das Abendessen
dinner
The meal eaten in the evening. Depending on the region and habit, this can be a hot or cold meal.
EXAMPLE
Was gibt es heute zum Abendessen? Ich habe großen Hunger.
What's for dinner today? I'm really hungry.
das Abendessen
dinner
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Meanings
das Abendessen
dinner
A social event where people eat together in the evening, often for a special occasion such as a celebration or the closing of a business deal.
EXAMPLE
Der Firmenchef hat die gesamte Abteilung zu einem festlichen Abendessen eingeladen.
The company boss invited the entire department to a festive dinner.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is simply composed of 'der Abend' (the evening) and 'das Essen' (the food/meal). The gender is determined by the second word, 'das Essen', so it is 'das Abendessen' (the dinner).
EXAMPLE
Das Abendessen ist die letzte Mahlzeit des Tages.
Dinner is the last meal of the day.
Typical preposition
'Abendessen' (dinner) is very often used with the preposition 'zu' in the form 'zum'. This expresses the purpose or the meal being referred to.
EXAMPLE
Was möchtest du zum Abendessen?
What would you like for dinner?
Typical verbs
Typical verbs used with the meal are 'das Abendessen kochen' (to cook dinner), 'zubereiten' (to prepare), or 'machen' (to make).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss jetzt nach Hause gehen und das Abendessen kochen.
I have to go home now and cook dinner.
Context clue
Whether the meal or a social event is meant is often revealed by the accompanying words. Adjectives like 'festlich' (festive) or verbs like 'einladen' (to invite) point to a special event.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma gibt ein offizielles Abendessen für die neuen Partner.
The company is hosting an official dinner for the new partners.
Compare with
Abendessen vs Dinner
dinner
Abendessen and Dinner can both refer to a shared evening meal. Abendessen is neutral and also fits everyday situations, while Dinner points more strongly to a festive, formal, or social setting. Dinner is therefore appropriate for a special invitation, although Abendessen would not be wrong.
Abendessen
Zum Abendessen treffen wir uns heute mit Freunden in unserem Lieblingsrestaurant.
Today, we are meeting friends for dinner at our favorite restaurant.
Dinner
Zum Dinner treffen wir uns heute mit wichtigen Gästen in einem festlichen Restaurant.
Today, we are meeting important guests for dinner at a festive restaurant.
In real life
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