German Conversation · Level 7
88 words
German word
Mahlzeit
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈmaːltsaɪ̯t/
Meaning
- feminine nounmeal
Example
Die Mahlzeit beginnt um zwölf Uhr.
The meal begins at noon.
More examples
Die ganze Familie nahm an der Mahlzeit teil.
The whole family took part in the meal.
Core concept
The shared pause when people gather to eat, also marked by a short midday salutation.
Common phrases
eine warme Mahlzeit
a hot meal
an der Mahlzeit teilnehmen
take part in the meal
eine gemeinsame Mahlzeit planen
plan a shared meal
Similar words
Essen: Food or eating in a general, everyday sense.
Mittagspause: The midday rest period during work or school.
Mittagessen: A meal typically eaten at noon.
Definition in German
Mahlzeit ist ein Substantiv, das sowohl ein Essen als auch als Ausruf zur Begrüßung zur Mittagszeit gebraucht wird.
Word origin
The compound Mahlzeit originally referred to the time set aside for eating, while its standalone interjection developed as a greeting or wish around mealtime.
Usage tips
- Mahlzeit! is mainly used around midday, so Guten Tag remains the usual choice for a general daytime greeting.
Other meanings
- good afternooninterjection
- Enjoy your mealinterjection
Opposites
- Fastenfastingnoun
- Hungerhungernoun
Related words
- Mahlzeitenangebotmeal provisionnoun
- Mahlzeitendienstmeal delivery servicenoun