'Zu Mittag essen' is the standard German phrase for 'to have lunch,' referring to the meal eaten in the middle of the day. It's a fundamental part of daily life and frequently used in conversations about daily routines and social plans.
zu Mittag essen in 30 Seconds
- Eat lunch in German.
- Midday mealtime activity.
- Common daily verb phrase.
- Essential for everyday conversation.
- Literal Meaning
- Literally, 'to eat at midday.'
- Core Concept
- Refers to the meal consumed around noon, which is equivalent to lunch in English.
- Daily Routine
- It's a fundamental daily activity, like breakfast or dinner.
- Social Context
- Often used when making plans with friends or colleagues, or discussing daily schedules.
- Timeframe
- Primarily used for the meal eaten between late morning and early afternoon.
Wann zu Mittag essen wir heute?
Wir gehen zu Mittag essen in diesem Restaurant.
- Everyday Usage
- Imagine you are at work and your colleague asks about your lunch plans. They might say, 'Was machst du um eins?' (What are you doing at one o'clock?). You could reply, 'Ich gehe zu Mittag essen.' (I am going to have lunch.)
- Planning
- If you want to invite someone for lunch, you could ask, 'Hast du Lust, zu Mittag essen zu gehen?' (Do you fancy going to have lunch?).
- Basic Structure
- The infinitive form is 'zu Mittag essen.' When used in a sentence, the verb 'essen' is conjugated according to the subject, and 'zu Mittag' remains as a fixed adverbial phrase indicating the time of the meal.
- Present Tense Examples
- Ich esse zu Mittag. (I am eating lunch.)
Wir essen zu Mittag. (We are eating lunch.)
Er isst zu Mittag. (He is eating lunch.) - Future Tense Examples
- Ich werde zu Mittag essen. (I will eat lunch.)
Wir werden zu Mittag essen. (We will eat lunch.) - With Modal Verbs
- Ich möchte zu Mittag essen. (I would like to eat lunch.)
Können wir später zu Mittag essen? (Can we eat lunch later?) - Imperative
- Lasst uns zu Mittag essen! (Let's eat lunch!)
- Gerund/Infinitive Usage
- Zu Mittag essen ist wichtig für die Energie. (Eating lunch is important for energy.)
Wir müssen zu Mittag essen, bevor die Besprechung beginnt.
- Workplace Conversations
- Colleagues often coordinate lunch breaks. You might hear: 'Hast du schon zu Mittag gegessen?' (Have you already eaten lunch?) or 'Wollen wir zusammen zu Mittag essen?' (Do you want to have lunch together?).
- Family and Friends
- When planning meetups, people ask: 'Wann gehen wir zu Mittag essen?' (When are we going to have lunch?). It's a common way to arrange a midday gathering.
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Menus might have 'Mittagessen' specials, and servers might ask: 'Möchten Sie schon zu Mittag essen?' (Would you like to have lunch already?).
- School Settings
- Teachers might remind students: 'Es ist Zeit, zu Mittag zu essen!' (It's time to eat lunch!).
- Travel and Tourism
- When asking for recommendations, you might inquire: 'Wo kann man gut zu Mittag essen?' (Where can one have a good lunch?).
Im Büro fragt man oft: 'Gehen wir zu Mittag essen?'
- Confusing with 'Abendessen' or 'Frühstück'
- Mistake: Using 'zu Mittag essen' for breakfast or dinner. Correct: 'Zu Mittag essen' specifically refers to the midday meal (lunch). For breakfast, it's 'frühstücken,' and for dinner, it's 'zu Abend essen' or 'Abendessen.' Example: Incorrect: 'Ich esse zu Mittag um 7 Uhr morgens.' Correct: 'Ich frühstücke um 7 Uhr morgens.' (I eat breakfast at 7 AM.)
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- Mistake: Forgetting to conjugate 'essen' or conjugating it incorrectly. Correct: The verb 'essen' must agree with the subject. Example: Incorrect: 'Ich zu Mittag essen.' Correct: 'Ich esse zu Mittag.' (I am eating lunch.) Incorrect: 'Wir esst zu Mittag.' Correct: 'Wir essen zu Mittag.' (We are eating lunch.)
