Germans call lunch das Mittagessen.
This term directly translates to "midday meal" or "midday food," reflecting its position in the daily eating schedule.
Understanding das Mittagessen
The word das Mittagessen is a compound noun formed from:
- Mittag: meaning midday or noon.
- Essen: meaning food or meal, and also the verb to eat.
Therefore, das Mittagessen literally means "the midday meal," perfectly aligning with the concept of lunch. In German culture, Mittagessen is traditionally the main and often warmest meal of the day, though modern habits can vary.
German Mealtime Vocabulary
Understanding the full spectrum of German mealtime vocabulary can provide further clarity. Here are the common terms for daily meals:
| German Term | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| das Frühstück | dahs FROO-shtuhk | the breakfast |
| das Mittagessen | dahs mee-TAHG-eh-sehn | the lunch |
| das Abendbrot | dahs AH-behnd-broht | the dinner, the last meal |
| das Abendessen | dahs AH-behnd-eh-sehn | the dinner |
Key Takeaways
- The primary term for lunch in German is das Mittagessen.
- It combines Mittag (midday) and Essen (meal/food).
- While das Mittagessen is universally understood as lunch, some regional or traditional variations in meal customs might exist, but the core vocabulary remains consistent.
