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B2 verb #7,000 most common 13 min read

speisen

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips speisen in 30 Seconds

Explanation speisen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'essen' for eating. 'Speisen' is a much more formal version of this. You might see it on a menu in a restaurant (Speisekarte) or as part of a word for a dish (Speise). For now, just remember that if you see 'speisen', it means someone is eating in a very fancy or polite way. You don't need to use it yourself yet, but it's good to recognize it in a restaurant. It sounds like 'dining' in English. Most A1 students will only see the noun 'Speise' (food/dish) or 'Vorspeise' (appetizer). If you hear a waiter ask 'Haben Sie schon gewählt?', they might also use formal words, but 'speisen' is usually reserved for the act of eating itself in a very high-class setting. Think of it as a 'bonus' word that makes you sound very educated if you use it correctly, but 'essen' is always safer for beginners.

At the A2 level, you start to see more compound words. You already know 'essen', but now you will encounter 'Speisesaal' (dining hall) or 'Speisekarte' (menu). You might also learn 'Vorspeise' (starter), 'Hauptspeise' (main course), and 'Nachspeise' (dessert). The verb 'speisen' itself is still quite formal for A2, but you might read it in a story about a king or a wealthy family. It is important to know that 'speisen' is a regular verb. You conjugate it like 'machen' or 'lernen'. For example: 'Ich speise', 'du speist', 'er speist'. Note that for 'du', you only add a 't' because the word already ends in 's'. This is a good grammar rule to learn now. You might also see 'speisen' in a travel brochure for a nice hotel. It's a 'fancy' word for your vocabulary.

By B1, you should be able to distinguish between different social registers. 'Speisen' is part of the 'gehobene Sprache' (elevated language). You would use it in a formal letter or when describing a festive event like a wedding. For example, 'Nach der Trauung speisten die Gäste im Ballsaal.' You also start to see the technical meaning of 'speisen'. It can mean 'to supply' or 'to feed' something, like water into a pool. This is the first step toward the more complex B2 meanings. You should also be aware of 'Götterspeise', which is a popular German dessert (jelly). Understanding that 'speisen' can be used for both people and systems is a key B1 milestone. You are moving beyond just 'eating' and starting to see how the word describes a flow of energy or food.

At the B2 level, 'speisen' becomes a very important technical and professional word. You must master the prefix verb 'einspeisen'. This is used constantly in business and technology, especially regarding the 'Energiewende' (energy transition). You will read about 'Strom in das Netz einspeisen' (feeding electricity into the grid) or 'Daten in ein System einspeisen' (inputting data into a system). This is no longer about fancy dining; it's about technical processes. You should also understand the reflexive use 'sich speisen aus'. This is used to describe where an idea or a problem comes from. For example, 'Der Konflikt speist sich aus alten Vorurteilen.' This figurative meaning is common in newspapers and academic texts. At B2, you are expected to use these more complex forms in your own writing to sound more professional and precise.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'speisen' in all its forms. You recognize its use in classical literature (Goethe, Mann) and understand the social implications of using it in modern speech—often it is used ironically or to create a specific atmosphere. You should be able to use 'sich speisen aus' effortlessly in academic essays to discuss the origins of philosophical or social movements. You also understand related terms like 'Speisung' (the act of feeding, often in a religious or charitable context, like 'Speisung der Fünftausend'). Your vocabulary should also include more obscure compounds and technical terms related to 'Einspeisung'. You can distinguish between 'speisen', 'versorgen', and 'zuführen' based on the subtle differences in meaning and context. You use 'speisen' to add color and precision to your language.

For C2 learners, 'speisen' is a tool for stylistic mastery. You can use it to evoke historical periods or to write in a highly sophisticated, formal register. You are familiar with its etymological roots and how it relates to other Germanic languages. You might encounter it in legal or very old administrative texts where 'Speisung' refers to the provision of board and lodging. You understand the philosophical implications when an author says a culture 'speist sich aus' its history. You can play with the word's register, using it for dramatic effect or subtle irony. Your understanding of the word is complete, from its most basic culinary meaning to its most abstract figurative and technical applications. You are able to interpret the word's use in any context, whether it's a technical manual for a power plant or a 19th-century poem.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

speisen in 30 Seconds

Speisen is a formal verb for 'to dine,' used in high-class or festive social settings.
Technically, it means 'to feed' or 'to supply' resources like electricity or data into a system.
Figuratively, 'sich speisen aus' describes the source or cause of abstract things like ideas or conflicts.
It is a regular (weak) verb, but the 'du' form is 'speist' due to the stem ending in 's'.

The German verb speisen is a sophisticated and multifaceted term that translates most directly to the English 'to dine.' However, its usage goes far beyond the mere act of consuming food. In the German linguistic landscape, speisen occupies a space of elevated register, often referred to as 'gehobene Sprache.' When a native speaker chooses this word over the common 'essen,' they are intentionally signaling a higher level of formality, elegance, or tradition. It is the language of fine dining, royal banquets, and historical narratives. To use speisen is to suggest that the meal is not just about sustenance, but about the experience, the atmosphere, and the etiquette involved. It is rarely heard in a fast-food joint but is the standard in a Michelin-starred restaurant or at a formal wedding reception.

