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
der Kaffee
coffee
The roasted beans of the coffee plant, either as whole beans or in ground form.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch frischen Kaffee für die Kaffeemaschine kaufen.
I still need to buy fresh coffee for the coffee machine.
der Kaffee
coffee
A social gathering in the afternoon where coffee and cake are typically served.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind am Sonntag bei meinen Eltern zum Kaffee eingeladen.
We are invited to my parents' for coffee on Sunday.
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 is the general term for the beverage and can include various preparation methods. Espresso is a specific type of coffee: strong, concentrated, and prepared under high pressure. If you want exactly this preparation, you order an Espresso.
Kaffee
Im Café bestellt Leon einen großen Kaffee zum Frühstück.
At the café, Leon orders a large coffee for breakfast.
Espresso
Im Café bestellt Leon einen kleinen, starken Espresso zum Frühstück.
At the café, Leon orders a small, strong espresso for breakfast.
In real life
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