# Ordering coffee in Lower Saxony

**Language:** German  
**CEFR Level:** A1  

> Master everyday German café culture by listening to Maximilian and Johanna's conversation about ordering a classic cup of coffee. It may feel challenging at first, but by the end of this course you will be able to fully understand and participate.

**Setting:** At a traditional, bustling café in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Maximilian and Johanna end up sharing a small wooden table during the busy afternoon rush. They strike up a natural conversation over a pot of filter coffee and a slice of local Butterkuchen.

## Lessons

### 1. Asking for a free seat

Maximilian asks Johanna if he can sit at her table, and they chat about how crowded the cafe is today.

### 2. Discussing what to order

Maximilian asks Johanna how she takes her coffee, and they share what they plan to order.

### 3. Asking about prices

Johanna recommends the butter cake, prompting Maximilian to ask about the prices of the items on the menu.

### 4. Asking for clarification

Maximilian asks Johanna to explain what a "Kännchen" is, and compares it to how coffee is served in Bavaria.

### 5. Comparing coffee serving sizes

Maximilian explains how coffee is typically served in his home region, and Johanna compares it to the local custom of ordering a small pot.

### 6. Sharing origins and professions

Maximilian asks Johanna if she is from Hannover, leading them to share where they are originally from and what they do for a living.

### 7. Explaining the purpose of travel

Johanna connects Maximilian's profession to his knowledge of cake, and Maximilian explains that he is visiting to learn northern German recipes.

### 8. Switching to informal address

Johanna suggests that they switch to using the informal "du" since they are both traveling for work, and they introduce themselves by their first names.

### 9. Expressing opinions about coffee

Maximilian asks Johanna if she really likes the coffee at the cafe, and she explains why she enjoys it.

### 10. Stating what you will order

Maximilian decides to order a pot of coffee and some cake, while Johanna reassures him that the server will arrive soon.

### 11. Asking about work routines

Maximilian asks Johanna about her job delivering wine to local restaurants, teasing her about drinking coffee instead of wine.

### 12. Discussing daily plans

Johanna explains her daily routine of afternoon coffee and evening wine, then asks Maximilian about his plans for the day.

### 13. Noticing when food arrives

Maximilian mentions his plan to visit a bakery next, and Johanna points out that their cake is finally being served.

### 14. Wishing someone a good meal

Maximilian admires the delicious-looking cake, and he and Johanna wish each other a good meal.