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A1 interjection #1,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

Guten Appetit!

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, 'Guten Appetit!' is one of the essential social formulas you learn. It is a fixed expression, meaning you don't need to worry about the grammar of the accusative case yet; you just learn it as a single block of sound. It is used to be polite when eating with others. You will hear it in your first textbook dialogues. The most important thing to remember is the response: 'Danke, gleichfalls!' if you are also eating, or just 'Danke' if a waiter says it to you. It's a key part of basic German 'Knigge' (etiquette). You use it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It shows you are friendly and know basic German customs. Even if you can't say much else, saying this at a table will make you look very competent!

At the A2 level, you start to understand why it is 'Guten' and not 'Guter'. You learn that 'der Appetit' is a masculine noun and that this phrase is a shortened version of 'Ich wünsche (dir/Ihnen) einen guten Appetit'. This helps you practice the accusative case for masculine nouns. You also begin to distinguish between 'Guten Appetit' and 'Mahlzeit'. You might notice that in a work environment, people say 'Mahlzeit' as they pass each other in the hallway during lunch hours. You are also introduced to the informal version 'Lass es dir schmecken!', which uses the imperative and the dative 'dir'. This level is about expanding the context and understanding the basic grammatical structure behind the fixed phrase.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Guten Appetit' in various social registers. You understand the cultural significance of the phrase as a 'start signal' for a meal. You might learn about regional variations like 'En Guete' in Switzerland or 'An Guatn' in Bavaria, which adds depth to your listening skills. You also learn how to use the phrase in more complex sentences, such as 'Bevor wir mit dem Essen beginnen, möchte ich allen einen guten Appetit wünschen'. You are aware of the nuances of 'Mahlzeit' and when it might be too informal. Your response 'Danke, gleichfalls' should be automatic, and you can handle situations where you are the host, inviting others to eat with confidence.

At the B2 level, you explore the idiomatic and stylistic uses of the phrase. You might discuss the concept of 'Gemütlichkeit' and how phrases like 'Guten Appetit' contribute to the German dining culture. You can explain the difference between 'Guten Appetit' and 'Lassen Sie es sich schmecken' in terms of formality and intent. You also learn about the history of the word 'Appetit' and its French origins. You can use the phrase ironically or in literature to set a scene. Your understanding of the social 'choreography' of a German meal—waiting for the host to speak, the eye contact during the wish—is now part of your sociolinguistic competence. You can also handle more complex table talk beyond the initial greeting.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of the pragmatics of 'Guten Appetit'. You can analyze how the phrase functions as a speech act. You might notice subtle shifts in usage in modern, urban Germany where traditional mealtime rituals are changing. You are aware of the 'Mahlzeit' phenomenon in corporate culture as a multi-functional greeting that goes beyond food. You can discuss the etymology of the phrase in depth and compare it with other European languages. You are sensitive to the 'register' of different mealtime wishes and can adapt your language perfectly to the social environment, whether it's a high-stakes business dinner or a casual 'Stammtisch' gathering. Your use of the phrase is indistinguishable from a native speaker's.

At the C2 level, you possess a total mastery of the phrase and its cultural implications. You can appreciate literary uses of 'Guten Appetit' where it might be used to signal class, character, or irony. You can engage in scholarly discussions about the evolution of German table manners and the role of language in shaping social behavior. You understand the psychological aspect of the phrase—how it prepares the body for digestion through social ritual. You are familiar with archaic versions like 'gesegnete Mahlzeit' and can use them for stylistic effect. Your command of the language allows you to play with the phrase, create puns, or use it in complex rhetorical structures while maintaining perfect cultural authenticity.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Guten Appetit! en 30 secondes

Standard German mealtime greeting used to wish others a good meal.
Grammatically masculine accusative, shortened from 'Ich wünsche einen guten Appetit'.
Acts as a social 'start signal' for everyone at the table to begin eating.
Commonly answered with 'Danke, gleichfalls!' (Thanks, likewise!) among diners.

