Butterbrot
The German phrase for bread and butter is Butterbrot.
In German, Butterbrot refers specifically to the prepared snack of bread with butter, whereas the English 'bread and butter' can also be an idiom for one's livelihood. German uses different expressions for the latter.
Did you know?
- In Germany, a Butterbrot is traditionally eaten as an open-faced sandwich, as using two slices of bread is less common and often viewed as a waste.
- While Butterbrot literally means 'butter bread', it is used as a generic term for any open-faced sandwich with a spread, even if the spread is margarine or cream cheese.
- The term Abendbrot refers to the traditional German evening meal, which consists primarily of Butterbrot and cold cuts rather than a hot cooked dinner.
Examples in context
- Er aß ein Butterbrot.He ate bread and butter.This sentence shows how to use Butterbrot to describe a simple meal.Tatoeba #900056 by Esperantostern, translation #3693780 by CH
- Sie frühstücken gewöhnlich Butterbrot.Bread and butter is their usual breakfast.This sentence illustrates using Butterbrot as a typical breakfast item.Tatoeba #661960 by jakov, translation #35196 by jakov
- Heute Morgen habe ich Butterbrot gegessen.I ate bread and butter this morning.This sentence demonstrates mentioning having eaten Butterbrot earlier in the morning.Tatoeba #343041 by MUIRIEL, translation #257535 by CN
- Ich hätte gerne eine Scheibe Brot und Butter, bitte.I would like a slice of bread and butter, please.
- Können Sie mir zum Frühstück Brot mit Butter servieren?Could you serve me bread with butter for breakfast?
- Kannst du mir bitte ein Stück Brot mit Butter geben?Can you please give me a slice of bread with butter?
- Wir haben im Gartenhaus nur noch Brot und Butter.We only have bread and butter left in the garden house.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are discussing their lunch in the kitchen.
- HannahHast du Lust auf ein Butterbrot?Do you feel like having a piece of bread and butter?
- FelixJa, gerne. Hast du auch Käse?Yes, please. Do you have cheese too?
- HannahKlar, ich lege das Butterbrot auf den Teller.Sure, I'll put the bread and butter on the plate.
- FelixDanke, Hannah!Thanks, Hannah!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
