How to use self ordering in Germany?

Skip confusing queues and order like a local with this quick, practical guide to self-ordering in Germany. This short product-style walkthrough gives step-by-step kiosk and app instructions, English menu translations, payment and pickup tips, and common pitfalls to avoid. Save time, avoid mistakes, and feel confident ordering at bakeries, cafés, and stations across Germany.

What this video delivers (product-style summary)

- A clear, practical walkthrough for using self-order kiosks and restaurant/ bakery apps in Germany.

- Step-by-step instructions you can follow the first time you see a touchscreen or QR-code menu.

- Common German-to-English translations for menu items and signage you’ll encounter.

- Payment and pickup tips that work at bakeries, cafés, station food outlets, and fast-casual restaurants.

- Quick troubleshooting advice and common pitfalls so you don’t get stuck mid-order.

- Delivered by Hongzhou Kiosk (Hongzhou Smart) — concise, user-first guidance for travelers and locals.

Step-by-step: Using a kiosk

1. Wake the screen: Tap the touchscreen or press the start button.

2. Choose language: Look for “English” or a flag icon. If none, look for “Sprache” (language) or use your phone camera for quick translation.

3. Browse categories: Typical labels – Frühstück (breakfast), Snacks, Backwaren (baked goods), Getränke (drinks), Warmes (hot dishes), Menu/Angebote (offers).

4. Select item: Tap the photo or name. Most kiosks show pictures — use them to confirm choices.

5. Customize: Add extras (e.g., Käse = cheese, Schinken = ham), choose size (klein = small, groß = large), or indicate “ohne” (without) if you want something removed.

6. To go vs eat-in: Select “Zum Mitnehmen” (to take away) or “Hier essen” / “Zum Hieressen” (eat here).

7. Confirm order: Review the item list and price; adjust quantities or remove items if needed.

8. Payment: Choose card/contactless (“Karte / kontaktlos”), Apple Pay/Google Pay if displayed, or cash (“Bar”). Follow prompts to tap/insert your card.

9. Get receipt/ticket: The kiosk may print a ticket (“Bon”) with a number. Keep it visible or follow the screen for instructions.

10. Pickup: Wait for your number to be displayed, called, or for a staff member to hand your order. If told to wait at the counter, stand to the side so staff can pass items easily.

Step-by-step: Using apps and QR-code ordering

1. Scan the QR code: Found on tables, counters, or window stickers. It usually opens a web ordering page or app.

2. Select language: Many web menus allow English; look for “EN” or language selector.

3. Create account or order as guest: Some places require a phone number or email. Allow notifications if you want pickup alerts.

4. Build your order: Choose items, modifiers, and pick-up time if offered (“Abholen” = pickup). Choose “Jetzt” (now) or schedule later.

5. Payment: Pay in-app with card, PayPal, Apple/Google Pay, or choose pay-on-collection (“Vor Ort bezahlen”) if available.

6. Confirmation and pickup: The app will confirm order number and estimated readiness. Head to the collection point (“Abholung”), show confirmation if required.

English translations: common menu items and signage

- Brot / Brötchen = bread / bread roll

- Brezel = pretzel

- Croissant = croissant

- Stück = piece / slice

- Kuchen / Torte = cake

- Belegtes Brötchen = sandwich roll (filled)

- Toast / Sandwich = toast / sandwich

- Müsli / Joghurt = muesli / yogurt

- Kaffee = coffee; schwarzer Kaffee = black coffee

- Cappuccino = cappuccino; Latte macchiato = latte macchiato

- Milchkaffee = café au lait / milk coffee

- Eiskaffee = iced coffee

- Tee = tea

- Kaltgetränke = cold drinks; Wasser = water; Apfelsaft = apple juice

- Bier = beer; alkoholfrei = non-alcoholic

- Wurst = sausage; Schinken = ham; Käse = cheese

- Schnitzel = breaded cutlet; Currywurst = sausage with curry ketchup

- Kartoffelsalat = potato salad

- Zum Mitnehmen = to take away / takeaway

- Zum Hieressen / Hier essen = to eat here / dine in

- Abholen = pickup

- Bon = receipt / ticket

- Karte = card; Kontaktlos = contactless

- Münzen = coins; Wechselgeld = change

- Gutschein = voucher / coupon

Payment tips and realities in Germany

- Cards are widely supported but smaller bakeries and markets might prefer cash. Many kiosks and station outlets accept cards and contactless.

- Common electronic methods: Maestro/girocard, Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay. If a terminal shows a contactless symbol, tap your card or phone.

- For cash: Have small bills/coins ready. Some kiosks accept cash; some aren’t able to give exact change.

- Receipts: Tap to print if you need a VAT-inclusive receipt for business or expense claims.

- In-app payments are convenient and avoid queuing; check whether the app charges convenience fees.

Pickup and timing etiquette

- Watch for a ticket number, order name, or beep. At busy train stations, orders can be grouped — be ready when your number appears.

- If the kiosk issues a printed ticket, keep it until you collect your order.

- If you ordered “zum Mitnehmen” (to go), don’t sit down in places with limited seating intended for dine-in customers.

- Be polite and brief if asking staff for help — a simple “Entschuldigung, mein Bestellnummer ist...” (Excuse me, my order number is...) is enough.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

- No English option at kiosk: Use your phone’s camera live-translate (Google Lens) or take a photo and translate. Look for pictograms and prices to confirm.

- Mistaken portion sizes: “klein” vs “groß” — confirm sizes before paying.

- Ingredient/allergen issues: Kiosk modifiers may be limited. If you have allergies, ask staff rather than rely solely on a touchscreen.

- Mixing up to-go vs dine-in: Check “Zum Mitnehmen” vs “Hier essen” — it sometimes affects pricing or VAT.

- Expect queues at peak times: Morning bakery rush around 7–9am and lunchtime 12–14:00 at stations. Use the app or kiosk early to skip lines.

- Receipt vs ticket confusion: Some kiosks print a collection ticket, not a detailed receipt. Ask for a receipt if you need one for expenses.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

- No language button: use phone camera translation or ask staff.

- Unable to pay by card: have cash ready or choose pay-on-collection if available.

- Missing item at pickup: show your ticket/confirmation to staff immediately.

- App errors: screenshot confirmation and order number; show it at pickup.

Why this approach helps

- Save time and avoid the line by ordering directly at kiosks or via apps.

- Minimize communication errors with simple translations and pictograms.

- Increase confidence: you’ll know what to expect for payment, pickup, and portion sizes.

About the provider

This guide is presented by Hongzhou Kiosk — Hongzhou Smart, creators of intuitive self-ordering solutions. Our aim is to make self-service ordering in Germany simple, reliable, and accessible for visitors and residents alike.

Short checklist to take with you

- Phone with translation app and payment method ready.

- Small cash for backup.

- Know “Zum Mitnehmen / Hier essen / Abholen.”

- Keep your ticket/confirmation until you pick up.

- Ask staff politely if unsure.

Use this video to get comfortable with the screens and phrases you’ll see most. With a few quick steps and a little vocabulary, you’ll be ordering like a local in no time.