Social Context: In social settings, using this verb implies a certain level of class. If you invite someone to 'speisen,' you are promising a high-quality meal, likely with multiple courses and fine wine.

Wir hatten das Vergnügen, im Schlossgarten zu speisen.

Beyond the culinary world, speisen plays a vital role in technical and engineering contexts. This is where many learners at the B2 level encounter it. In these scenarios, it means 'to feed' or 'to supply.' For instance, an electrical circuit is 'fed' with current, or a water reservoir 'feeds' a fountain. This technical application is entirely neutral in register, unlike its culinary counterpart. Understanding this shift from 'high-class dining' to 'electrical supply' is key to mastering the word. It demonstrates the flexibility of German roots, where the concept of 'giving nourishment' or 'supplying necessary input' remains consistent across wildly different domains. Whether it is a king being nourished by a feast or a power grid being nourished by solar energy, the verb speisen is the chosen vehicle for that transfer of energy or substance.

Technical Application: In engineering, 'einspeisen' (to feed in) is a common derivative, used for putting electricity into a grid or data into a system.

Die Solaranlage speist den überschüssigen Strom direkt in das öffentliche Netz ein.

Furthermore, the word has deep roots in the history of the German language. It is related to the noun 'die Speise' (the dish/food), which is also a more formal term than 'das Essen.' In religious contexts, such as the Last Supper (das Abendmahl), you will often find 'speisen' used to denote the sacred act of sharing a meal. This historical weight adds a layer of solemnity to the word. For a B2 learner, recognizing these nuances allows for better reading comprehension of classical literature and formal journalism. It also helps in understanding why certain compound words like 'Speisesaal' (dining hall) or 'Speisekarte' (menu) are used in specific institutions like hotels or high-end restaurants rather than 'Esszimmer' or 'Essenliste.'

Historical Nuance: Historically, 'speisen' was the standard for the nobility. Today, it survives in formal hospitality and specialized technical fields.

Man speiste an langen Tafeln aus massivem Eichenholz.

Die Gäste speisten vorzüglich, während die Musik leise im Hintergrund spielte.

Ein kleiner Bach speist den idyllischen Waldsee mit frischem Quellwasser.

Using speisen correctly requires an understanding of both its grammatical structure and its situational appropriateness. Grammatically, it is a regular (weak) verb: speisen, speiste, gespeist. In its most common sense, it is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't always need a direct object. You can simply say 'Wir speisen,' and the meaning is complete. However, when it takes an object, it often appears in its transitive form in technical contexts or in specific fixed expressions. For example, 'jemanden speisen' (to feed someone) is archaic but still found in idioms or religious texts. In modern usage, you are more likely to see it with a prepositional phrase, such as 'von etwas speisen' (to eat of something) or 'zu Mittag speisen' (to dine for lunch).

Grammar: Conjugation: Present: ich speise, du speist, er speist. Past: ich speiste. Perfect: ich habe gespeist. Note that the 's' in the stem means the 'du' form ends in '-t' rather than '-st'.

Nach der Konferenz speisten die Delegierten gemeinsam im großen Saal.

One of the most important aspects for B2 learners is the prefix version: einspeisen. This is a separable verb used extensively in technology, economics, and environmental science. It means 'to feed in' or 'to input.' You will hear it when people talk about 'Einspeisevergütung' (feed-in tariff) for renewable energy. Here, the structure is 'etwas (Akkusativ) in etwas (Akkusativ) einspeisen.' For example, 'Wir speisen die Daten in den Computer ein.' This technical usage is much more common in daily professional life than the formal 'dining' meaning. It is essential to distinguish between the two based on whether a prefix is present and the nature of the object being 'fed.'

Separable Prefix: einspeisen: Used for: Electricity, data, water, or money. Example: 'Geld in einen Fonds einspeisen' (to feed money into a fund).

Das Unternehmen speist jährlich Millionen in die Forschung ein.

Another interesting construction is the reflexive 'sich speisen aus.' This is a figurative use meaning 'to be nourished by' or 'to draw from.' It is frequently used in academic or literary contexts to describe the source of an idea, a conflict, or a movement. For example, 'Seine Kreativität speist sich aus seinen Reiseerlebnissen' (His creativity is nourished by his travel experiences). This construction is very elegant and highly recommended for C1/C2 level writing or advanced B2 discussions. It allows you to describe origins and influences in a more sophisticated way than using 'kommen von' or 'basiert auf.' It suggests a continuous flow of influence rather than a static foundation.

Reflexive Usage: Structure: sich aus etwas (Dativ) speisen. Meaning: to derive from or be fueled by something abstract.

Die politische Unzufriedenheit speist sich aus der wachsenden sozialen Ungleichheit.

Wir werden heute Abend festlich speisen, um das Jubiläum zu feiern.

