The only phrase you need: how to order a beer around the world

It’s New Year's Eve. Midnight is about to strike and you think, “hey, this is the year I’m going to learn a new language.” Fast forward a month, and your Babbel account has gone untouched and the only thing you can remember how to say in Spanish is “Where’s the library?” Which isn’t handy at all, because you haven’t been to a library since you were in Year 6.

This article is for all my fellow “I’m going to do this” “Ok maybe later” people. I see you. I feel you. I am you.

When you go away it’s good form to learn how to say the basics. Please, thank you, good morning, good evening. The usual culprits. It shows people that you respect their culture and are aiming for an “A for effort”.

But you need to respect your needs too. And what do you need? A beer.

Your bilingual dreams may be temporarily crushed, but here’s the only phrase you really need to get by with. How to order a beer around the world.

P.S if you’re preparing for next year’s repeat resolution, I’ve written something up on the easiest languages to learn vs the hardest.

P.P.S I OBVIOUSLY haven’t covered every language out there. That would just be insane. I’m only human. So please lower your expectations.

Pay for your pint in £, $ or €

Before we look into how to order a beer around the world…

You were about to go on holiday without a Wise card weren’t you? You are so silly. Pop your Wise card in your wallet so you can order your pints and pay for them in the local currency, at the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees. If you’re dying to know more, cast your eyes over our Terms of Use page for info on regional fees and pricing.

How to order a beer in German

This may be the country you use your new phrase in the most. When I lived in Berlin, it was sometimes more expensive to get bottled water than beer. Cause for concern or celebration? You be the judge.

🍺 Ein bier, bitte

How to order a beer in Spanish

My Spanish skills left my brain the second I left school. But thanks to a love of Reggaeton, specifically Daddy Yankee, I’ve started to learn the lingo once more. The act of ordering a beer doesn’t present itself in “Gasolina” but nevertheless, here it is.

🍺Quiero una cerveza, por favor

How to order a beer in French

The French can make everything look classy. Including a pint. But the pronunciation is often a battle for non-native speakers. So let me spell it out for you.

🍺 Une bière s'il vous plaît - EWN BIEEEER SEE VU PLAY (I don’t think I did that right)

How to order a beer in Japanese

I love the way the Japanese say Hamburger (pronounced hanbaagaa) and they quite possibly have the best word for “cheers” around - KAMPAI! If you’ve binge watched Netflix’s Japan-based reality show Terrace House then you already know this one, but if you’re strange and live under a rock, here you go.

🍺Nama biru kudasai

How to order a beer in Italian

Why would you have a beer in Italy when you could have an Aperol Spritz, I hear you ask? Aperol is fabulous. The nectar of the gods. But we all know there is no such thing as an “Aperitivo” AKA, “one drink before dinner” in the realm of Aperol. It turns into five Aperol and three platters of cured cheeses and meats with a side of shame. Have a trusty beer instead.

🍺Una birra, per favore

How to order a beer in Portuguese

It bears some similarity to how you order a beer in Spanish, only it’s actually quite different, and the pronunciation isn’t the same.

🍺Uma cerveja, por favor

How to order a beer in Greek

Please revert to the Aperol example mentioned above. The same applies to Ouzo in Greece. Do not, I repeat, do not underestimate the power of Ouzo. It is a battle some of us cannot win, and if that may be you, use this line instead.

🍺Mea bira parakalo

How to order a beer Hungarian

There’s more to Hungary than Budapest, but the country’s capital tends to be a hot spot for tourists. Thirsty tourists.

🍺Egy sört kérek

How to order a beer in Dutch

I shall offer you no help on the pronunciation here. Because I, too, am lost .

Oh and just so you know, the Dutch are considered to be the tallest people in the world. So good luck getting seen at the bar.

🍺Ik wil graag een biertje

How to order a beer in Swedish

They won Eurovision this year, so let’s raise a glass to the Swedes.

🍺En öl, tack

Get ready for your travels