ich esse zu Mittag
/ɪç ˈɛsə t͡sə ˈmɪtax/word by word
The English phrase "I eat lunch" is translated into German as ich esse zu Mittag.
ich esse zu Mittag is a statement used to say that someone is consuming their midday meal.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "I eat at midday".
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb phrase is zu Mittag essen. When you conjugate the phrase for the third person singular (he/she/it), the verb essen changes to isst, resulting in er/sie isst zu Mittag.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈɛsə tsə ˈmɪtax/
Did you know?
- In many German households, Mittagessen is traditionally the largest and most important meal of the day, whereas dinner is often a lighter 'cold' meal.
- While ich esse zu Mittag describes the act of eating, Germans often use the phrase Mahlzeit! as a greeting during lunch hours in workplaces.
- The word ich shares the same Proto-Indo-European roots as the English word 'I', tracing back to ancient forms like *eǵh₂óm.
Examples in context
- Ich esse zu Mittag.I am eating lunch.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are talking about their break times at work.
- LukasWann isst du heute?When are you eating today?
- LauraIch esse zu Mittag um zwölf Uhr.I eat lunch at twelve o'clock.
- LukasDann esse ich auch zu Mittag.Then I am eating lunch too.
- LauraDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
