How to Say "Cafeteria" in German

Cafeteria

[kafeteˈʀiːa]

The German word for cafeteria is Cafeteria.

Cafeteria is a general term used to describe a dining area.

Meaning: dining area (noun)

Which one should you use?

While Cafeteria is a general term for a dining area, the specific term Mensa is used specifically for a cafeteria in a university or student context.

The noun Cafeteria is feminine and is used with the definite article die (die Cafeteria). The plural form is die Cafeterien.

English speakers may use Cafeteria for any dining hall, but in a workplace or industrial setting, the term Kantine is more common in German.

The word Mensa is actually a Latin term for a 'table', which is why it is used to name the specific dining halls in German universities.
In many German industrial settings, the term Kantine is used so frequently that it is often treated as a synonym for the entire midday break time itself.
While Cafeteria is feminine, the related word for a small coffee shop, Café, is neuter in German.

Arbeitest du nicht in der Cafeteria?
Don't you work in the cafeteria?
This sentence uses Cafeteria to ask about working in a dining area.
Tatoeba #4734043 by bonny37, translation #1885987 by CK
Ich würde gern in der Cafeteria arbeiten.
I'd like to work at the cafeteria.
This sentence uses Cafeteria to express a desire to work in a dining area.
Tatoeba #459795 by al_ex_an_der, translation #63578 by CK
Treffen wir uns zum Mittagessen in der Cafeteria?
Shall we meet in the cafeteria for lunch?
This sentence uses Cafeteria to suggest meeting for lunch in a dining area.
Tatoeba #8641534 by Melang, translation #11235248 by sundown
Was gibt es heute in der Kantine?
What's on the menu in the cafeteria today?
Ich esse gern in der Mensa.
I like to eat in the cafeteria.
19 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two students are discussing their lunch plans.

Sources

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