01
der Appetit
appetite
The natural desire or urge to eat something.
example
Vom Spaziergang an der frischen Luft habe ich richtig Appetit bekommen.
The walk in the fresh air really gave me an appetite.
der Appetit
appetite
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Use with 'auf'
To express what someone has an appetite for, the preposition 'auf' is used with the accusative. This applies both to the desire for food and to the figurative desire for activities.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe Appetit auf eine große Pizza.
I have an appetite for a large pizza.
Typical verbs
In connection with food, 'Appetit' (appetite) is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'machen' (to make). You can also 'verderben' (spoil) someone's appetite.
EXAMPLE
Der Duft aus der Küche macht mir Appetit.
The smell from the kitchen is giving me an appetite.
Context clue
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is meant from the object. If a food or drink follows, it is about eating. If an activity or an abstract noun follows, the figurative meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Er hatte keinen Appetit auf Streit.
He had no appetite for an argument.
Fixed expression
The exclamation 'Guten Appetit!' (Enjoy your meal!) is a fixed social custom before eating. With it, you wish the others a pleasant meal. A typical response is 'Danke, ebenfalls!' (Thanks, you too!) or 'Danke, gleichfalls!' (Thanks, likewise!).
EXAMPLE
So, das Essen steht auf dem Tisch. Guten Appetit!
Right, the food is on the table. Enjoy your meal!
Compare with
Appetit vs Lust
desire / pleasure
'die Lust' and 'der Appetit' can both express that you want something. The most important difference is the area of use: 'Appetit' is used first of all with food. You have Appetit for pizza, soup, or something sweet. 'Lust' is broader and fits activities, plans, or things that are fun. You have Lust for a walk, for music, or for a meeting. The words can be confused because you can also say 'Appetit auf etwas' (an appetite for something) in a figurative sense. In everyday use, however, 'Lust auf etwas' usually sounds more natural for activities, while 'Appetit' is more precise for food.
Appetit
Wegen der frischen Brötchen haben wir am Morgen sofort Appetit bekommen.
Because of the fresh rolls, we immediately got an appetite in the morning.
Lust
Nach der Arbeit habe ich Lust auf einen kurzen Spaziergang im Park.
After work, I feel like taking a short walk in the park.
In real life
Loading video examples...