canteen / cafeteria
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canteen / cafeteria
A dining hall in a company, public authority, school, or barracks where employees or members can usually get inexpensive meals.
In der Mittagspause essen wir heute zusammen in der Kantine.
During the lunch break, we're eating together in the cafeteria today.
Pay attention to the difference between 'in der Kantine' (in the cafeteria; dative, location) and 'in die Kantine' (into/to the cafeteria; accusative, direction). This distinction is very important with places.
Wir treffen uns um 12 Uhr in der Kantine.
We're meeting at 12 o'clock in the cafeteria.
Common verbs used with 'Kantine' (canteen/cafeteria) are 'essen' (to eat), 'gehen' (to go), and 'sich treffen' (to meet). People also often talk about 'Essen in der Kantine' (food in the cafeteria) or the 'Kantinenchef' (cafeteria manager/head cook).
Das Essen in der Kantine ist heute besonders gut.
The food in the cafeteria is especially good today.
A 'Kantine' (canteen/cafeteria) is typically not a public restaurant. The word is used specifically for food-service facilities within organizations such as companies, public authorities, or barracks.
Die Mitarbeiter unserer Firma erhalten in der Kantine einen Rabatt.
The employees of our company get a discount in the cafeteria.
casino
Both words can refer to a dining hall in a larger institution. Casino is more likely to mean a dining hall for a specific group, while Kantine generally refers to food service for employees or members. Use Casino for a clearly defined group and Kantine in the usual workplace or school setting.
Die Mitarbeiter aßen mittags in der Kantine des Betriebs.
The employees had lunch in the company cafeteria.
Die Offiziere aßen mittags im Casino der Kaserne.
The officers had lunch in the barracks’ dining hall.