The phrase Guten Appetit! is the quintessential German mealtime greeting, functioning as a polite wish for others to enjoy their food. Linguistically, it is a shortened version of the sentence 'Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Appetit' (I wish you a good appetite). In the German language, the word Appetit is a masculine noun, and because it serves as the direct object of the implied verb 'wünschen', it takes the accusative case, resulting in the adjective ending -en on gut.

Literal Translation: Good appetite!
Pragmatic Equivalent: Enjoy your meal / Bon appétit.

In German culture, eating is often a communal and structured activity. Saying 'Guten Appetit!' is not just a polite suggestion; it is frequently the social signal that everyone may begin eating. It is considered somewhat impolite to start your meal before this phrase has been uttered, especially in formal or family settings. It bridges the gap between the preparation of the food and the act of consumption, acknowledging the effort of the cook and the shared experience of the diners.

Alle sitzen am Tisch. Der Vater sagt: Guten Appetit! und alle fangen an zu essen.

The term 'Appetit' itself entered the German language in the 15th century from the French 'appétit', which in turn stems from the Latin 'appetitus' (desire for). Thus, the phrase carries a historical weight of wishing someone that their physical desire for the food is met with satisfaction. Unlike the English 'Enjoy!', which is a verb, the German version focuses on the state of the diner's appetite.

Kellner: Guten Appetit! Gast: Danke gleichfalls!

Social Function: Acts as a 'start signal' for the meal.

Furthermore, the response to this phrase is almost always 'Danke, gleichfalls!' (Thanks, likewise!) or 'Danke, ebenfalls!' if the person wishing you a good meal is also about to eat. If a waiter says it, a simple 'Danke' or 'Vielen Dank' is sufficient. This exchange reinforces the social bond between the participants of the meal.

Wir wünschen euch allen einen guten Appetit!

Using Guten Appetit! correctly involves understanding both the timing and the social hierarchy of the table. In most German households, you wait until the host or the person who cooked the meal says it. Once said, it is common for everyone at the table to repeat it to one another or respond with 'Danke, gleichfalls'.

Formal Context: In business lunches, wait for the highest-ranking person or the host to initiate the phrase.

In a restaurant setting, the waiter will almost certainly say 'Guten Appetit!' as they place the last plate on the table. In this case, you should respond with a polite 'Danke'. It is not necessary to say 'gleichfalls' to the waiter unless they are also sitting down to eat, which is rare. If you are eating in a 'Mensa' (university cafeteria) or a 'Kantine' (workplace cafeteria), it is polite to say 'Guten Appetit' to the people sitting at your table, even if you don't know them personally.

Bevor wir essen, sagen wir immer Guten Appetit!.

Grammatically, remember that 'Appetit' is masculine. If you want to expand the phrase, you might say 'Ich wünsche einen guten Appetit'. Note the accusative 'einen' and 'guten'. However, the short form is much more common. In Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, you might encounter variations like 'Mahlzeit' or 'An Guatn', but 'Guten Appetit' remains the standard high German form understood everywhere.

Das Essen sieht lecker aus. Guten Appetit!

Common Variation: 'Lass es dir schmecken!' (Enjoy it! - informal/singular); 'Lassen Sie es sich schmecken!' (Enjoy it! - formal)

When you are the cook, saying 'Guten Appetit' is your way of inviting your guests to enjoy what you have prepared. It signals that you are finished serving and are ready for the enjoyment to begin. If you are a guest, saying it shows your readiness to appreciate the meal and your respect for the social ritual.

Mama, darf ich anfangen? - Ja, Guten Appetit!

You will hear Guten Appetit! in almost every setting where food is consumed in the German-speaking world. From the most elegant five-star restaurants in Berlin to a simple family dinner in a rural village, the phrase is ubiquitous. It is one of the first phrases a child learns and one of the most frequently used by adults.

The Family Table: Used daily before lunch and dinner.

