En Guete
Swiss German, everyday
In Swiss German you wish someone a good meal with En Guete. Standard German says Guten Appetit, and you will hear this in Switzerland too in a formal setting.
Meaning: wish before a meal (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| En Guete | Swiss German, everyday |
| Guten Appetit | standard German |
En Guete is said at the start of a meal to the people at the table, and often to colleagues in a canteen. The answer is Danke, gliichfalls, meaning "thanks, the same to you".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Swiss German varies by region, so the exact spelling and sound of En Guete differ a little between Zurich, Bern and Basel.
Did you know?
- In German-speaking Switzerland people say the wish at the start of almost every shared meal, even in a casual office lunch.
Examples in context
- En Guete binenand!Enjoy your meal, everyone!
- En Guete, mir gönd go ässe.Enjoy your meal, we are going to eat.
Example conversation
Colleagues Anna and Reto sit down for lunch in a canteen in Zurich.
- AnnaEn Guete, Reto.Enjoy your meal, Reto.
- RetoDanke, gliichfalls.Thanks, the same to you.
- AnnaDas gseht guet us.That looks good.
