German word

Mittagessen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɪtaːkˌɛsn̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounlunch

Example

Das Mittagessen ist fertig.

Lunch is ready.

Illustration for Mittagessen (lunch)

More examples

Nach dem Mittagessen gehe ich meist spazieren.

After lunch, I usually go for a walk.

Core concept

A prepared meal set out as the day reaches its midpoint.

Common phrases

  • gemeinsames Mittagessen

    shared lunch

  • zum Mittagessen einladen

    invite ___ to lunch

  • Mittagessen ausfallen lassen

    skip lunch

  • schnelles Mittagessen

    quick lunch

Similar words

Mittag: The time of day around noon.
Lunch: A light midday meal referred to by an English loanword.
Mahlzeit: A general term for a meal.
Abendessen: The main meal eaten in the evening or at night.

Definition in German

Mittagessen ist die Mahlzeit am Mittag, die man zur Mittagszeit isst.

Word origin

Mittagessen combines Mittag, meaning midday, with Essen, the noun formed from essen, creating a compound for the midday meal.

Usage tips

  • Mittagessen is neuter, so the definite article is das, and its plural usually has the same form: die Mittagessen.

Opposites

Related words

  • Mittagspauselunch breaknoun
  • Mittagsmenülunch menunoun

Word lists with this word