In 15 Seconds
- Saving uneaten food in a container for later use.
- Commonly used at home or after dining out.
- Reflects German values of thriftiness and sustainability.
Meaning
This phrase is all about saving the food you didn't finish so you can eat it later. It's the practical act of putting those extra portions into a container and sticking them in the fridge.
Key Examples
3 of 7Cleaning up after dinner
Soll ich die Reste aufbewahren oder wegwerfen?
Should I keep the leftovers or throw them away?
At a restaurant
Kann ich diese Reste für morgen aufbewahren?
Can I keep these leftovers for tomorrow?
Talking to a roommate
Ich bewahre die Reste im blauen Behälter auf.
I am keeping the leftovers in the blue container.
Cultural Background
The 'Resteküche' is a point of pride. Using leftovers to make a new meal (like 'Gröstl' or 'Bauernfrühstück') is seen as a sign of a skilled and thrifty cook. In Austrian restaurants, asking for a 'Sackerl' (small bag) for your leftovers is very common and socially acceptable. Sustainability is highly valued. There are many apps like 'Too Good To Go' that allow people to buy 'Reste' from bakeries and restaurants at a discount. The 'Zero Waste' movement has rebranded 'Reste aufbewahren' from a sign of poverty to a sign of environmental awareness.
The 'Dose' Rule
When you say you are saving leftovers, Germans will often ask 'Hast du eine Dose?' (Do you have a container?). It's the standard way to store them.
Separable Verb Trap
Don't forget to put 'auf' at the very end. 'Ich bewahre die Reste in der Küche auf' - not 'Ich aufbewahre...'
In 15 Seconds
- Saving uneaten food in a container for later use.
- Commonly used at home or after dining out.
- Reflects German values of thriftiness and sustainability.
What It Means
It means saving your uneaten food for another time. You are basically telling someone you want to keep the scraps. It is a very practical and common phrase. It focuses on avoiding waste and being prepared. Think of it as planning your next meal early.
How To Use It
You use the verb aufbewahren which is separable. This means the auf often jumps to the end of the sentence. You can say Ich bewahre die Reste auf. It usually involves a container or some foil. You can use it as a question or a statement. It is very straightforward and easy to plug into conversation.
When To Use It
Use it after a big family dinner. It is perfect when you are cleaning up with friends. You can also use it at a restaurant. Just ask the waiter if you can keep the leftovers. It shows you enjoyed the food and are being smart. It is a staple phrase in every German kitchen.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for abstract things like memories. It is specifically for physical objects, mostly food. If you want to keep a secret, use bewahren. Also, do not use it if the food is bad. Nobody wants to keep spoiled soup! It sounds a bit too clinical for romantic contexts.
Cultural Background
Germans take food waste very seriously. It is culturally frowned upon to throw away good food. Many Germans are masters of Resteküche, or leftover cooking. They turn old potatoes into amazing Bratkartoffeln. Saving leftovers is seen as being responsible and thrifty. It is a sign of a well-run household.
Common Variations
You might hear Reste essen when it is time to eat them. Einpacken is used specifically when you want them wrapped up. Einfrieren is used if you are putting them in the freezer. Some people just say für später aufheben. All of these relate to the same thrifty spirit.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and fits into almost any social situation involving food. Just remember the separable verb structure, as putting 'auf' in the wrong place is the most common mistake for learners.
The 'Dose' Rule
When you say you are saving leftovers, Germans will often ask 'Hast du eine Dose?' (Do you have a container?). It's the standard way to store them.
Separable Verb Trap
Don't forget to put 'auf' at the very end. 'Ich bewahre die Reste in der Küche auf' - not 'Ich aufbewahre...'
Restaurant Etiquette
It is now 100% okay to ask for a doggy bag in Germany. Don't be shy!
Examples
7Soll ich die Reste aufbewahren oder wegwerfen?
Should I keep the leftovers or throw them away?
A standard question during kitchen cleanup.
Kann ich diese Reste für morgen aufbewahren?
Can I keep these leftovers for tomorrow?
Asking the waiter to pack your food.
Ich bewahre die Reste im blauen Behälter auf.
I am keeping the leftovers in the blue container.
Informing someone about food in the fridge.
Wir sollten die Reste des Buffets für das Personal aufbewahren.
We should keep the buffet leftovers for the staff.
A professional suggestion to avoid waste.
Hab Reste aufbewahrt. Musst nicht kochen!
Saved leftovers. You don't have to cook!
Short and sweet text message style.
Ich bewahre die Reste auf, aber sie überleben die Nacht nicht.
I'm keeping the leftovers, but they won't survive the night.
Implying you will eat them as a midnight snack.
Oma wollte immer jedes kleine bisschen Reste aufbewahren.
Grandma always wanted to keep every little bit of leftovers.
A nostalgic look at older generations' thriftiness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the separable verb 'aufbewahren'.
Ich ______ die Reste im Kühlschrank ______.
In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' goes to the end.
Which sentence is correct?
A) Ich möchte die Reste aufbewahren. B) Ich möchte die Reste bleiben.
'Aufbewahren' is the correct verb for storing things. 'Bleiben' means 'to stay'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Das Essen war lecker, aber ich bin voll. B: Kein Problem, wir können die ______ ______.
The context of being full after a meal points to saving leftovers.
Match the German phrase to its English meaning.
1. Reste aufbewahren, 2. Essen wegwerfen, 3. In der Dose lagern
Basic vocabulary matching.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Keep vs. Save
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ die Reste im Kühlschrank ______.
In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' goes to the end.
A) Ich möchte die Reste aufbewahren. B) Ich möchte die Reste bleiben.
'Aufbewahren' is the correct verb for storing things. 'Bleiben' means 'to stay'.
A: Das Essen war lecker, aber ich bin voll. B: Kein Problem, wir können die ______ ______.
The context of being full after a meal points to saving leftovers.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for money you use 'Geld sparen' or 'Geld zurücklegen'. 'Reste' refers to physical remnants.
Yes, 'aufheben' is a more casual synonym. 'Ich hebe die Reste auf' is very common in families.
There isn't one perfect word. You usually say 'eine Box für die Reste' or 'etwas zum Einpacken'.
Usually, yes. 'Der Rest' (singular) is used for 'the rest of the day' or 'the remainder of a sum'. For food, use 'die Reste'.
The opposite is 'wegwerfen' (to throw away) or 'entsorgen' (to dispose of).
Yes, if you have 'Stoffreste' (fabric remnants), you can 'aufbewahren' them.
No, in modern Germany it sounds smart and environmentally friendly.
Usually 2-3 days in the fridge. That's a common topic when using this phrase!
In an 'um...zu' sentence, it is 'aufzubewahren'. Example: 'Es ist wichtig, Reste aufzubewahren.'
No, for files you use 'speichern' (save) or 'archivieren' (archive).
Related Phrases
Essen wegwerfen
contrastTo throw food away
Einfrieren
specialized formTo freeze
Aufwärmen
builds onTo reheat
Vorkochen
similarMeal prepping
Lebensmittelverschwendung
similarFood waste
