Mittagszeit
/ˈmɪtaːksˌt͡saɪ̯t/feminine
The German word for lunchtime is Mittagszeit. Wiktionary also lists Mittagspause.
Meaning: time or hour for lunch (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mittagszeit | /ˈmɪtaːksˌt͡saɪ̯t/ | feminine |
| Mittagspause | /ˈmɪtaːksˌpaʊ̯zə/ | feminine |
The term refers to the time or hour designated for lunch. In informal settings, simply mentioning Mittag can also convey that it is lunchtime.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Mittagszeit is a compound of Mittag (midday) and Zeit (time), literally meaning midday time.
Which one should you use?
Mittagszeit refers to the general time of day around noon, whereas Mittagspause refers specifically to the break period from work or school.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Swiss German dialect, Z'mittag is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying 'at lunchtime', German uses the preposition um with the feminine accusative die Mittagszeit (e.g., um die Mittagszeit).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɪtaːksˌtsaɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- In traditional German households, the Mittagszeit was historically the main warm meal of the day, with a lighter Abendbrot (evening bread) for dinner.
- In Germany, many local shops and small businesses will close completely during the Mittagszeit to allow employees to eat and rest. This is a common practice that might surprise visitors looking for a quick snack.
- German law often mandates a minimum Mittagspause of 30 minutes for employees who work more than six hours a day.
Examples in context
- Das der Schule nächstgelegene Café ist in der Mittagszeit geschlossen.The cafe nearest the school is closed at lunchtime.This sentence shows how to use Mittagszeit to describe when a cafe is closed.Tatoeba #1615380 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10654868 by sundown
- Es war um die Mittagszeit.It was about lunchtime.This sentence illustrates the use of Mittagszeit to indicate a general time of day.Tatoeba #1431753 by PeterR, translation #11094036 by sundown
- „Woran denken Sie?“ – „An die Mittagspause.“"What are you thinking about?" "Lunchtime."This sentence shows how Mittagspause can be used in response to a question.Tatoeba #6797179 by felix63, translation #6900740 by kaiperkins271
- Die Mittagszeit ist von 12 bis 14 UhrLunchtime is from 12 to 2 pm
- Der Chef erlaubt uns eine Stunde MittagspauseThe boss allows us an hour for lunch break
- Es ist schon Mittag, lass uns essen gehenIt's already noon, let's go and eat
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are talking about their schedule at work.
- HannahHast du um die Mittagszeit Zeit?Do you have time at lunchtime?
- JulianJa, ich habe dann Pause.Yes, I have a break then.
- HannahWollen wir zusammen essen gehen?Do you want to go eat together?
- JulianGerne, das ist eine gute Idee.Gladly, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lunchtime” translations and entries Mittagszeit, Mittagspause, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
