01
die Mahlzeit
meal
Food eaten at a particular time of day, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
example
Das Abendessen ist für uns die wichtigste Mahlzeit des Tages.
Dinner is the most important meal of the day for us.
die Mahlzeit
meal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Mahl' (an old word for meal/food) and 'Zeit' (time). So it literally means the food eaten at a particular time.
EXAMPLE
Die Familie isst drei Mahlzeiten am Tag gemeinsam.
The family eats three meals a day together.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Mahlzeit' (meal) are 'eine Mahlzeit zubereiten' (to prepare/cook a meal), 'eine Mahlzeit einnehmen' (to eat/have a meal), or 'eine Mahlzeit auslassen' (to skip a meal).
EXAMPLE
Sportler sollten nach dem Training eine proteinreiche Mahlzeit zu sich nehmen.
Athletes should have a protein-rich meal after training.
Lunchtime greeting
As a standalone exclamation, 'Mahlzeit!' is a typical greeting around lunchtime, especially among colleagues at work. With it, people wish each other a good appetite or greet each other on the way to lunch break.
EXAMPLE
Ich gehe jetzt in die Kantine. – Mahlzeit!
I'm going to the cafeteria now. – Enjoy your meal!
Compare with
Mahlzeit vs Essen
food / meal / eating
'das Essen' and 'die Mahlzeit' can both refer to a situation in which people eat. 'Essen' is very flexible in everyday language: it can mean the food itself or a meal. 'Mahlzeit' places more emphasis on a set mealtime, for example breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It sounds a little more factual or organized than 'Essen'. The words can be confused because at a meal, you get food. If you are talking about the actual food, 'Essen' fits better. If you are talking about the regular mealtime, 'Mahlzeit' is more precise.
Mahlzeit
Die Familie plant am Wochenende eine gemeinsame Mahlzeit.
The family is planning a meal together on the weekend.
Essen
Ich habe das Essen für die Familie schon gekocht.
I have already cooked the food for the family.
In real life
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