Könnten Sie die Informationen bitte in das System einspeisen?

In everyday life, you might not hear a teenager say speisen while grabbing a kebab, but that doesn't mean the word isn't prevalent. One of the most common places you will encounter it is in the world of hospitality. High-end hotels and traditional restaurants often use speisen on their websites, in their brochures, and on their menus to create an aura of exclusivity and tradition. Phrases like 'Speisen in stilvollem Ambiente' (dining in a stylish atmosphere) are marketing staples. In these contexts, the word functions as a brand signal, telling the customer that they can expect a certain level of service and culinary quality. It transforms a simple meal into a luxury service.

Hospitality & Marketing: Look for this word in five-star hotel descriptions or on the 'Speisekarte' (menu) of traditional German 'Gasthöfe'.

Unser Restaurant lädt Sie ein, nach Herzenslust zu speisen.

Another major domain for speisen is the energy sector and news reporting on sustainability. As Germany undergoes its 'Energiewende' (energy transition), the word 'einspeisen' is everywhere. You will hear it on the news when reporters discuss how much wind or solar power is being 'fed' into the national grid. It is a technical term that has become common knowledge. Even homeowners with solar panels on their roofs deal with 'Einspeiseverträge' (feed-in contracts). In this sense, the word is not formal at all; it is simply the precise technical term for the process. If you are reading the business or science section of a German newspaper like 'Die Zeit' or 'FAZ,' you will see this word frequently.

News and Energy: Frequently used in discussions about the 'Energiewende' and the 'Einspeisung' of renewable energy.

Wann wird der neue Windpark den ersten Strom einspeisen?

Literature and period dramas are the third major area where speisen thrives. If you watch a German historical drama like 'Babylon Berlin' or read a classic novel by Thomas Mann, characters will almost certainly 'speisen' rather than 'essen.' It helps set the tone of the era and the social standing of the characters. In modern literature, authors use it to describe a character's pretentiousness or their adherence to old-fashioned values. Furthermore, you will find it in many idiomatic expressions and proverbs that have survived from earlier centuries. For instance, 'Götterspeise' (food of the gods) is the common name for a type of jelly (jello), showing how the word has integrated into everyday vocabulary in specific, fixed forms.

Literature & Media: Used to create historical atmosphere or to characterize someone as wealthy or formal.

Die Herrschaften speisten im Speisesaal, während das Gesinde in der Küche aß.

Der Akku wird über ein USB-Kabel mit Energie gespeist.

Man speist hier vorzüglich und der Service ist erstklassig.

The most frequent mistake learners make with speisen is using it in the wrong register. Because it translates to 'to dine,' learners often think it's just a synonym for 'to eat dinner.' However, if you tell a German friend, 'Ich möchte heute Abend mit dir speisen,' you will likely get a confused or amused look. It sounds like you are inviting them to a royal gala. In casual, everyday German, always stick to 'essen.' Use speisen only when the occasion is truly formal or if you are trying to be humorous. Misjudging the social weight of this word can make you sound detached or unnaturally stiff.

Register Error: Mistake: Using 'speisen' for a quick snack or a casual meal with friends. Correct: Use 'essen' or 'was Kleines essen'.

Falsch: Lass uns schnell bei McDonald's speisen.

Another common error involves the conjugation of the second person singular (du). Many learners assume that because the stem ends in 's,' the 'du' form should be 'speisest.' However, according to standard German orthography, if a verb stem ends in -s, -ss, -ß, -z, or -x, the 's' of the ending -st is omitted. Therefore, the correct form is 'du speist,' which is identical to the third person singular 'er/sie/es speist.' This can lead to confusion in listening comprehension, as the two forms sound exactly the same. Practicing the conjugation of verbs with stems ending in sibilants is essential to avoid this orthographic trap.

Conjugation Trap: Do not write 'du speisest'. The correct form is 'du speist'. This applies to all verbs ending in -s.

Du speist heute aber sehr spät, mein Freund!

Furthermore, learners often confuse 'speisen' with its noun form 'die Speise' or the related verb 'speichern' (to save/store). While 'speisen' means to dine or feed, 'speichern' is used for saving data on a computer or storing heat in a battery. Because they sound similar and both appear in technical contexts, they are frequently swapped. Remember: 'speisen' is the act of providing or consuming energy/food, while 'speichern' is the act of keeping it for later. In the energy sector, you 'speisen' electricity into the grid, but you 'speichern' it in a battery. Getting these two mixed up can lead to significant misunderstandings in technical discussions.

Confusion with 'speichern': 'Speisen' = to feed/supply. 'Speichern' = to save/store. Example: 'Den Strom speichern' vs. 'Den Strom einspeisen'.

Man muss die Energie erst speichern, bevor man sie später wieder einspeisen kann.

Es ist unhöflich, während man speist, auf das Handy zu schauen.

Die Daten werden kontinuierlich in die Datenbank eingespeist.

