der Esser
eater
A person characterized by their specific eating habits.
EXAMPLE
Mein Sohn ist ein sehr wählerischer Esser und mag kaum Gemüse.
My son is a very picky eater and hardly likes any vegetables.
der Esser
eater
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Meanings
der Esser
diner
A person who is currently eating or taking part in a meal.
EXAMPLE
Am Nebentisch saßen vier Esser, die sich angeregt unterhielten.
At the next table sat four diners who were chatting animatedly.
Usage tips
Word formation
The word 'Esser' (eater) is derived directly from the verb 'essen' (to eat). The ending '-er' is often used in German to form a masculine person from a verb who performs that activity.
EXAMPLE
Wer viel Sport treibt, ist oft auch ein guter Esser.
Someone who does a lot of sports is often also a good eater.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'Person mit Essgewohnheiten' (person with eating habits), 'Esser' (eater) is almost always combined with an adjective. Typical examples are 'ein guter/schlechter Esser' (a good/bad eater), 'ein schneller/langsamer Esser' (a fast/slow eater), or 'ein wählerischer Esser' (a picky eater).
EXAMPLE
Als Kind war ich ein sehr schlechter Esser.
As a child, I was a very bad eater.
Context clue
An adjective that describes a general habit, e.g. 'wählerisch' (picky) or 'gut' (good), points to the first meaning. If a person is described eating in a specific situation, often with a number, the second meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein sehr unkomplizierter Esser.
He is a very easygoing eater.
In real life
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