German word

Messe

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɛsə/

Meaning

  • feminine nountrade fair

Example

In dieser Stadt finden viele Messen statt.

Many trade fairs take place in this city.

Illustration for Messe (trade fair)

More examples

Ich habe für nächste Woche einen Termin auf der Messe vereinbart.

I have arranged an appointment at the trade fair for next week.

Core concept

A large organized gathering where people meet around products, services, or shared worship.

Common phrases

  • eine Messe besuchen

    visit a trade fair

  • auf der Messe ausstellen

    exhibit at the trade fair

  • Termine auf der Messe vereinbaren

    arrange appointments at the trade fair

Similar words

Fachmesse: A specialized trade fair for companies in a particular industry.
Ausstellung: An exhibition where works or products are displayed for visitors to view.
Flohmarkt: A market selling used goods and miscellaneous items, often by individuals.

Definition in German

Fach- oder Handelsveranstaltung, bei der Anbieter an Ständen Waren und Dienstleistungen präsentieren und Geschäftskontakte knüpfen; außerdem kirchlicher Gottesdienst.

Word origin

Messe comes through Middle High German messe from Latin missa, originally referring to a Christian mass; fairs held around church feasts gave it the trade-fair sense.

Usage tips

  • Messe is feminine, with the plural Messen, and context distinguishes a trade fair from a church mass.

Other meanings

  • exhibitionnoun
  • massnoun

Related words

  • Messegeländetrade fair groundsnoun
  • Messeleitungtrade fair managementnoun

Word lists with this word