Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| En Guete | |
| Guete Appetit | more formal |
| En Guete mitenand | said to a group |
Swiss people say En Guete just before anyone starts eating, at home, in a restaurant or even to strangers sharing a table. The fuller Guete Appetit is closer to Standard German and sounds a little more careful, while En Guete mitenand adds 'all of you' when several people sit down together.
What does it mean word for word?
En Guete shortens an older phrase meaning 'a good one', leaving out the noun it once described. mitenand means 'together' or 'all of you'.
Which one should you use?
En Guete fits every meal and every company. Guete Appetit is what you might write on a restaurant sign or say in a more careful register. Both mean exactly the same thing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Neither phrase is especially formal or informal. The wish is said to everyone, from children to a boss, and almost nobody skips it.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase is used the same way across German-speaking Switzerland, though in Basel you may also hear the shorter e Guete.
How does it change in a sentence?
En Guete stays exactly the same no matter who is eating or how many people are at the table, except when mitenand is added for a group.
How do you pronounce it?
The vowel in Guete is a soft diphthong, closer to 'goo-ete' than the single long vowel of Standard German Guten.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Saying nothing before eating stands out in Switzerland. Even a quick En Guete across the table is expected.
When do people say it?
Swiss people say En Guete at the start of nearly every meal, including quick lunches at work, and people often wait for it before picking up a fork.
Did you know?
- En Guete is said before almost every meal in Switzerland, even a quick lunch at a desk, which is less automatic in Germany.
- The phrase is a shortened form of an older expression wishing someone 'a good one', with the noun it once pointed to long since dropped.
Examples in context
- En Guete, lass es dir schmecke!Enjoy your meal, hope you like it!
- En Guete mitenand!Enjoy your meal, everyone!
- Merci, dir au en Guete.Thanks, enjoy yours too.
Example conversation
Fabienne and her colleague Reto sit down together in the office canteen.
- FabienneEn Guete!Enjoy your meal!
- RetoMerci, dir au en Guete!Thanks, enjoy yours too!
- FabienneWas hesch hüt gnomme?What did you get today?
- RetoDr Chässchnitte, win immer.The cheese toast, as always.
