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interjectionnoun

Mahlzeit

meal

Ein Gruß oder Wunsch, den man sagt, wenn man isst oder jemand isst, ähnlich wie ‚Guten Appetit‘.

Definition & meaning

Mahlzeit is a feminine German noun meaning “meal”—a portion or occasion of eating, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

It is also commonly used as an informal greeting, especially around lunchtime:

  • „Mahlzeit!“ — “Enjoy your meal!” / “Hi!”
    In workplaces, it can function simply as a casual midday greeting, even when nobody is eating.

Depending on context, it can therefore mean:

  1. A meal:
    Das war eine gute Mahlzeit. — “That was a good meal.”
  2. A lunchtime greeting:
    Mahlzeit! — “Hi!” / “Enjoy your lunch!”

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: feminine: die Mahlzeit
  • Plural: die Mahlzeiten
  • Pronunciation: approximately MAHL-tsайт
  • Word formation: Mahl + Zeit
    • Mahl means “meal” or “feast.”
    • Zeit means “time.”
    • Literally, Mahlzeit means something like “meal time.”

The word originally referred to a time set aside for eating. Mahl is related to an older Germanic word for a meal or an occasion.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • Essen — “food” or “meal”; the most common everyday word. Unlike Mahlzeit, it does not normally serve as a greeting.
  • Speise — “dish” or “food”; somewhat more formal and often referring to a particular prepared food.
  • Mahl — “meal” or “feast”; more literary, elevated, or ceremonial than Mahlzeit.
  • Mahl can also suggest a substantial or celebratory meal, whereas Mahlzeit is neutral and everyday.

There is no exact antonym for Mahlzeit. In a relevant context, Fasten (“fasting”) contrasts with eating a meal, but it is not a direct lexical opposite.

Common phrases & collocations

  • eine Mahlzeit einnehmen — to have a meal; formal
  • eine warme Mahlzeit — a hot meal
  • eine leichte Mahlzeit — a light meal
  • eine gemeinsame Mahlzeit — a shared meal
  • eine Mahlzeit zubereiten — to prepare a meal
  • Mahlzeit! — a traditional informal greeting around lunchtime
  • Guten Appetit! — “Enjoy your meal!”; unlike Mahlzeit!, this is specifically a wish expressed before eating.

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Examples

Die Mahlzeit wurde frisch zubereitet.interjection

The meal was freshly prepared.

Alle freuen sich auf die Mahlzeit.interjection

Everyone is looking forward to the meal.

Heute gibt es eine warme Mahlzeit für uns.interjection

There is a hot meal for us today.

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