The branch of the economy concerned with the industrial production, processing, and packaging of food.
example
Die Lebensmittelindustrie steht oft wegen des hohen Zuckergehalts in ihren Produkten in der Kritik.
The food industry is often criticized because of the high sugar content in its products.
Usage tips
Compound word
This long word consists of three parts: 'Leben' (life), 'Mittel' (means/resource), and 'Industrie' (industry). A 'Lebensmittel' is therefore literally a 'means for life,' meaning food.
EXAMPLE
Die Lebensmittelindustrie ist ein wichtiger Wirtschaftszweig in Deutschland.
The food industry is an important sector of the economy in Germany.
Typical collocations
The word is often used in discussions about the economy, health, and the environment. Common combinations are 'Produkte der Lebensmittelindustrie' (products of the food industry), 'Kritik an der Lebensmittelindustrie' (criticism of the food industry), or 'in der Lebensmittelindustrie arbeiten' (to work in the food industry).
EXAMPLE
Viele Produkte der Lebensmittelindustrie enthalten versteckten Zucker.
Many products of the food industry contain hidden sugar.
Word family
The component 'Lebensmittel-' is very productive and forms many other useful words. If you recognize 'Lebensmittel-' (food), you can often work out the meaning of words like 'Lebensmittelgeschäft' (grocery store), 'Lebensmittelkontrolle' (food inspection), or 'Lebensmittelvergiftung' (food poisoning).
EXAMPLE
Die amtliche Lebensmittelkontrolle überprüft regelmäßig die Hygiene in Restaurants.
The official food inspection authority regularly checks hygiene in restaurants.