- Using 'Mittagessen' as a Verb
- Mistake: Trying to use 'Mittagessen' as a verb like 'to lunch.' Correct: 'Mittagessen' is a noun (lunch). The verb phrase is 'zu Mittag essen.' Example: Incorrect: 'Ich Mittagessen jetzt.' Correct: 'Ich esse zu Mittag jetzt.' (I am having lunch now.)
- Overusing the Infinitive
- Mistake: Using the infinitive form 'zu Mittag essen' when a conjugated verb is needed. Correct: Only use the infinitive when it follows a modal verb or in certain grammatical constructions. Example: Incorrect: 'Sie zu Mittag essen.' Correct: 'Sie isst zu Mittag.' (She is eating lunch.)
Falsch: 'Wir Mittagessen.' Richtig: 'Wir essen zu Mittag.'
- Mittagessen (noun)
- Meaning: Lunch (the meal itself).
Usage: 'Das Mittagessen ist fertig.' (The lunch is ready.) 'Wir haben ein gutes Mittagessen gehabt.' (We had a good lunch.)
Relation: 'Mittagessen' is the noun form of the meal that is consumed when you 'zu Mittag essen.' You eat 'Mittagessen' when you 'zu Mittag essen.' - vespern (verb, regional/older)
- Meaning: To have a snack, often in the afternoon, but sometimes used for a lighter midday meal in certain regions.
Usage: 'Ich werde kurz vespern.' (I will have a quick snack.)
Relation: Less common and more regional than 'zu Mittag essen.' 'Vespern' usually implies a lighter meal or snack, not the main midday meal. - eine Mahlzeit einnehmen (verb phrase)
- Meaning: To have a meal (a more general and formal term).
Usage: 'Wir werden eine Mahlzeit einnehmen.' (We will have a meal.)
Relation: 'Zu Mittag essen' is a specific instance of 'eine Mahlzeit einnehmen,' referring to the midday meal. - essen (verb)
- Meaning: To eat.
Usage: 'Ich esse gern Pizza.' (I like eating pizza.)
Relation: 'Essen' is the base verb. 'Zu Mittag essen' is a specific application of 'essen' to the midday meal. - Mittagspause (noun)
- Meaning: Lunch break.
Usage: 'Meine Mittagspause ist von 12 bis 1 Uhr.' (My lunch break is from 1 to 2 PM.)
Relation: This refers to the time period designated for lunch, during which one would typically 'zu Mittag essen.'
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word 'Mittag' itself comes from Old High German 'mīttag,' meaning 'middle of the day.' The 'essen' part is also ancient, tracing back to Proto-Germanic roots.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'zu' as 'zoo' instead of the shorter 'tsu'.
- Incorrectly stressing 'Mittag' or 'Essen' on the second syllable.
- Not clearly pronouncing the 'ts' sound at the beginning.
- Confusing the vowel sounds, especially the 'e' in 'essen.'
Difficulty Rating
The phrase itself is straightforward. Understanding it in written texts requires basic reading comprehension skills. Texts might use it in various contexts, from simple dialogues to more complex descriptions of daily life.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Modal verbs with infinitive clauses
Ich möchte zu Mittag essen. (I want to eat lunch.) - 'möchte' is the modal verb, and 'zu Mittag essen' is the infinitive clause.
Perfect tense with 'haben'
Ich habe zu Mittag gegessen. (I have eaten lunch.) - 'gegessen' is the past participle of 'essen'.
Infinitive clauses with 'zu'
Es ist wichtig, zu Mittag zu essen. (It is important to eat lunch.) - 'zu' connects the infinitive to the main clause.
Verb conjugation in present tense
Wir essen zu Mittag. (We eat lunch.) - 'essen' is conjugated for the plural subject 'wir'.
Imperative mood
Lasst uns zu Mittag essen! (Let's eat lunch!) - 'Lasst uns' introduces the suggestion for a shared action.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Enjoy your meal! This is said before people start eating.
Wir sitzen am Tisch und jemand sagt: 'Guten Appetit!' bevor wir zu Mittag essen.
— I am hungry. This is a common reason for wanting to eat lunch.
Ich habe Hunger, lass uns zu Mittag essen gehen.
