Lebensmittelgeschäft
/ˈleːbn̩smɪtl̩ɡəˌʃɛft/neuter
The English phrase grocery store is expressed in German as Lebensmittelgeschäft. Wiktionary also lists Lebensmittelladen and Lebensmittelhandlung.
Meaning: a store where groceries can be purchased, especially a supermarket (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lebensmittelgeschäft | /ˈleːbn̩smɪtl̩ɡəˌʃɛft/ | neuter |
| Lebensmittelladen | /ˈleːbənsˌmɪtəlˌlaːdən/ | masculine |
| Lebensmittelhandlung | /ˈleːbn̩smɪtl̩handlʊŋ/ | feminine |
A grocery store is a place where groceries can be purchased, especially a supermarket. In modern daily German, people more frequently use the word Supermarkt to refer to a standard grocery store.
Which one should you use?
Lebensmittelgeschäft sounds more formal or professional than Lebensmittelladen.
How does it change in a sentence?
Lebensmittelladen is a masculine noun. Because it is masculine, it changes to einen Lebensmittelladen when used in the accusative case. The plural of Lebensmittelladen is Lebensmittelläden, though in the dative plural, the form remains Lebensmittelladen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈleːbn̩smɪtl̩ɡəˌʃɛft/
Did you know?
- The word Lebensmittel is a compound of Leben (life) and Mittel (means or resources). Literally, you are going to a shop for the 'means of life'.
- In Germany, many Lebensmittelläden are closed on Sundays due to the Ladenschlussgesetz, a law that regulates store closing times to protect employees' rest.
- If you are looking for a very small, often traditional grocery shop, you might ask for a Tante-Emma-Laden. This name refers to the 'Aunt Emma' shops of the past.
Examples in context
- Toms Eltern haben einen Lebensmittelladen.Tom's parents own the grocery store.This sentence shows the use of Lebensmittelladen to indicate ownership.Tatoeba #6971394 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5936215 by Hybrid
- In diesem Lebensmittelladen gibt es nur Biokost.This grocery store only sells organic food.This sentence demonstrates how to describe the specific goods found in a Lebensmittelladen.Tatoeba #4195819 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4190431 by Hybrid
- Es gibt in dieser Straße einen Lebensmittelladen.There's a grocery store on this street.This sentence illustrates how to state the presence of a Lebensmittelladen in a specific location.Tatoeba #2290058 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2268712 by _undertoad
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are planning their shopping trip.
- FelixWo ist das nächste Lebensmittelgeschäft?Where is the nearest grocery store?
- JuliaEs gibt ein großes Lebensmittelgeschäft um die Ecke.There is a large grocery store around the corner.
- FelixSoll ich dort für uns einkaufen?Should I shop there for us?
- JuliaJa, bitte, das wäre sehr nett.Yes, please, that would be very nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grocery store” translations and entries Lebensmittelgeschäft, Lebensmittelladen, Lebensmittelhandlung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lebensmittelgeschäft, Lebensmittelhandlung, Lebensmittelladen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
