German · Food & Drink
"Lunch" in German: Mittagessen
das Mittagessen
Lunch in German is das Mittagessen. You can also say zu Mittag essen. A work break for it is die Mittagspause.
At the office
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How to pronounce Mittagessen
Say it
MIT-tahk-ess-en
/ˈmɪtaːkˌɛsn̩/
MIT-tahk-ess-en. Stress on Mit. Clear separate essen.
"Lunch" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| das Mittagessen | lunch The midday meal. | The midday meal. |
| zu Mittag essen | to eat lunch Verb phrase. | Verb phrase. |
| Mittagspause | lunch break Work and school. | Work and school. |
| Kantinenessen | canteen lunch Workplace meals. | Workplace meals. |
How to use Mittagessen in real life
- 1At the office
Wann ist dein Mittagessen?
When is your lunch?
Scheduling.
- 2Hungry friend
Ich brauche jetzt Mittagessen.
I need lunch now.
No article needed in some spoken lines.
- 3Family table
Das Mittagessen steht auf dem Tisch.
Lunch is on the table.
Calling people to eat.
Mistakes English speakers make with Mittagessen
Incorrect: Ich esse Lunch um eins.
Correct: Ich esse zu Mittag um eins. / Ich habe um eins Mittagessen.
Use Mittagessen or zu Mittag essen.
Incorrect: der Mittagessen
Correct: das Mittagessen
Neuter: das.
Good to know
In much of Germany Mittagessen is still the bigger hot meal, with Abendessen lighter. Workplaces guard the Mittagspause, and canteen specials change daily.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a lunch spot near the office
ChatPal
Wohin zum Mittagessen?
Where to for lunch?
You
In die Kantine. Das Mittagessen ist heute günstig.
To the canteen. Lunch is cheap today.
ChatPal
Passt. Ich hole uns Plätze.
Works. I'll get us seats.
You
Danke. Ich stehe schon in der Schlange.
Thanks. I'm already in line.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Lunch" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Lunch" in German
How do you say to have lunch?
Zu Mittag essen or Mittagessen essen / haben.
What is Mittagspause?
Lunch break.
What gender is Mittagessen?
Neuter: das Mittagessen.
Is lunch always hot in Germany?
Often yes at home and in canteens, but sandwiches are common too.
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- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