— What is there for lunch? This is asked when inquiring about the food for the midday meal.
Bevor wir zu Mittag essen, frage ich: 'Was gibt es zum Mittagessen?'
— Let's... This is used to suggest an activity, including having lunch.
Lass uns doch zu Mittag essen gehen.
— I am full. This is said after finishing a meal.
Nachdem wir zu Mittag gegessen haben, sage ich: 'Ich bin satt.'
— Do we need anything else? This can be asked before or after lunch.
Bevor wir zu Mittag essen, frage ich: 'Brauchen wir noch etwas?'
— I don't have time. This can be a reason for not having lunch or having a quick one.
Ich habe heute keine Zeit zu Mittag zu essen.
— When is the lunch break? This is important for planning when to eat lunch.
Ich frage meinen Kollegen: 'Wann ist Mittagspause?', damit wir zu Mittag essen können.
— I am looking forward to... This can be used to express anticipation for lunch.
Ich freue mich auf das Mittagessen. Ich freue mich darauf, zu Mittag zu essen.
— It tastes good. A common compliment after eating lunch.
Nachdem wir zu Mittag gegessen haben, sage ich: 'Es schmeckt gut.'
Often Confused With
'Mittagessen' is the noun for lunch (the meal itself), while 'zu Mittag essen' is the verb phrase for the action of eating lunch.
'Mittags' is an adverb meaning 'at midday' or 'in the afternoon.' It describes *when* something happens, not the act of eating lunch itself.
'Essen' is the general verb 'to eat.' 'Zu Mittag essen' is a specific use of 'essen' for the midday meal.
Idioms & Expressions
— To take a midday rest or nap. While not directly about eating, it's a customary activity associated with the midday period.
Nachdem wir zu Mittag gegessen hatten, hielten wir Mittagsruhe.
General— A long lunch. This refers to a lunch that extends beyond the typical duration, often implying a leisurely or extended social meal.
Wir hatten gestern ein langes Mittagessen mit vielen Gästen.
General— A quick lunch. This describes a lunch that is eaten in a short amount of time, often due to time constraints.
Ich hatte nur ein schnelles Mittagessen wegen der Arbeit.
General— To oversleep through lunch. This implies missing the usual time for lunch because one slept too late.
Ich habe das Mittagessen verschlafen und erst am Nachmittag gefrühstückt.
Informal— To treat oneself to something. This can apply to a nice lunch.
Heute gönne ich mir ein besonders gutes Mittagessen. Ich gönne mir, zu Mittag zu essen.
General— To make use of the midday time. This can include eating lunch, but also other activities.
Wir müssen die Mittagszeit nutzen, um zu Mittag zu essen und dann noch etwas zu erledigen.
General— To be inseparable, often used metaphorically. If two people love eating lunch together, one might humorously say they are 'heart and soul' when it comes to lunch.
Er und sein Kollege sind beim Mittagessen ein Herz und eine Seele.
Figurative/Humorous— To kill time. If waiting for lunch or during a slow lunch, one might be killing time.
Wir hatten noch eine halbe Stunde, bis wir zu Mittag essen konnten, also haben wir die Zeit totgeschlagen.
General— A luxury lunch. This refers to a particularly elaborate or expensive lunch.
An unserem Hochzeitstag hatten wir ein Luxusmittagessen.
General— To eat only a little something. This contrasts with a substantial lunch.
Ich hatte heute Morgen schon so viel gegessen, dass ich nur eine Kleinigkeit zu Mittag essen konnte.
GeneralEasily Confused
Both refer to lunch, but one is the meal, the other is the action.
'Mittagessen' is the noun (the food, the meal). 'Zu Mittag essen' is the verb phrase (the act of eating the meal). You eat 'Mittagessen' when you 'zu Mittag essen.'
Das <strong>Mittagessen</strong> ist fertig. Wir können jetzt <strong>zu Mittag essen</strong>.
Both relate to midday.
'Mittags' is an adverb meaning 'at midday' or 'in the afternoon.' 'Zu Mittag essen' is the verb phrase for eating lunch. You can say 'Ich esse <strong>mittags</strong>.' (I eat at midday), which implies eating lunch, but 'zu Mittag essen' is more specific to the meal itself.
Ich esse gern <strong>mittags</strong> im Park. (I like to eat in the park at midday.) This implies eating lunch. 'Ich gehe <strong>zu Mittag essen</strong> im Park.' (I am going to eat lunch in the park.)
Both can refer to eating a midday meal.
'Vespern' is often regional and implies a lighter meal or snack, especially in the afternoon. 'Zu Mittag essen' is the standard, neutral term for eating lunch, usually the main meal of the day.
In Süddeutschland sagt man manchmal 'vespern' für eine Brotzeit am Nachmittag, aber generell sagt man '<strong>zu Mittag essen</strong>'.
Both involve eating for energy.
'Sich stärken' means 'to strengthen oneself' or 'to fuel up,' implying eating to gain energy. It's a more general concept. 'Zu Mittag essen' specifically refers to the midday meal.
Wir müssen uns <strong>stärken</strong>, bevor wir weiterarbeiten. Wir <strong>essen zu Mittag</strong>, um uns zu stärken.
Both mean to eat a meal.
'Eine Mahlzeit einnehmen' is a more formal and general phrase for 'to have a meal.' 'Zu Mittag essen' is specific to the midday meal (lunch).
Wir werden heute eine <strong>Mahlzeit einnehmen</strong>. Wir werden heute <strong>zu Mittag essen</strong>.
Sentence Patterns
Ich esse zu Mittag.
Ich <strong>esse zu Mittag</strong>.
Wir essen zu Mittag.
Wir <strong>essen zu Mittag</strong>.
Wann essen wir zu Mittag?
<strong>Wann essen wir zu Mittag</strong>?
Ich möchte zu Mittag essen.
Ich <strong>möchte zu Mittag essen</strong>.
Lass uns zu Mittag essen.
<strong>Lass uns zu Mittag essen</strong>.
Ich habe zu Mittag gegessen.
Ich <strong>habe zu Mittag gegessen</strong>.
Wir gehen auswärts zu Mittag essen.
Wir <strong>gehen auswärts zu Mittag essen</strong>.
Es ist wichtig, regelmäßig zu Mittag zu essen.
Es ist wichtig, <strong>regelmäßig zu Mittag zu essen</strong>.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Using 'Mittagessen' as a verb.
→
Ich esse zu Mittag.
'Mittagessen' is a noun (lunch). 'Zu Mittag essen' is the verb phrase for the action of eating lunch. You cannot say 'Ich Mittagessen jetzt.'
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Incorrect conjugation of 'essen'.
→
Wir essen zu Mittag.
The verb 'essen' must be conjugated according to the subject. 'Wir' takes 'essen', not 'esst' or 'isst'.
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Confusing 'zu Mittag essen' with 'frühstücken' or 'zu Abend essen'.
→
Ich esse zu Mittag um 12 Uhr.
'Zu Mittag essen' specifically refers to the midday meal (lunch). 'Frühstücken' is for breakfast, and 'zu Abend essen' is for dinner.
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Omitting 'zu' or 'Mittag'.
→
Ich esse zu Mittag.
The phrase is 'zu Mittag essen'. Omitting parts changes the meaning or makes it ungrammatical. You can't just say 'Ich esse Mittag.'
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Using the infinitive form without a modal verb or specific structure.
→
Sie isst zu Mittag.
In a simple present tense sentence, the verb must be conjugated. The infinitive 'zu Mittag essen' is used with modal verbs (like 'möchte') or in infinitive clauses.
Tips
Mastering the 'tsu' sound
The 'tsu' in 'zu' is not like the 'zoo' in English. It's a sharp sound, similar to the 'ts' in 'cats' followed by a short 'oo'. Practice saying 'tsu Mittag essen' to get the rhythm and sound right.
Conjugate 'essen' correctly
Remember that 'essen' is the verb that changes. 'Zu Mittag' stays the same. So, 'ich esse,' 'du isst,' 'er/sie/es isst,' 'wir essen,' 'ihr esst,' 'sie essen.' Always pair the correct conjugation with 'zu Mittag.'
Distinguish from 'Mittagessen'
Keep in mind that 'Mittagessen' is the noun (the meal), and 'zu Mittag essen' is the verb phrase (the action). You eat 'Mittagessen' when you 'zu Mittag essen.'
Use in daily life
Actively try to use 'zu Mittag essen' when talking about your daily plans or asking others about theirs. This will help solidify the phrase in your memory.
Visual association
Imagine a clock at noon. Picture yourself sitting down to eat. Associate the time 'Mittag' with the action 'essen' to create a strong mental link.
Sentence building
Create your own sentences using 'zu Mittag essen' in different tenses and with modal verbs. For instance, 'Ich werde morgen zu Mittag essen gehen.' (I will go to have lunch tomorrow.)
Listen for it
When watching German shows or listening to podcasts, actively listen for the phrase 'zu Mittag essen.' Notice how native speakers use it in natural conversation.
Explore alternatives
While 'zu Mittag essen' is standard, be aware of alternatives like 'Mittagessen machen' (informal) or 'sich stärken' to understand nuances in meaning and usage.
Understand its importance
Recognize that lunch has traditionally been a significant meal in German culture, which is why this phrase is so common and widely used.
Regular revision
Regularly review the definition, examples, and practice exercises related to 'zu Mittag essen' to ensure you retain the vocabulary and its correct usage.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'tsu' sounding like 'two' and 'Mittag' sounding like 'middle.' So, 'two middle meals' doesn't quite work. Instead, let's focus on 'zu' meaning 'to' and 'Mittag' meaning 'midday.' You go *to* the midday meal to *eat*.
Visual Association
Imagine a clock showing 12:00 PM (midday). Picture yourself sitting at a table, about to eat a delicious meal. The word 'Mittag' is the time, and 'essen' is the action.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to say 'I will eat lunch at 1 PM' in German using 'zu Mittag essen.' Remember to conjugate the verb!
Word Origin
The phrase 'zu Mittag essen' is a compound phrase formed from the preposition 'zu' (to/at), the noun 'Mittag' (midday/noon), and the verb 'essen' (to eat). It literally means 'to eat at midday.' This structure is common in German for specifying activities at particular times of the day.
Original meaning: To consume food during the midday period.
GermanicCultural Context
No particular sensitivities associated with this phrase. It's a neutral, everyday expression.
In English-speaking countries, lunch is often a lighter meal compared to dinner, and the main meal might be dinner. However, 'to have lunch' is the direct equivalent.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Workplace
- Wann machen wir Mittagspause?
- Gehen wir zusammen zu Mittag essen?
- Ich esse in der Kantine zu Mittag.
- Ich habe mein Mittagessen mitgebracht.
Social Gatherings
- Hast du Lust, zu Mittag zu essen?
- Lass uns bei mir zu Mittag essen.
- Wo sollen wir zu Mittag essen?
- Ich freue mich aufs Mittagessen.
Restaurants/Cafes
- Haben Sie einen Mittagstisch?
- Ich möchte zu Mittag essen.
- Was empfehlen Sie zum Mittagessen?
- Wir möchten zu zweit zu Mittag essen.
Daily Routine
- Ich esse jeden Tag zu Mittag.
- Mein Mittagessen ist um 13 Uhr.
- Nach dem Mittagessen mache ich eine Pause.
- Ich esse zu Mittag zu Hause.
Travel
- Wo kann man hier gut zu Mittag essen?
- Gibt es ein Restaurant in der Nähe, wo man zu Mittag essen kann?
- Ich muss unterwegs etwas zu Mittag essen.
- Was ist die beste Option, um zu Mittag zu essen?
Conversation Starters
"What did you have for lunch today?"
"Do you prefer eating lunch at home or going out?"
"What's your favorite thing to eat for lunch?"
"Do you usually take a long or short lunch break?"
"What time do you typically eat lunch?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your typical lunch routine. What do you usually eat and where?
Write about a memorable lunch experience you had. Who were you with and what made it special?
If you could have any meal for lunch today, what would it be and why?
How important is lunch to your daily energy levels? Explain your thoughts.
