das Mittagessen
lunch
The meal eaten in the middle of the day, usually between 12 and 2 p.m.
EXAMPLE
Heute gibt es zum Mittagessen Nudeln mit Tomatensoße.
Today we're having pasta with tomato sauce for lunch.
das Mittagessen
lunch
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is clearly made up of 'der Mittag' (midday/noon) and 'das Essen' (food/meal). The 's' in between is a linking sound that connects the two words. Literally, it therefore means 'das Essen am Mittag' (the meal at midday).
EXAMPLE
Das Mittagessen ist heute leider ausgefallen.
Unfortunately, lunch was canceled today.
The preposition 'zum'
To express purpose or occasion, the preposition 'zum' (zu dem) is almost always used. You go 'zum Mittagessen' (to lunch) or invite someone 'zum Mittagessen' (to lunch).
EXAMPLE
Treffen wir uns um 13 Uhr zum Mittagessen in der Kantine?
Shall we meet at 1 p.m. for lunch in the cafeteria?
Typical verbs
Common verbs used in connection with 'Mittagessen' (lunch) are: 'kochen' (to cook), 'zubereiten' (to prepare), 'essen' (to eat), or 'haben' (to have). People also often ask: 'Was gibt es zum Mittagessen?' (What's for lunch?).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen noch das Mittagessen für morgen vorbereiten.
We still have to prepare lunch for tomorrow.
Compare with
Mittagessen vs Mittag
noon / lunch
Mittag and Mittagessen can both refer to the meal in the middle of the day. With Mittag, this meaning often only becomes clear from a phrase such as „zu Mittag“. Mittagessen names the meal directly and is therefore unambiguous even without such context.
Mittagessen
Heute gibt es zum Mittagessen eine warme Suppe.
Today we’re having hot soup for lunch.
Mittag
Heute gibt es zu Mittag eine warme Suppe.
Today we’re having hot soup for lunch.
In real life
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