätte) is used to make polite requests, similar to 'would like'.

2

Adverb 'gern'

'Gern' expresses desire or preference and often follows the conditional verb.

3

Accusative article 'einen'

Because 'Kaffee' is masculine, the indefinite article changes to 'einen' in the accusative case.

4

Adjective declension 'schwarzen'

The adjective 'schwarz' takes the weak ending '-en' after the indefinite article in the accusative.

5

Polite particle 'bitte'

'Bitte' at the end of the sentence softens the request and is the standard way to say 'please' in German.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich hätte gern einen schwarzen Kaffee, bitte.

I would like a black coffee, please.

Natürlich, sofort. Möchten Sie noch etwas dazu?

Of course, right away. Would you like anything else with it?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich hätte gern einen schwarz Kaffee, bitte.

    The adjective must be declined to match the accusative masculine noun, so it becomes 'schwarzen'.

  • Ich hätte gern ein schwarzen Kaffee, bitte.

    The indefinite article must be 'einen' in the accusative, not 'ein'.

  • Ich habe gern einen schwarzen Kaffee, bitte.

    Using 'habe gern' is ungrammatical for a polite request; use the conditional 'hätte gern' or 'möchte'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich möchte einen schwarzen Kaffee, bitte.

    I would like a black coffee, please.

  • Einen schwarzen Kaffee, bitte.

    A black coffee, please.

  • Könnte ich bitte einen schwarzen Kaffee bekommen?

    Could I please get a black coffee?

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany, coffee is often served with milk (Milchkaffee) or as an espresso. If you prefer it without any additives, specifying 'schwarzen Kaffee' makes it clear. Adding 'bitte' at the end is considered essential for politeness, especially in more formal cafés or when speaking to staff you don't know well.