In German
essen
Meaning: to eat
Formal or informal? “Essen” is the everyday verb for eat. The noun “das Essen” means food or a meal.
Example sentences
IchessegernBrot.
I like eating bread.
WasisstduzumFrühstück?
What do you eat for breakfast?
DieKinderessenObst.
The children eat fruit.
Grammar note
Regular endings: ich esse, du isst, er isst, wir essen. The stem changes e to i in the du and er forms, so “isst”. The ihr form is “ihr esst”, with one s.
Common mistake
Don't write “ich isse”. The ich form is “ich esse”, and “isst” is only for du and er.
Quick check
Which form is correct for “he eats” (er)?
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Why is it “isst” and not “esst” for du and er?
The e changes to i in the du and er forms. “Esst” is the ihr form, meaning you all eat.
What's the noun for a meal?
“Das Essen”, which means food or a meal.