das  Abendbrot

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaːbn̩tˌbʁoːt/

🍽️ What exactly is 'das Abendbrot'?

The term Abendbrot (neuter, article: das) refers to the last meal of the day, the evening meal or supper, in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. The name traditionally derives from the fact that this meal often consists of Brot (bread) with various toppings (Käse - cheese, Wurst - sausage, Aufstriche - spreads) and is typically eaten cold.

It's more than just a meal; it's often a social occasion where the family comes together to discuss the day. Although warm evening meals are also common nowadays, the traditional cold Abendbrot still holds a firm place in the culture.

⚠️ There's only this one article for the word.

🧐 Grammar Focus: Das Abendbrot

"Abendbrot" is a neuter noun. Here is its declension:

Note: The plural "die Abendbrote" is rarely used; people usually speak of "Abendessen" (evening meals) in general or describe specific meals.

📖 Example Sentences

• Wir essen heute Abend um 18 Uhr das Abendbrot. (We are having Abendbrot tonight at 6 PM.)
• Zum Abendbrot gibt es heute Käse und Wurst. (For Abendbrot today, there's cheese and sausage.)
• Die Kinder freuen sich schon auf das Abendbrot. (The children are already looking forward to Abendbrot.)
• Während des Abendbrots erzählen wir uns vom Tag. (During Abendbrot, we tell each other about our day.)

💬 How to use "Abendbrot"?

The term Abendbrot is mainly used in familial or informal contexts. It often emphasizes the traditional, rather simple, and cold form of the evening meal.

• Typical Usage: When talking about the evening meal, especially when it involves bread, cheese, sausage, etc. ("Was gibt's zum Abendbrot?" - "What's for supper/Abendbrot?")
• Cultural Context: It represents a German food culture tradition that values a shared, often uncomplicated meal in the evening.
• Difference from "Abendessen": "Abendessen" is the more general term and can refer to both a cold and a warm meal. "Abendbrot" is more specific to the cold version, although sometimes used synonymously. In restaurants, you would typically order an "Abendessen".

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the Article (das): Think of das Brot (the bread). Abendbrot mainly consists of bread. Brot is neuter (das Brot), so das Abendbrot is also neuter. Think 'das bread for the evening'.

For the Meaning: It's a straightforward compound: Abend (evening) + Brot (bread) = bread eaten in the evening.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Potential for Confusion

• Abendmahl: Has a religious meaning (Holy Communion/Last Supper in Christianity) and should not be confused with the everyday meal.

😄 A Little Abendbrot Joke

Fragt die Mutter: "Fritzchen, warum isst du dein Abendbrot unter dem Tisch?"
Antwortet Fritzchen: "Du hast doch gesagt, ich soll ein unterhaltsames Abendessen haben!"

(Mother asks: "Fritzchen, why are you eating your Abendbrot under the table?"
Fritzchen replies: "But you said I should have an 'unterhaltsames' (entertaining / 'under'-taining) dinner!")

(The joke plays on the word "unterhaltsam" (entertaining), which sounds like "unter" (under) + "haltsam".)

✍️ Poem about Abendbrot

Wenn der Tag zur Neige geht,
Und der Magen leise fleht,
Steht auf dem Tisch, bereit und schlicht,
Das Abendbrot im Kerzenlicht.

Mit Käse, Wurst und Gurkenscheiben,
Lässt sich der Hunger gut vertreiben.
Ein Stück Gemeinschaft, warm und traut,
Auf das die ganze Familie baut.

(When the day draws to a close,
And the stomach softly pleads,
Stands on the table, ready and simple,
The Abendbrot in candlelight.

With cheese, sausage, and slices of cucumber,
Hunger can be well driven away.
A piece of community, warm and cozy,
On which the whole family builds.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme, wenn der Tag vergangen,
Mit Wurst und Käse angefangen.
Oft bin ich kalt, doch sätt'ge gut,
Bring' Ruh' am Schluss in jede Brut.

Was bin ich?

(I come when the day has passed,
Started with sausage and cheese.
Often I am cold, but satisfy well,
Bring peace at the end to every brood [family].)

What am I?
Solution: Das Abendbrot

💡 More Interesting Facts

• Word Composition: The word is a clear compound of "Abend" (evening) and "Brot" (bread).
• Cultural Significance: The shared Abendbrot is considered an important social anchor of the day in many German families. It's a time for exchange and togetherness.
• International Comparisons: While in many other cultures dinner is the main hot meal, in Germany, the cold Abendbrot has traditionally established itself, often in contrast to a hot lunch (Mittagessen).