geh essen
The English phrase "go eat" is translated into German as geh essen.
This phrase is an imperative used to tell someone to go and have a meal. In casual conversation, you can use the phrase geh mal essen to mean "go grab a bite to eat" or "go have a meal."
Which one should you use?
While geh essen is a direct command, the infinitive form essen gehen is used to express the general activity of "going out to eat".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form geh essen is the singular informal imperative used when addressing one person you know well. If you are telling a group of people to go eat, you must use the plural informal imperative geht essen instead of geh essen.
Did you know?
- The word essen can be used as a verb for humans, but for animals, Germans typically use the word fressen.
- While essen means 'to eat', it is also used as a noun meaning 'a meal' when capitalized as Essen.
- The root of essen is linked to the Latin word edō and the Russian word есть, meaning they all share a common ancestor from thousands of years ago.
Examples in context
- Wo kann man hier gut essen?Where can one eat well around here?
- Was kannst du hier zum Essen empfehlen?What can you recommend to eat around here?
- Wenn Sie Zeit haben, können Sie gerne essen gehen.If you have time, you are welcome to go eat.
- Geh mal essen, es gibt ein tolles Restaurant um die Ecke.Go grab a bite to eat, there's a great restaurant around the corner.
- Geh essen, bevor das Essen kalt wird.Go eat before the food gets cold.
- Du bist so hungrig, geh essen!You are so hungry, go eat!
- Geh essen, ich komme gleich nach.Go eat, I will follow shortly.
Example conversation
A busy office kitchen during a lunch break.
- FelixSarah, geh essen, du hast eine Pause.Sarah, go eat, you have a break.
- SarahIch habe aber noch viel zu tun.But I still have a lot to do.
- FelixGeh essen, sonst bekommst du schlechte Laune.Go eat, otherwise you will get in a bad mood.
- SarahNa gut, Felix, du hast recht.Alright, Felix, you are right.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries essen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
