German word

Lebensmittel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈleːbn̩sˌmɪtl̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounfood

Example

Die Lebensmittel im Kühlschrank sind nicht frisch.

The food in the refrigerator isn't fresh.

Illustration for Lebensmittel (food)

More examples

Ich muss morgen Lebensmittel einkaufen.

I have to buy groceries tomorrow.

Core concept

A kitchen shelf stocked with packaged goods, fresh produce, and drinks for eating or drinking.

Common phrases

  • Lebensmittel einkaufen

    buy groceries

  • frische Lebensmittel

    fresh groceries

  • Lebensmittel im Angebot

    groceries on sale

Similar words

Nahrungsmittel: Food produced and distributed for human consumption.
Essen: A prepared dish or a serving of food eaten as a meal.
Zutaten: Individual items used to prepare a dish.

Definition in German

Lebensmittel sind Nahrungsmittel und Getränke, die zum Verzehr dienen.

Word origin

The compound Lebensmittel joins Leben and Mittel and developed as a term for substances and goods needed to sustain life, especially food and drink.

Usage tips

  • German uses Lebensmittel for food as a category or store goods, while Essen more often refers to a meal or the act of eating.

Other meanings

  • groceriesnoun

Related words

  • Lebensmittelgeschäftgrocery storenoun
  • Lebensmittelqualitätfood qualitynoun
  • Lebensmittelvorratfood suppliesnoun

Word lists with this word