In the workplace, the phrase takes on a slightly different role. Around 12:00 PM, as colleagues head to the cafeteria, you will hear 'Mahlzeit!' or 'Guten Appetit!' echoing through the hallways. Even if you are not eating with someone, if you pass them while they are eating at their desk, it is polite to offer a quick 'Guten Appetit'. They will likely respond with a muffled 'Danke' through a mouthful of sandwich.

In der Kantine sagen alle Kollegen Guten Appetit! zueinander.

On television, cooking shows always end with the host presenting the final dish and saying 'Guten Appetit!' to the viewers. In movies, a shared meal scene almost always includes this phrase to establish a sense of normalcy or to mark the start of a conversation. It is a linguistic anchor for the act of dining.

Der Koch kommt an den Tisch und wünscht einen guten Appetit.

Public Spaces: Train stations, picnic areas, and street food stalls.

Even in very informal settings, like buying a 'Currywurst' at a snack stand (Imbiss), the vendor might say 'Guten Appetit' as they hand you the tray. It is a versatile phrase that bridges all social classes. It reflects the German value of 'Gemütlichkeit' (coziness/social comfort), suggesting that even a quick meal should be enjoyed.

Ich habe Hunger! - Dann Guten Appetit!

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is simply saying 'Genießen Sie!' (Enjoy!). While 'genießen' means 'to enjoy', using it as a standalone command at the start of a meal sounds unnatural and overly literal. In German, you enjoy the meal (das Essen genießen), but the ritualistic wish is always Guten Appetit!.

Grammar Trap: Using 'Gute Appetit' (nominative/feminine) instead of 'Guten Appetit' (accusative masculine).

Another mistake is the response. English speakers often say 'Du auch' (You too). While understandable, the idiomatic response is 'Gleichfalls' or 'Ebenfalls'. 'Du auch' sounds a bit too blunt and lacks the polished politeness expected in this specific social exchange. Also, be careful not to say 'Guten Appetit' *after* the meal is finished; that would be quite confusing!

Falsch: Gute Appetit! (Incorrect ending)

Waiters sometimes hear tourists say 'Guten Appetit' to them. While the waiter appreciates the sentiment, they aren't eating, so 'Danke' is the correct response for the guest to give. If you say 'Guten Appetit' to a waiter, they might look at you funny because they are working, not dining. Similarly, don't confuse 'Guten Appetit' with 'Prost' (Cheers). 'Prost' is only for drinks, and 'Guten Appetit' is only for food.

Falsch: Genießen Sie! (Too literal translation of 'Enjoy!')

Pronunciation Error: Putting the stress on 'App' instead of 'tit'. It's Appe-TIT.

Lastly, avoid using 'Mahlzeit' in very formal evening dinners. While 'Mahlzeit' is a common greeting around lunchtime in offices, 'Guten Appetit' is the safer, more elegant choice for a dinner party or a formal event. Using the wrong one can slightly misalign the 'register' or tone of the evening.

Richtig: Guten Appetit! - Danke, gleichfalls!

While Guten Appetit! is the standard, there are several related terms and phrases that cover similar ground or are used in specific regional or social contexts. Understanding these will help you navigate different dining situations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Mahlzeit: Literally 'mealtime'. Used as a greeting in offices between 11 AM and 2 PM, and also as a wish before eating. It is more casual than 'Guten Appetit'.
Lass es dir schmecken: 'Let it taste good to you'. A very common informal alternative used with friends and family.

In Switzerland, the most common phrase is 'En Guete!', which is Swiss German for 'Einen Guten'. It is used exactly like 'Guten Appetit'. In Bavaria and Austria, you might hear 'An Guatn!', which is the regional dialect version. These variations all serve the same social purpose but signal regional identity.

In der Schweiz sagt man oft En Guete! vor dem Essen.