When looking for alternatives to speisen, the context is everything. If you are talking about eating, the most obvious and common alternative is essen. It is neutral and appropriate for almost any situation. If you want to describe a particularly festive or luxurious meal, you might use schlemmen (to feast/eat with great pleasure) or tafeln (to dine at a long table, very formal). Tafeln is even more archaic and formal than speisen. On the other hand, if the meal is very informal or if someone is eating greedily, you might use mampfen or fressen (the latter is usually for animals but can be used as an insult or very vulgarly for humans).

Essen vs. Speisen vs. Schlemmen

Essen: Neutral, everyday use.
Speisen: Formal, elegant, technical 'feed'.
Schlemmen: To indulge in delicious food, festive.

Anstatt nur zu essen, wollten wir an seinem Geburtstag richtig schlemmen.

In the technical realm, alternatives to speisen (or einspeisen) include zuführen (to supply/lead towards), versorgen (to provide/supply), and eingeben (to input, specifically for data). Versorgen is a very versatile word; you can 'versorgen' a city with water or 'versorgen' a patient with medicine. Zuführen is more about the physical or mechanical movement of something into a system, like air into an engine. While speisen implies a continuous flow that nourishes the system, zuführen can be a one-time or mechanical action. Choosing the right technical verb depends on whether you want to emphasize the 'nourishment' of the system or the mechanical 'delivery' of the resource.

Technical Synonyms

Einspeisen: Feeding into a grid or system.
Zuführen: Mechanical supply or delivery.
Versorgen: General provision/supply of needs.

Die Maschine wird automatisch mit Rohstoffen versorgt.

Finally, when speisen is used figuratively (sich speisen aus), alternatives include hervorgehen aus (to emerge from), resultieren aus (to result from), or fußen auf (to be based on). However, none of these quite capture the same sense of 'being fed by a source' that sich speisen aus does. It creates a vivid image of a river being fed by its tributaries. Using this verb correctly will significantly elevate your German, making your descriptions of complex causes and effects sound much more natural and sophisticated. It is a hallmark of high-level academic and journalistic German.

Figurative Alternatives

Sich speisen aus: To be continuously fueled by.
Fußen auf: To be based on a foundation.
Entspringen: To originate/spring from.

Sein Misstrauen entspringt schlechten Erfahrungen in der Vergangenheit.

Wir tafelten bis spät in die Nacht und genossen den Wein.

Die Daten wurden direkt in die Cloud übertragen.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is a 'loan verb' from Latin. In the Middle Ages, it was used to describe the providing of food for guests or troops, which is why it still carries a formal or official tone today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʃpaɪ̯zn̩/

US /ˈʃpaɪ̯zn̩/

Stress is on the first syllable: SPEI-sen.

Rhymes With

reisen weisen preisen eisen leisen beisen (archaic for beißen) greisen meisen

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sp' as 's' instead of 'sh'.
Pronouncing 'ei' as 'ee' (like 'spie-sen').
Over-emphasizing the final 'e' in 'en'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'speichern' (shpai-hern).
Failing to drop the 's' in 'du speist'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in menus or technical texts, but requires context to distinguish meanings.

Writing 4/5

Difficult to use correctly without sounding too formal or using the wrong register.

Speaking 4/5

Hard to integrate into natural conversation; usually limited to formal or technical topics.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but 'du speist' and 'er speist' sound identical.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

essen die Speise der Strom das Netz die Karte

Learn Next

einspeisen abspeisen versorgen die Energiewende dinieren

Advanced

die Einspeisevergütung die Verpflegung das Abendmahl die Götterspeise

Grammar to Know

Verbs with stems ending in sibilants (-s, -z, -x, -ss, -ß) omit the 's' in the 'du' ending.

du speist (not speisest)

Separable prefixes (like 'ein-') move to the end of the sentence in simple present and past.

Ich speise den Strom ein.

Reflexive verbs with 'sich' require the reflexive pronoun to match the subject.

Die Hoffnung speist sich aus dem Glauben.

Weak verbs form the past participle with ge- + stem + -t.

gespeist

Nouns formed from verbs often use the -ung suffix.

die Einspeisung

Examples by Level

Wir speisen heute in einem feinen Restaurant.

We are dining in a fine restaurant today.

Present tense of 'speisen'.

Die Speisekarte ist sehr groß.

The menu is very large.

Noun 'Speisekarte' (menu).

Was ist Ihre Lieblingsspeise?

What is your favorite dish?

Noun 'Speise' (dish/food).

Der König speist allein.

The king dines alone.

Third person singular.

Ich möchte gut speisen.

I want to dine well.

Infinitive with modal verb 'möchte'.

Hier kann man vorzüglich speisen.

One can dine excellently here.

Adverb 'vorzüglich' (excellently).

Haben Sie schon gespeist?

Have you already dined?

Perfect tense (haben + gespeist).

Die Kinder speisen zusammen.

The children are dining together.

Plural present tense.

Die Vorspeise war sehr lecker.

The appetizer was very delicious.

Noun 'Vorspeise' (starter).

Wir speisten gestern Abend bei Kerzenschein.

We dined by candlelight last night.

