01
der Kaffee
coffee
A hot, usually dark and stimulating drink prepared from roasted and ground coffee beans.
example
Morgens trinke ich als Erstes einen starken Kaffee.
In the morning, the first thing I drink is a strong coffee.
der Kaffee
coffee
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Kaffee' (coffee) from the context. Verbs like 'trinken' (to drink) or 'kochen' (to make/brew) refer to the drink. Verbs like 'kaufen' (to buy) or 'mahlen' (to grind) point to the beans or the powder. An invitation 'zum Kaffee' (for coffee) means a social gathering.
EXAMPLE
Ich koche uns schnell einen Kaffee.
I'll quickly make us a coffee.
Social gathering
The phrase 'zum Kaffee' (for coffee) describes a typical German tradition: a social gathering in the afternoon, often with cake. You can 'zum Kaffee einladen' (invite someone for coffee) or 'zu jemandem zum Kaffee gehen' (go to someone's place for coffee).
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntag gehen wir zu Oma zum Kaffee und Kuchen.
On Sunday, we're going to Grandma's for coffee and cake.
Typical collocations
When 'Kaffee' (coffee) refers to the drink, it is often used with the verbs 'trinken' (to drink), 'kochen' (to make/brew), or 'machen' (to make). A typical order is 'eine Tasse Kaffee' (a cup of coffee).
EXAMPLE
Möchtest du eine Tasse Kaffee trinken?
Would you like to drink a cup of coffee?
Compare with
Kaffee vs Espresso
espresso
'Kaffee' and 'Espresso' both refer to a drink made from coffee beans. 'Kaffee' is the general name and can mean many kinds, for example filter coffee or coffee with milk. 'Espresso' is a specific kind of coffee: small, strong, and concentrated. Learners may confuse the words because espresso is also coffee. But not every coffee is an espresso. If you are talking about the drink in general, 'Kaffee' fits. If you mean the small, strong version, you say 'Espresso'.
Kaffee
Nach dem Mittagessen trinkt Lena gern einen Kaffee.
After lunch, Lena likes to have a coffee.
Espresso
Vor der langen Autofahrt bestellte Max noch einen Espresso.
Before the long drive, Max ordered another espresso.
In real life
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