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German Phrase

Ich will einen Tisch reservieren.

/ɪç vɪl ˈaɪ̯nən tɪʃ ʁezoˈviːʁən/
Meaning"I want to reserve a table."
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Meaning

Literally, 'I want to reserve a table.' It is used when you are calling or speaking to a restaurant, hotel, or event venue to secure a place to sit.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you are making a reservation in person, over the phone, or via email. It works in both casual and semi‑formal settings, but you can soften it with 'möchte' for a more polite tone.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchwilleinenTischreservieren

1

Subject Pronoun (Ich)

Ich means 'I' and is the subject of the sentence.

2

Modal Verb (will)

Will is the present tense of wollen, a modal verb that expresses desire or intention; it is followed by an infinitive without 'zu'.

3

Accusative Case (einen Tisch)

Because the verb 'reservieren' takes a direct object, 'Tisch' is in the accusative; the masculine indefinite article changes from 'ein' to 'einen'.

4

Infinitive without 'zu' (reservieren)

After a modal verb, the main verb stays in its bare infinitive form.

🗨In Conversation

A

Guten Tag, ich will einen Tisch reservieren für vier Personen um 19 Uhr.

Good day, I would like to reserve a table for four people at 7 p.m.

Natürlich, auf welchen Namen soll die Reservierung laufen?

Of course, under what name should the reservation be made?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich will ein Tisch reservieren.

    The object is accusative; the masculine indefinite article must be 'einen'.

  • Ich will zu reservieren.

    After 'will' the infinitive stays bare; do not add 'zu'.

  • Ich will einen Tisch reserviere.

    Use the infinitive form; do not conjugate it to 'reserviere'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich möchte einen Tisch reservieren.

    I would like to reserve a table.

  • Könnte ich einen Tisch für vier Personen buchen?

    Could I book a table for four people?

  • Wir würden gern einen Tisch für heute Abend reservieren.

    We would like to reserve a table for tonight.

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries it is common to give the exact time and number of guests when reserving a table. If you are late, a quick call to cancel or delay the reservation is considered courteous. Using 'möchte' instead of 'will' sounds more polite, especially in formal restaurants.