Another related phrase is 'Prost!' or 'Zum Wohl!', though these are strictly for drinking. It is important to distinguish between the two: you say 'Guten Appetit' when the food arrives and 'Prost' when the glasses are raised. If you are at a dinner where both food and wine are served, you will likely use both phrases within a few minutes of each other.

Kollege A: Mahlzeit! Kollege B: Mahlzeit!

Schmeckt's?: 'Does it taste good?' Asked during the meal to check if the person is enjoying the food.

Finally, there is the formal 'Ich wünsche Ihnen einen gesegneten Appetit' (I wish you a blessed appetite), which is rare today and mostly used in religious or very traditional circles. For the modern learner, sticking to 'Guten Appetit' is the most reliable and versatile strategy.

Essen ist fertig! Lass es dir schmecken!

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Argot

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

Guten Appetit!

Enjoy your meal!

Fixed expression.

Danke, gleichfalls!

Thanks, likewise!

Standard response.

Das Essen ist fertig. Guten Appetit!

The food is ready. Enjoy!

Used after announcing food is ready.

Guten Appetit, Kinder!

Enjoy your meal, children!

Addressing a group.

Hier ist Ihre Pizza. Guten Appetit!

Here is your pizza. Enjoy!

Service industry context.

Ich habe Hunger. - Guten Appetit!

I'm hungry. - Enjoy your meal!

Response to hunger.

Mama sagt: Guten Appetit!

Mom says: Enjoy your meal!

Reporting speech.

Wir essen jetzt. Guten Appetit!

We are eating now. Enjoy!

Marking the start of the meal.

Ich wünsche euch einen guten Appetit!

I wish you all a good appetite!

Full sentence with accusative.

Lass es dir schmecken!

Enjoy it! (informal)

Informal alternative.

In der Kantine sagen wir 'Mahlzeit'.

In the cafeteria, we say 'Mahlzeit'.

Cultural context.

Hat es dir geschmeckt? - Ja, sehr!

Did it taste good? - Yes, very!

Past tense check.

Einen guten Appetit wünsche ich Ihnen.

I wish you a good appetite (formal).

Formal word order.

Wir wünschen allen Gästen einen guten Appetit.

We wish all guests a good appetite.

Plural dative 'Gästen'.

Guten Appetit! - Danke, ebenfalls!

Enjoy! - Thanks, likewise!

Alternative response 'ebenfalls'.

Sagt man in Deutschland immer 'Guten Appetit'?

Does one always say 'Guten Appetit' in Germany?

Question with 'man'.

Bevor wir anfangen, wünsche ich allen einen guten Appetit.

Before we begin, I wish everyone a good appetite.

Subordinate clause with 'bevor'.

Es gehört zum guten Ton, 'Guten Appetit' zu sagen.

It is good manners to say 'Guten Appetit'.

Idiom 'zum guten Ton gehören'.

Lassen Sie es sich schmecken, Herr Müller.

Enjoy your meal, Mr. Müller.

Formal imperative with reflexive 'sich'.

In Bayern hört man oft 'An Guatn!'.

In Bavaria, one often hears 'An Guatn!'.

Regional dialect.

Der Kellner wünschte uns einen guten Appetit und verschwand.

The waiter wished us a good appetite and disappeared.

Präteritum (simple past).

Ich hoffe, Sie haben einen guten Appetit mitgebracht.

I hope you brought a good appetite with you.

Perfect tense with 'mitgebracht'.

Man sollte nicht anfangen zu essen, bevor 'Guten Appetit' gesagt wurde.

One should not start eating before 'Guten Appetit' was said.

Passive voice.

Guten Appetit! Genießt das tolle Wetter und das Essen.

Enjoy! Enjoy the great weather and the food.

Imperative plural 'genießt'.

Ein herzliches Willkommen und einen guten Appetit an alle!

A warm welcome and a good appetite to everyone!

Nominalized adjective 'Willkommen'.

Trotz des Regens wünsche ich uns einen guten Appetit beim Picknick.