Simple past tense (Präteritum).

Gibt es heute eine Nachspeise?

Is there a dessert today?

Noun 'Nachspeise' (dessert).

Du speist heute wie ein Kaiser!

You are dining like an emperor today!

Second person singular (ends in -t).

Der Speisesaal im Hotel ist sehr modern.

The dining hall in the hotel is very modern.

Compound noun 'Speisesaal'.

Sie speisen oft in diesem Hotel.

They often dine in this hotel.

Present tense plural.

Wir haben im Urlaub herrlich gespeist.

We dined wonderfully on vacation.

Perfect tense.

Die Hauptspeise wird bald serviert.

The main course will be served soon.

Noun 'Hauptspeise' (main course).

Die Gäste speisen im festlich geschmückten Saal.

The guests are dining in the festively decorated hall.

Participle used as adjective 'geschmückt'.

Es ist Tradition, an Weihnachten gemeinsam zu speisen.

It is a tradition to dine together at Christmas.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Der Brunnen wird von einer alten Quelle gespeist.

The fountain is fed by an old spring.

Passive voice (wird gespeist).

In diesem Restaurant speist man wie Gott in Frankreich.

In this restaurant, one dines like God in France (idiom for living/eating very well).

Idiomatic expression.

Wir haben die Daten in den Computer gespeist.

We fed the data into the computer.

Technical use of 'speisen'.

Die Götterspeise ist bei Kindern sehr beliebt.

Jelly is very popular with children.

Specific noun 'Götterspeise'.

Man sollte nicht zu spät zu Abend speisen.

One should not dine too late in the evening.

Modal verb 'sollte'.

Die Armen wurden vom Kloster gespeist.

The poor were fed by the monastery.

Passive voice past tense.

Die Solaranlage speist den Strom direkt ins Netz ein.

The solar system feeds the electricity directly into the grid.

Separable verb 'einspeisen'.

Seine Zuversicht speist sich aus seinen bisherigen Erfolgen.

His confidence is nourished by his previous successes.

Reflexive use 'sich speisen aus'.

Die Einspeisevergütung für Windkraft wurde gesenkt.

The feed-in tariff for wind power was reduced.

Compound noun 'Einspeisevergütung'.

Wir müssen die Informationen in die Datenbank einspeisen.

We must input the information into the database.

Separable infinitive 'einspeisen'.

Die Legende speist sich aus verschiedenen historischen Quellen.

The legend is fed by various historical sources.

Figurative use.

Das Kraftwerk speiste jahrelang die gesamte Region.

The power plant supplied the entire region for years.

Simple past technical use.

Es ist wichtig, saubere Energie in das System einzuspeisen.

It is important to feed clean energy into the system.

Infinitiv with 'zu' for separable verb.

Die Diskussion speiste sich aus gegensätzlichen Meinungen.

The discussion was fueled by opposing opinions.

Figurative past tense.

Die biblische Speisung der Fünftausend ist ein bekanntes Wunder.

The biblical feeding of the five thousand is a well-known miracle.

Noun 'Speisung' (feeding).

Sein literarisches Werk speist sich aus der Melancholie seiner Jugend.

His literary work is nourished by the melancholy of his youth.

Sophisticated figurative use.

Die Netzstabilität hängt von der kontrollierten Einspeisung ab.

Grid stability depends on controlled feeding (into the grid).

Noun 'Einspeisung'.

Man speiste an einer Tafel, die unter der Last der Köstlichkeiten bog.

They dined at a table that bent under the weight of the delicacies.

Literary style.

Diese Theorie speist sich aus neuesten wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen.

This theory is fueled by the latest scientific findings.

Academic context.

Die Batterien werden durch die Bremsenergie gespeist.

The batteries are fed by the braking energy.

Passive technical use.

Er pflegte stets spät und ausgiebig zu speisen.

He was always accustomed to dining late and extensively.

Use of 'pflegen' + 'zu speisen'.

Die Angst vor dem Fremden speist sich oft aus Unwissenheit.

The fear of the unknown is often fed by ignorance.

Sociological figurative use.

Das gesamte Ökosystem wird von diesem einen Fluss gespeist.

The entire ecosystem is nourished by this one river.

Ecological passive use.

In seinem Essay analysiert er, woraus sich der moderne Nihilismus speist.

In his essay, he analyzes what modern nihilism is fueled by.

Indirect question with 'woraus'.

Die Zeremonie endete damit, dass die hohen Würdenträger gemeinsam speisten.

The ceremony ended with the high dignitaries dining together.

Formal narrative structure.

Die Einspeisung von Biogas stellt eine technische Herausforderung dar.

The feeding of biogas (into the grid) represents a technical challenge.

Complex technical subject.

Seine künstlerische Vision speist sich aus einem tiefen Verständnis der Natur.

His artistic vision is nourished by a deep understanding of nature.

Abstract figurative use.

Es wurde angeordnet, dass die Truppen aus den lokalen Vorräten zu speisen seien.

It was ordered that the troops were to be fed from local supplies.

