One of the perks of living in Germany is the infrequency of fast food chains. It curbs my appetite from taking in a calorie bomb or two. But the billboards are no stranger to Munich city streets and sidewalks. They are a major hindrance to my willpower, especially when walking by a big juicy burger takes at least 15 seconds to accomplish and by then it’s too late. The little nanoburger molecules in my bloodstream are activated by the carefully placed tomato, pickles, and special mystery sauce on the towering giant.

Honestly, I want to do my body good. But somewhere in my twisted mind lies the reasoning that a little fast food exposure is good for the immune system. I try to hold off my cravings for those conspicuous moments when I’ve had a little too much Weißbier and need a quick remedy to send me home without the wobbles. For example, McDreck has the perfect solution for those on a budget, with their “Ein mal Eins” menu.
For those without much German grammar under their belt and are combating a case of the tipsies, here’s the simple formula to order at the counter:

  #   x   item  
Example: Ich hätte gern   zwei   mal   Cheeseburger   und   ein   mal   Pommes   .
Literally:  I’d would like two times Cheeseburger and one times French Fries.

You don’t need to know the article or the plural form of the fast food item and the name of the item is on the menu. Simple. This works for all the Schnell Imbisse (diners). But if you hit a Subway, I can’t help you. You have to learn the names of vegetables in German or cheat and just utter the English words. :huh: