das Lebensmittel, pl.
food · groceries
Dinge, die Menschen essen oder trinken, um satt zu werden und gesund zu bleiben.
The German word "Lebensmittel" is a compound noun made of two parts:
- Leben — "life"
- Mittel — "means" or "resources"
Meaning:
"Lebensmittel" means "food" or "groceries", literally the "means for life" or "things necessary for living," referring to consumable products that sustain life.
Similar words:
- Nahrung: Nutrition/food — often more general, focusing on nourishment.
- Esswaren: Edibles — more formal or uncommon.
- Nahrungsmittel: Foodstuffs — almost synonymous and often interchangeable.
Difference:
- "Lebensmittel" is the commonly used everyday word for food items you buy or consume.
- "Nahrung" focuses more on the nutritional aspect, sometimes in scientific or dietary contexts.
- "Nahrungsmittel" is a broader, slightly more formal term encompassing all foodstuffs, often used in legal or industry settings.
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Examples
Lebensmittel sind im Supermarkt zu finden.noun
Food can be found in the supermarket.
Im Kühlschrank sind keine Lebensmittel mehr.noun
There is no more food in the fridge.
Der Kühlschrank enthält frische Lebensmittel.noun
The refrigerator contains fresh groceries.
Wir kaufen Lebensmittel auf dem Wochenmarkt.noun
We buy food at the weekly market.
Die Lebensmittel liegen noch in der Tasche.noun
The food is still in the bag.
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