Passive with 'sein' + 'zu' + infinitive.

Die Radikalisierung speist sich aus einem Gefühl der Perspektivlosigkeit.

Radicalization is fueled by a feeling of lack of prospects.

Political analysis.

Welche Quellen speisten den Geist der Aufklärung?

Which sources fed the spirit of the Enlightenment?

Metaphorical use in history.

Common Collocations

festlich speisen

vorzüglich speisen

Strom einspeisen

Daten einspeisen

aus einer Quelle speisen

sich aus etwas speisen

zu Mittag speisen

gemeinsam speisen

Energie einspeisen

gut gespeist haben

Common Phrases

Haben Sie schon gespeist?

— A very formal way to ask if someone has already eaten.

Guten Abend, haben Sie schon gespeist oder darf ich Ihnen die Karte bringen?

Speis und Trank

— An old-fashioned expression for 'food and drink.'

Für Speis und Trank ist bestens gesorgt.

Götterspeise

— The common German word for jelly or jello.

Als Nachtisch gibt es heute grüne Götterspeise.

Einspeisevergütung

— The payment received for feeding renewable energy into the public grid.

Die Einspeisevergütung ist ein wichtiger Anreiz für Solarbesitzer.

Vorspeise, Hauptspeise, Nachspeise

— The standard terms for the courses of a meal.

Die Nachspeise war das Highlight des Abends.

Speisesaal

— A formal dining room, often in a hotel or school.

Das Frühstück wird im Speisesaal serviert.

Speisekarte

— The menu in a restaurant.

Werfen wir mal einen Blick auf die Speisekarte.

Speisekammer

— A pantry or larder for storing food.

Wir haben noch Mehl in der Speisekammer.

Speisewagen

— A dining car on a train.

Der Speisewagen befindet sich in der Mitte des Zuges.

Speiseöl

— Cooking oil.

Bitte kaufe noch eine Flasche Speiseöl.

Often Confused With

speisen vs speichern

Speichern means to save or store. Speisen means to feed or supply. You 'speichern' energy in a battery but 'einspeisen' it into a grid.

speisen vs spießen

Spießen means to spear or to put on a skewer. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

speisen vs speien

Speien means to spit or vomit. Be very careful with the pronunciation to avoid a very unpleasant misunderstanding!

Idioms & Expressions

"Wie Gott in Frankreich speisen"

— To dine like a king; to enjoy a very luxurious and high-quality meal.

In diesem kleinen Bistro speist man wie Gott in Frankreich.

informal/idiomatic

"Jemanden mit leeren Versprechungen speisen"

— To put someone off with empty promises (related to 'abspeisen').

Der Chef speist uns seit Monaten nur mit leeren Versprechungen ab.

informal

"Sich aus einer trüben Quelle speisen"

— To originate from a dubious or unreliable source.

Diese Informationen speisen sich aus einer trüben Quelle.

literary

"Jemanden abspeisen"

— To get rid of someone with a meager excuse or small amount.

Sie wollten mich mit einer kleinen Entschädigung abspeisen.

informal

"Die Speisung der Fünftausend"

— Refers to the biblical miracle, used metaphorically for providing for many with very little.

Das Catering zu organisieren war wie die Speisung der Fünftausend.

cultural

"Speis und Trank hält Leib und Seele zusammen"

— Food and drink keep body and soul together (eating is essential for well-being).

Iss etwas, denn Speis und Trank hält Leib und Seele zusammen.

proverbial

"In den höchsten Tönen speisen"

— A playful variation of 'in den höchsten Tönen loben,' referring to praising a meal greatly.

Nach dem Essen speisten sie in den höchsten Tönen von der Qualität.

humorous

"Von der Hand in den Mund speisen"

— To live hand to mouth (often used with 'leben', but 'speisen' adds an ironic twist).

Sie speisen zwar von der Hand in den Mund, aber sie sind glücklich.

figurative

"Götterspeise für die Ohren"

— Something that is a delight to hear (metaphorical use of 'Götterspeise').

Dieses Konzert war Götterspeise für die Ohren.

figurative

"Einen Bären speisen"

— To eat a huge amount (less common than 'einen Bärenhunger haben').

Nach der Wanderung könnte ich einen Bären speisen.

colloquial

Easily Confused

speisen vs essen

Both mean to eat.

'Essen' is the everyday, neutral word. 'Speisen' is formal, elegant, or technical. You wouldn't 'speisen' a sandwich at a bus stop.

Ich esse ein Brot. vs. Wir speisen im Palast.

speisen vs einspeisen

It's a derivative of speisen.

'Speisen' is mostly about dining or general supplying. 'Einspeisen' is specifically for inputting something (energy, data) into a larger system or grid.

Wir speisen jetzt. vs. Wir speisen den Strom ein.

speisen vs versorgen

Both can mean 'to supply'.

'Versorgen' is broader and implies taking care of needs. 'Speisen' (technical) implies a continuous flow of a specific resource like current or water.