Imagine you are planning a lunch date with a friend. Write a short dialogue about arranging it.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Mittagessen' is the noun, referring to the meal itself (lunch). 'Zu Mittag essen' is the verb phrase, meaning 'to eat lunch.' So, you eat 'Mittagessen' when you 'zu Mittag essen.' For example: 'Das Mittagessen ist lecker. Ich esse zu Mittag.' (The lunch is delicious. I am eating lunch.)
'Mittags' is an adverb meaning 'at midday' or 'in the afternoon.' It tells you *when* something happens. You can say 'Ich esse mittags' (I eat at midday), which implies eating lunch, but 'zu Mittag essen' is more specific to the act of eating the lunch meal. For example: 'Ich esse gern mittags draußen.' (I like eating outdoors at midday.) This implies eating lunch outside.
'Zu Mittag essen' is a neutral and very common phrase used in most situations, from casual conversations with friends to more formal settings. There are more informal options like 'was futtern' and more formal ones like 'zu Mittag speisen,' but 'zu Mittag essen' is the standard.
You use the perfect tense of 'essen.' The past participle is 'gegessen.' So, you would say: 'Ich habe zu Mittag gegessen.' (I have eaten lunch.)
'Zu Mittag essen' means 'to eat lunch' (midday meal). 'Zu Abend essen' means 'to eat dinner' or 'supper' (evening meal). They refer to different meals at different times of the day.
No, 'zu Mittag essen' specifically refers to the main meal of the day, lunch. For a snack, you would use words like 'snacken' or 'eine Kleinigkeit essen.' If you eat a light meal at midday, you might still call it 'Mittagessen' but perhaps describe it as 'ein leichtes Mittagessen' (a light lunch).
Common collocations include: 'gemeinsam zu Mittag essen' (to eat lunch together), 'schnell zu Mittag essen' (to eat lunch quickly), 'auswärts zu Mittag essen' (to eat lunch out), and 'zu Mittag essen gehen' (to go out for lunch).
Traditionally, lunch ('Mittagessen') was the main meal. While this is changing, many Germans still have a substantial lunch. It's common to eat at home, at work canteens, or in restaurants. Lunch breaks are usually around 30-60 minutes.
For breakfast, the verb is 'frühstücken.' For dinner, it is 'zu Abend essen' or simply 'Abendessen' (as a verb, though less common than 'zu Abend essen').
Yes, in some regions, like parts of Bavaria, 'vespern' might be used for a midday snack or lighter meal, or 'Mittagbrot essen' might be heard. However, 'zu Mittag essen' is universally understood.
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Summary
'Zu Mittag essen' is the standard German phrase for 'to have lunch,' referring to the meal eaten in the middle of the day. It's a fundamental part of daily life and frequently used in conversations about daily routines and social plans.
- Eat lunch in German.
- Midday mealtime activity.
- Common daily verb phrase.
- Essential for everyday conversation.
Mastering the 'tsu' sound
The 'tsu' in 'zu' is not like the 'zoo' in English. It's a sharp sound, similar to the 'ts' in 'cats' followed by a short 'oo'. Practice saying 'tsu Mittag essen' to get the rhythm and sound right.
Conjugate 'essen' correctly
Remember that 'essen' is the verb that changes. 'Zu Mittag' stays the same. So, 'ich esse,' 'du isst,' 'er/sie/es isst,' 'wir essen,' 'ihr esst,' 'sie essen.' Always pair the correct conjugation with 'zu Mittag.'
Distinguish from 'Mittagessen'
Keep in mind that 'Mittagessen' is the noun (the meal), and 'zu Mittag essen' is the verb phrase (the action). You eat 'Mittagessen' when you 'zu Mittag essen.'
Use in daily life
Actively try to use 'zu Mittag essen' when talking about your daily plans or asking others about theirs. This will help solidify the phrase in your memory.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More daily_life words
Abend
A1evening
Abend, der
A2The period of time between the end of the day and bedtime.
Abfall
A2waste, garbage
abholen
A1to pick up
abmelden
A1to deregister, to sign out; to formally withdraw or log off.
abwaschen
A2To wash dishes after a meal.
Adresse
A1address (e.g., street address)
Alltag
A2The routine of daily existence.
anhaben
A2To wear; to have clothes on one's body.
anmelden
A1to register, to sign up; to formally enroll or record one's presence.
