German word

Abendessen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaːbn̩tˌɛsn̩/

Meaning

  • neuter noundinner

Example

Ich bereite heute das Abendessen vor.

I'm preparing dinner today.

Illustration for Abendessen (dinner)

More examples

Ich habe einen Tisch fürs Abendessen reserviert.

I reserved a table for dinner.

Core concept

Plates, conversation, and a shared meal around an evening table.

Common phrases

  • Abendessen servieren

    serve dinner

  • einen Tisch fürs Abendessen reservieren

    reserve a table for dinner

  • zum Abendessen kommen

    come for dinner

Similar words

Essen: Food in general or a meal eaten at any time.
Mahlzeit: One serving or occasion of eating food.
Abendbrot: A light evening meal centered on bread and cold dishes.
Dinner: A somewhat formal evening meal, sometimes held for a special occasion.

Definition in German

Eine Mahlzeit, die am Abend gegessen wird.

Word origin

The compound Abendessen joins Abend, 'evening', with Essen, 'food' or 'eating', identifying a meal by the time when it occurs.

Usage tips

  • The phrase zu Abend essen describes eating dinner, with Abend capitalized because it remains a noun.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word