Despite the rain, I wish us a good appetite at the picnic.

Genitive preposition 'trotz'.

Es ist eine schöne Tradition, sich gegenseitig einen guten Appetit zu wünschen.

It is a nice tradition to wish each other a good appetite.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Ohne einen guten Appetit macht das beste Essen keinen Spaß.

Without a good appetite, the best food is no fun.

Preposition 'ohne' with accusative.

Nachdem alle Platz genommen hatten, sagte der Gastgeber: 'Guten Appetit!'.

After everyone had taken their seats, the host said: 'Enjoy!'.

Plusquamperfekt with 'nachdem'.

Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Appetit und anregende Gespräche.

I wish you a good appetite and stimulating conversations.

Coordinated objects in accusative.

Der Begriff 'Appetit' stammt ursprünglich aus dem Französischen.

The term 'Appetit' originally comes from French.

Etymological explanation.

Obwohl er keinen Hunger hatte, wünschte er den anderen einen guten Appetit.

Although he wasn't hungry, he wished the others a good appetite.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Die Floskel 'Guten Appetit' dient primär der sozialen Kohäsion am Tisch.

The formula 'Guten Appetit' primarily serves social cohesion at the table.

Academic register.

In gehobenen Kreisen wird 'Guten Appetit' bisweilen durch dezentere Gesten ersetzt.

In upper-class circles, 'Guten Appetit' is sometimes replaced by more subtle gestures.

Passive with 'wird... ersetzt'.

Man kann den kulturellen Stellenwert des gemeinsamen Essens kaum überschätzen.

One can hardly overestimate the cultural significance of eating together.

Modal verb with negation.

Ein fehlender Appetit kann durchaus als Indikator für Unwohlsein gewertet werden.

A lack of appetite can certainly be seen as an indicator of malaise.

Complex passive construction.

Mit den Worten 'Guten Appetit' eröffnete sie feierlich das Buffet.

With the words 'Guten Appetit', she ceremoniously opened the buffet.

Prepositional phrase 'Mit den Worten'.

Die Etikette schreibt vor, dass der Gastgeber den Appetitwunsch initiiert.

Etiquette dictates that the host initiates the wish for a good appetite.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

Es wäre unhöflich, die Mahlzeit ohne den obligatorischen Wunsch zu beginnen.

It would be impolite to begin the meal without the mandatory wish.

Konjunktiv II (conditional).

Die sprachliche Varianz von 'Guten Appetit' spiegelt die regionale Vielfalt wider.

The linguistic variance of 'Guten Appetit' reflects regional diversity.

Separable verb 'widerspiegeln'.

Die rituelle Einleitung der Nahrungsaufnahme durch 'Guten Appetit' ist tief verwurzelt.

The ritual initiation of food intake via 'Guten Appetit' is deeply rooted.

Nominal style.

In der Literatur fungiert der Wunsch oft als Zäsur zwischen Vorbereitung und Handlung.

In literature, the wish often functions as a caesura between preparation and action.

Literary analysis terminology.

Manch einer mag die Formel als bloße Konvention abtun, doch sie stiftet Gemeinschaft.

Some may dismiss the formula as mere convention, yet it creates community.

Subjunctive 'mag' and 'doch' contrast.

Die semantische Entleerung von 'Mahlzeit' im Büroalltag ist ein interessantes Phänomen.

The semantic bleaching of 'Mahlzeit' in everyday office life is an interesting phenomenon.

Linguistic terminology 'semantische Entleerung'.

Einem Gast den Appetit zu verderben, gilt als grober Verstoß gegen die Gastfreundschaft.

To spoil a guest's appetite is considered a gross violation of hospitality.

Infinitive clause as subject.

Die feinen Nuancen zwischen 'Guten Appetit' und 'Mahlzeit' offenbaren soziale Schichten.

The fine nuances between 'Guten Appetit' and 'Mahlzeit' reveal social strata.

Plural subject and verb.

