Guten Appetit
The German phrase for "have a good meal" is Guten Appetit.
The primary way to wish someone enjoyment of their food before they start eating is to say Guten Appetit. In casual settings, you can also use Lasst es euch schmecken! to mean "Enjoy your meal!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good appetite".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Swabian region, people use En Guat'n! to express the sentiment of wishing someone a good meal. In Bavaria, An Guadn! is a common way of wishing someone a good meal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Guten is the masculine accusative form of gut because it modifies the masculine noun Appetit in the implied phrase [Ich wünsche dir einen] guten Appetit.
When do people say it?
In German-speaking cultures, it is common practice to say Guten Appetit to everyone at the table before anyone begins eating. If someone says this to you and you are also about to eat, it is customary to respond by saying Danke, gleichfalls! If you are the only person eating, you can simply respond with Danke!
Did you know?
- While Guten Appetit is the standard, the phrase Mahlzeit is often used in German workplaces as a general greeting during lunch hours.
- The word Appetit is a 'loanword' that entered German via Old French, showcasing the historical influence of French on German courtly and culinary language.
- In some traditional German circles, it is considered impolite to start eating before the host has said Guten Appetit.
Examples in context
- Wenn Sie jetzt essen, wünsche ich Ihnen einen guten Appetit!If you're eating now, I wish you a good meal!
- Hey, lasst uns essen! Guten Appetit!Hey, let's eat! Enjoy your meal!
- Wir wünschen euch einen guten Appetit.We wish you all a good appetite.
- Guten Appetit beim Mittagessen!Enjoy your lunch!
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are sitting at a cafe ready to eat.
- LauraDas Essen sieht toll aus.The food looks great.
- FelixJa, guten Appetit, Laura!Yes, enjoy your meal, Laura!
- LauraDanke, dir auch, Felix.Thanks, you too, Felix.
- FelixGuten Appetit!Enjoy your meal!
