Iss dein Essen
In German, "eat your food" is translated as Iss dein Essen.
This phrase is a command telling someone to consume the meal they have been given.
Which one should you use?
Iss dein Essen is a direct command, but it can sound quite blunt or even rude in German unless it is used in a specific context, such as a parent speaking to a child.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb essen (to eat) is irregular, which is why the singular imperative form is Iss rather than Is. The form Iss dein Essen uses the singular imperative, which is used when speaking to one person whom you address as du. If you are commanding more than one person whom you address as ihr, you must use the form Esst euer Essen. To say this command politely or formally to one or more people, use Essen Sie Ihr Essen.
Did you know?
- The German verb essen specifically refers to consuming a meal, while the word fressen is used for animals eating their food.
- In Germany, it is common to say Guten Appetit before someone begins to Iss dein Essen, a phrase English lacks a direct equivalent for.
- The word Essen is a homonym that can refer to both the act of eating and a city in the Ruhr region of Germany.
Examples in context
- Iss dein Essen!Eat your food.This sentence is useful for practicing the command Iss dein Essen.Tatoeba #8317512 by Luiaard, translation #1513328 by Spamster
- Bitte essen Sie Ihr Essen, es ist sehr lecker!Please eat your food, it's very delicious!
- Iss dein Essen, bevor es kalt wird!Eat your food before it gets cold!
- Hau rein und genieß dein Essen!Dig in and enjoy your food!
- Iss dein Essen, wenn du Hunger hast.Eat your food if you are hungry.
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are sitting at the dinner table.
- LukasIss dein Essen, Hannah.Eat your food, Hannah.
- HannahIch habe keinen Hunger, Lukas.I am not hungry, Lukas.
- LukasDu musst wenigstens ein bisschen essen.You must eat at least a little bit.
- HannahNa gut, ich esse es.Alright, I will eat it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