Ich versorge die Kinder. vs. Die Batterie speist die Lampe.

speisen vs eingeben

Both used for data.

'Eingeben' is the act of typing or entering data. 'Einspeisen' suggests a larger volume of data or a continuous stream being integrated into a system.

Ich gebe mein Passwort ein. vs. Wir speisen die Messdaten ein.

speisen vs schlemmen

Both are 'fancy' ways of eating.

'Schlemmen' focuses on the pleasure and indulgence of eating delicious food. 'Speisen' focuses on the formality and the social setting.

Wir schlemmen am Buffet. vs. Wir speisen beim Botschafter.

Sentence Patterns

Wir speisen in [Location].

Wir speisen in dem neuen Hotel.

Ich habe [Adverb] gespeist.

Ich habe heute sehr gut gespeist.

[Subject] wird von [Source] gespeist.

Der See wird von einem Bach gespeist.

[Subject] speist [Object] in [Target] ein.

Er speist die Daten in den Computer ein.

[Abstract Subject] speist sich aus [Source].

Sein Erfolg speist sich aus harter Arbeit.

Es ist üblich, [Prepositional Phrase] zu speisen.

Es ist üblich, am Abend festlich zu speisen.

Die [Noun] der [Group] erfolgt durch [Source].

Die Speisung der Gäste erfolgt durch den Partyservice.

Woraus speist sich [Complex Phenomenon]?

Woraus speist sich die kollektive Identität?

Word Family

Nouns

die Speise

die Speisung

die Einspeisung

die Vorspeise

die Hauptspeise

die Nachspeise

die Götterspeise

die Speisekarte

der Speisesaal

Verbs

einspeisen

abspeisen

verspeisen

zuspeisen

Adjectives

speisefertig

gespeist

essen

die Mahlzeit

das Gericht

der Proviant

die Verpflegung

How to Use It

frequency

Common in technical (energy/IT) and formal hospitality contexts; rare in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'speisen' for a casual snack. → essen
'Speisen' is far too formal for a quick or casual meal. It would sound like you are mocking the food or being unnaturally stiff. Use 'essen' instead.
Writing 'du speisest'. → du speist
Verbs ending in -s omit the extra 's' in the 'du' form. This is a common spelling error even for advanced learners. The correct form is 'speist'.
Confusing 'speisen' with 'speichern'. → speisen (to feed), speichern (to save)
In technical contexts, these are often confused. You 'speichern' (store) energy in a battery and 'einspeisen' (feed) it into the grid. They are opposite actions.
Using 'speisen' as a strong verb (e.g., 'gespiesen'). → gespeist
'Speisen' is a regular, weak verb. It does not change its stem vowel like 'essen' (gegessen). Always use 'gespeist'.
Confusing 'Speise' with 'Speiche'. → Speise (food), Speiche (spoke of a wheel)
These words sound similar but are completely unrelated. A 'Speiche' is part of a bicycle wheel, while 'Speise' is something you eat.

Tips

Think of Dining

Whenever you see 'speisen' in a social context, translate it as 'to dine' rather than 'to eat.' This helps you remember the formal register and the elegance associated with the word.

S-Stem Rule

Remember the 'S-Stem' rule for conjugation. Verbs like 'speisen,' 'reisen,' and 'heißen' all have identical 'du' and 'er/sie/es' forms in the present tense. This is a common point of confusion for learners.

Grid Power

In technical German, 'speisen' is almost always about 'feeding' a grid. If you are interested in renewable energy or engineering, 'einspeisen' and 'Einspeisung' are essential vocabulary words.

Elevate Your Essays

Use 'sich speisen aus' to describe the origins of social trends or psychological states. It sounds much more professional than 'kommt von' and will impress examiners in B2 or C1 tests.

Watch for Prefixes

When listening, wait for the end of the sentence. A simple 'speisen' might turn into 'einspeisen' (to input) or 'abspeisen' (to put someone off) depending on the prefix at the end.

Don't Overdo It

Avoid using 'speisen' in everyday life. If you say it to a waiter at a local pizza place, it might sound like you are trying too hard or being arrogant. Stick to 'essen' for 95% of situations.

Speise = Dish

Link the verb 'speisen' to the noun 'Speise' (food/dish). If you know 'Vorspeise' (starter), you already know the root of the verb. This makes it easier to remember the meaning.

Latin Roots

Knowing that it comes from 'expense' (spending money on food) can help you remember why it's a 'fancy' word—it was originally about the cost and provision of high-quality meals.

Literature Context

In 19th-century novels, 'speisen' is the standard word for the upper class. If you see it, it's a signal about the character's social standing or the formality of the scene.

Abspeisen

Learn the verb 'abspeisen.' It's very common in daily life when people feel they have been given a poor excuse or a bad deal. 'Er hat mich mit 10 Euro abgespeist' (He brushed me off with 10 euros).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Spy' who 'Dines' (Speisen) in a fancy 'Space' (Speisesaal). The Spy needs 'Energy' to be 'Fed' (Einspeisen) into his gadgets.