Ungeachtet der Modernisierung bleibt der Wunsch vor dem Essen eine Konstante.

Regardless of modernization, the wish before eating remains a constant.

Genitive preposition 'ungeachtet'.

Sollte der Appetit ausbleiben, so ist dies oft ein Zeichen seelischer Belastung.

Should the appetite fail to appear, it is often a sign of psychological stress.

Inverted conditional clause.

Collocations courantes

einen guten Appetit wünschen

einen gesunden Appetit haben

den Appetit anregen

den Appetit verderben

Appetit auf etwas haben

keinen Appetit haben

mit großem Appetit essen

Appetit bekommen

den Appetit zügeln

Appetitlosigkeit verspüren

Phrases Courantes

Guten Appetit allerseits!

Ich wünsche einen guten Appetit.

Guten Appetit und Prost!

Danke, gleichfalls!

Danke, ebenfalls!

Danke, dir auch!

Lass es dir schmecken!

Guten Appetit zusammen!

Einen guten!

Guten Appetit, mein Schatz!

Souvent confondu avec

Guten Appetit! vs Prost (for drinks)

Guten Appetit! vs Mahlzeit (for lunch/greeting)

Guten Appetit! vs Genießen (verb)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

Guten Appetit! vs Mahlzeit

Used specifically around lunch and as a greeting.

Guten Appetit! vs Prost

Used for toasting with alcohol.

Guten Appetit! vs Gute Reise

Used for wishing a good trip.

Guten Appetit! vs Viel Glück

Used for wishing good luck.

Guten Appetit! vs Viel Spaß

Used for wishing a good time.

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

waiter

Waiters say it to guests; guests say 'Danke'.

friends

Friends say it to each other; response is 'Gleichfalls'.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'Gute Appetit' (missing the 'n').
Saying 'Du auch' instead of 'Gleichfalls'.
Saying 'Guten Appetit' for a drink (use 'Prost').
Starting to eat before the phrase is said in a group.
Translating 'Enjoy!' literally as 'Genießen Sie!'.

Astuces

Wait for the host

Always wait for the host to initiate the greeting before eating.

Accusative Case

Remember the -en ending on 'Guten' for the masculine noun.

Stress the end

Put the emphasis on the 'tit' in Appetit.

Response

Use 'Gleichfalls' to be extra polite to your dining partners.

Mahlzeit

Use 'Mahlzeit' in the office during lunch hours.

Short version

Among close friends, 'Guten!' is perfectly fine.

Waiters

Don't say 'gleichfalls' to a waiter unless they are eating too.

Business

In business, wait for the senior person to say it.

Dialects

Be ready to hear 'An Guatn' in Munich or Vienna.

Genießen

Use 'Genießen Sie Ihr Essen' only in very formal writing.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Latin/French

Contexte culturel

Swiss: En Guete; Bavarian: An Guatn.

Wait for the host to say it first.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Was essen wir heute? Guten Appetit!"

"Das riecht aber gut! Guten Appetit!"

"Hast du Hunger? Guten Appetit!"

"Wer möchte anfangen? Guten Appetit!"

"Guten Appetit! Was hast du da Leckeres?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe your favorite meal and who you say 'Guten Appetit' to.

How do people in your country wish each other a good meal compared to Germany?

Write a dialogue between a waiter and a guest.

What happens if someone forgets to say 'Guten Appetit'?

Explain the word 'Mahlzeit' to a friend.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Just before you take the first bite of your meal.

You don't need to say it, but some people say it to themselves mentally!

Yes, but it's more common for a proper meal.

Almost, but 'Mahlzeit' is more casual and often used as a greeting.

Just say 'Danke' or 'Vielen Dank'.

It is always 'Guten' because 'Appetit' is masculine accusative.

They usually say 'En Guete!', but they understand 'Guten Appetit'.

No, that would be very strange. It's only for the start.

It's neutral and can be used in both settings.

In formal settings, yes. It's polite.