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.
restaurant
'Restaurant' and 'Kantine' are both places where you can eat. A restaurant is open to guests who choose to eat there and order from a menu. A 'Kantine' usually belongs to a school, company, or public authority. It is mainly intended for the people who work or study there, and the food is often simpler and cheaper. Learners may confuse the words because you can get a meal in both places. If the place belongs to a workplace, school, or institution, you normally say 'Kantine'. For a public dining establishment, you say 'Restaurant'.
Die Gruppe isst mittags in der Kantine der Schule.
The group eats lunch in the school cafeteria.
In der Altstadt ist sie gestern in einem italienischen Restaurant gewesen.
Yesterday she went to an Italian restaurant in the old town.