In German
Abendessen
Meaning: dinner / evening meal
Formal or informal? In northern and eastern Germany, “Abendbrot” is a lighter evening meal, often bread. “Abendessen” is the warmer, main evening meal.
Example sentences
DasAbendessenistfertig.
Dinner is ready.
WiressenumsiebenUhrzuAbend.
We eat dinner at seven o'clock.
WasgibteszumAbendessen?
What's for dinner?
Grammar note
“Das Abendessen” is neuter, made from “der Abend” (evening) and “das Essen” (food). Note that the stem changes when it's a noun.
Common mistake
“Mittagessen” is lunch, not dinner. Germans eat their main meal at midday, so “Mittagessen” can be the bigger meal.
Quick check
Which word means “dinner”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Abendessen and Abendbrot?
Abendbrot is typically a light meal of bread and cold food, while Abendessen is a hot, main meal.
How do you say “to have dinner”?
“Zu Abend essen”, which uses the verb “essen” (to eat).