meal
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meal
Prepared food eaten at a specific time of day, such as lunch or dinner. The term is often used in a somewhat more formal or elevated context than the word 'Essen' (food/meal).
Die ganze Familie versammelte sich zum festlichen Mahl an Weihnachten.
The whole family gathered for the festive meal at Christmas.
meal
A ceremonial or ritual meal that often has religious or symbolic significance.
Das letzte Abendmahl Jesu mit seinen Jüngern ist ein zentrales Ereignis im Christentum.
Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples is a central event in Christianity.
The word 'Mahl' (meal) is closely related to 'Mahlzeit' (mealtime/meal). The well-known greeting 'Mahlzeit!' which you hear around lunchtime, literally wishes someone a good meal.
Wir wünschen Ihnen eine gesegnete Mahlzeit.
We wish you a blessed meal.
'Mahl' is often used in a more formal or literary context. In normal everyday life, the word 'Essen' (food/meal) or 'Mahlzeit' (meal) is much more common.
Der König lud zu einem opulenten Mahl in seinen Palast ein.
The king invited them to an opulent meal in his palace.
'Mahl' is frequently combined with adjectives that describe the occasion or quality. Typical examples are 'ein festliches Mahl' (a festive meal), 'ein einfaches Mahl' (a simple meal), or 'ein gemeinsames Mahl' (a shared meal).
Nach der Wanderung gab es ein einfaches, aber stärkendes Mahl.
After the hike, there was a simple but fortifying meal.
The ceremonial meaning can often be recognized in compound words such as 'Abendmahl' (Lord's Supper/communion) or 'Henkersmahl' (last meal). Religious or historical contexts also point to this meaning.
Das Passahfest beginnt mit einem rituellen Mahl.
Passover begins with a ritual meal.
time / mark
„Das Mal“ refers here to a point in time or an event in a series. „Das Mahl“, on the other hand, refers to prepared food eaten at a particular time of day and often sounds somewhat elevated. Decide based on whether you mean a repetition or a shared meal.
Wir treffen uns heute zu einem gemeinsamen Mahl in diesem Café.
We are meeting today for a shared meal at this café.
Wir treffen uns heute zum ersten Mal in diesem Café.
We are meeting at this café for the first time today.