Visual Association

Imagine a king sitting at a long table with a giant solar panel on his head. He is eating a fancy meal while the solar panel 'feeds' electricity into the palace. This links the 'dining' and 'technical' meanings.

Word Web

Speise (food) Speisekarte (menu) Einspeisen (feed in) Speisesaal (dining hall) Vorspeise (starter) Hauptspeise (main) Nachspeise (dessert) Götterspeise (jelly)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about a fancy dinner, one about a technical system, and one using 'sich speisen aus'. Ensure you conjugate 'du speist' correctly!

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'spīsen', from Old High German 'spīsōn'. It is ultimately derived from the Late Latin 'spesa' or 'expensa' (expense/cost), referring to the money spent on food or the provisions themselves.

Original meaning: To provide provisions or to spend money on food.

Germanic, with Latin roots.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'speisen' when talking about people in poverty unless you are referring to charitable 'Speisung', as it might sound mocking due to its high register.

The distinction between 'eating' and 'dining' is very similar to 'essen' and 'speisen'. However, the technical use of 'speisen' for electricity is more common in German than 'dining' would be in English technical contexts (where we use 'feeding').

The Bible: 'Die Speisung der Fünftausend' (Matthew 14:13-21). Thomas Mann's 'Buddenbrooks': Often uses 'speisen' to describe the upper-class family meals. The term 'Götterspeise' in German supermarkets (Dr. Oetker).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Fine Dining

Vorzüglich speisen
Festlich speisen
Im Speisesaal speisen
Die Speisekarte studieren

Renewable Energy

Strom einspeisen
Einspeisevergütung erhalten
Ins Netz einspeisen
Kontrollierte Einspeisung

Data Processing

Daten einspeisen
Informationen einspeisen
In das System einspeisen
Manuelle Einspeisung

Literary/Abstract

Sich aus Quellen speisen
Sich aus Erfahrungen speisen
Die Kreativität speisen
Den Konflikt speisen

Charity/Religion

Die Speisung der Armen
Vom Brot speisen
Gemeinsam speisen
Die Speisung der Fünftausend

Conversation Starters

"Haben Sie in diesem Urlaub schon irgendwo besonders gut gespeist?"

"Wissen Sie, wie viel Strom Ihre Solaranlage heute in das Netz eingespeist hat?"

"Aus welchen Quellen speist sich eigentlich Ihr Interesse an der deutschen Sprache?"

"Würden Sie lieber in einem modernen Bistro essen oder in einem Schloss speisen?"

"Was halten Sie von der aktuellen Einspeisevergütung für erneuerbare Energien?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe ein Erlebnis, bei dem du dich gefühlt hast, als würdest du wie ein König speisen.

Reflektiere darüber, woraus sich deine tägliche Motivation speist. Welche Quellen sind am wichtigsten?

Schreibe einen fiktiven Bericht über eine neue Technologie, die Energie aus Träumen in das Stromnetz einspeist.

Vergleiche die Wörter 'essen' und 'speisen'. In welchen Situationen würdest du welches Wort bevorzugen?

Stell dir vor, du besuchst ein historisches Bankett. Was wird dort gespeist und wie ist die Atmosphäre?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it would sound very ironic or sarcastic. Using such a formal word for fast food is a common way to make a joke about the situation. In a normal context, it would just sound wrong.

Both mean 'dish.' 'Gericht' is the most common word for a prepared meal (e.g., 'ein Nudelgericht'). 'Speise' is slightly more formal and is often used in compounds like 'Vorspeise' or to refer to food in a more abstract way.

Yes, especially in technical contexts. For example, 'Das Netz wird von Windkraft gespeist.' In a culinary context, you might hear 'Die Gäste wurden reichlich gespeist,' though this sounds quite old-fashioned.

German has a rule that if a verb stem ends in an 's' sound, you don't add another 's' for the 'du' ending. Since 'speis-' ends in 's,' you just add 't.' This makes 'du speist' and 'er speist' identical.

It is a metaphorical way of saying 'to be fueled by' or 'to originate from.' It implies that the source is constantly providing 'nourishment' to the subject. For example, 'Sein Zorn speist sich aus Ungerechtigkeit.'

No, it is also very common for data (einspeisen in eine Datenbank) or even money (Geld in einen Kreislauf einspeisen). It generally refers to putting a resource into a larger, complex system.

This sounds very archaic, like something from the Middle Ages or a religious text. Today, you would say 'Ich gebe dir zu essen' or 'Ich bewirte dich.' The only common use with a person as an object is 'abspeisen' (to put someone off).

It's the German name for jelly/jello. It literally means 'food of the gods.' It's a very common dessert for children and is often green (woodruff flavor) or red (raspberry flavor).

Yes, it is used in the same formal and technical contexts as in Germany. In some Austrian dialects, you might encounter related words for food storage or specific dishes more frequently.

It is a weak verb, so you just add '-te' to the stem: ich speiste, du speistest, er speiste, wir speisten, ihr speistetet, sie speisten. The perfect form is 'habe gespeist'.