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German Phrase

Wir nutzen OpenTable zum Reservieren.

/viːɐ̯ ˈnʏtsən ˈoːpənˈteːbl̩ t͡sʊm ʁezoʁˈtiːʁən/
Meaning"We use OpenTable to make reservations."
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Meaning

The sentence states that we use the service OpenTable for the purpose of making reservations, typically at restaurants. It employs the infinitive nominalisation ‘zum Reservieren’ to convey the intention behind using the app.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to explain how you book tables, either in a casual conversation about dining plans or in a more formal description of your reservation workflow.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WirnutzenOpenTablezumReservieren.

1

Wir (personal pronoun)

First‑person plural pronoun used as the subject of the sentence.

2

nutzen (verb)

Regular verb meaning ‘to use’; conjugated in present tense for ‘wir’ → ‘nutzen’.

3

OpenTable (proper noun)

Brand name used as a direct object; German treats foreign brand names as neuter nouns.

4

zum (zu + dem)

A contraction of the preposition ‘zu’ + dative article ‘dem’; introduces an infinitive nominalisation to express purpose.

5

Reservieren (nominalised infinitive)

The infinitive of ‘reservieren’ used as a noun; therefore it is capitalised and follows ‘zum’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wie reservierst du normalerweise einen Tisch?

How do you usually reserve a table?

Wir nutzen OpenTable zum Reservieren.

We use OpenTable to make reservations.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wir nutzen OpenTable zu Reservieren.

    After ‘zu’ you need the dative article ‘dem’; the correct contraction is ‘zum’ when the infinitive functions as a noun.

  • Wir nutzen OpenTable zum reservieren.

    When the infinitive is used as a noun it must be capitalised.

  • Wir nutze OpenTable zum Reservieren.

    The subject ‘Wir’ is plural, so the verb must be ‘nutzen’, not ‘nutze’.

↔Alternatives

  • Wir buchen über OpenTable.

    We book via OpenTable.

  • Wir verwenden OpenTable, um Tische zu reservieren.

    We use OpenTable to reserve tables.

  • Wir reservieren mit OpenTable.

    We reserve with OpenTable.

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Cultural Tip

In German it’s common to use brand names as nouns or objects without translation. ‘Zum Reservieren’ sounds a bit formal; in everyday speech many speakers would simply say ‘Wir reservieren über OpenTable’ or ‘Wir buchen mit OpenTable’. Also remember that infinitives used as nouns are always capitalised.