das  Abendmahl

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaːbn̩tˌmaːl/

🍽️ What exactly does "das Abendmahl" mean?

Das Abendmahl (noun, neuter) has several meanings, mostly within a religious or historical context:

• Religious (Christianity): It refers to the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper (das Herrenmahl), a central rite in Christian worship commemorating the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. Bread and wine (or grape juice) are shared. Synonyms in this context include die Eucharistie, die Kommunion, das Herrenmahl.
• Historical/Biblical: It specifically refers to the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his twelve apostles on the eve of his death (Maundy Thursday).
• General (rare): In an archaic or elevated style, it can simply mean an evening meal or supper (das Abendessen). However, this usage is very uncommon today. 🚨 Be careful: Normally, you would say das Abendessen.

🧐 Grammar of "das Abendmahl" in Detail

"Abendmahl" is a neuter noun and takes the article das. It's a compound word formed from "Abend" (evening) and "Mahl" (meal).

Example Sentences 📖

1. Viele Christen feiern regelmäßig das Abendmahl in ihrer Gemeinde.
   (Many Christians regularly celebrate the Lord's Supper in their parish.)
2. Das berühmte Gemälde von Leonardo da Vinci zeigt das Abendmahl Jesu mit seinen Jüngern.
   (The famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci depicts the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.)
3. Der Priester reichte den Gläubigen das Abendmahl.
   (The priest gave the communion/Eucharist to the faithful.)
4. Die Theologie des Abendmahls ist komplex.
   (The theology of the Eucharist/Lord's Supper is complex.)
5. In manchen Kirchen gibt es besondere Gottesdienste für Kinder zum Thema Abendmahl.
   (In some churches, there are special services for children on the topic of the Lord's Supper.)

💬 When and How to Use "das Abendmahl"

The use of das Abendmahl heavily depends on the context:

• In a religious context: This is the common term for the Eucharistic celebration in many Protestant churches. In the Catholic Church, one more often speaks of die heilige Kommunion (Holy Communion) or die Eucharistiefeier (Eucharistic celebration), but Abendmahl is also understood.
• In a historical or art-historical context: When discussing Jesus' Last Supper or depictions of it (like the famous mural).
• In everyday life: The meaning "evening meal" is very rare and sounds archaic or very formal. Instead, use das Abendessen (dinner/supper) or das Nachtessen (supper, regional). For a festive evening meal, you might use das Festmahl (feast) or das Diner (dinner).

⚠️ Do not confuse das Abendmahl with das Abendessen. While both describe evening meals, das Abendmahl almost always carries a religious or specific historical connotation.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Abendmahl"

For the article: Think of das Mahl (the meal). Many German words ending in "-mahl" that refer to a meal are neuter: das Mahl, das Festmahl (feast), das Gastmahl (banquet), das Henkersmahl (last meal before execution)... and therefore also das Abendmahl.

For the meaning: Imagine the sun setting (Abend) and a group of people (like Jesus and the disciples, or a church congregation) eating together (holding a Mahl). This image connects the evening with the communal, often solemn meal.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar, but different words:

• Das Abendbrot: Often refers to a simple, cold evening meal in Germany. Less formal than Abendessen, no religious connotation.
• Das Nachtmahl: Can be synonymous with Abendessen, but sounds a bit more elevated or older. No primary religious meaning like Abendmahl.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Pfarrer den kleinen Max nach dem Abendmahlgottesdienst: "Na, Max, wie hat dir das Abendmahl geschmeckt?" Antwortet Max: "Der Traubensaft war gut, aber das Brot war etwas trocken. Gibt's nächstes Mal vielleicht Kuchen?" 😉

Translation: The pastor asks little Max after the communion service: "Well, Max, how did you like the Lord's Supper?" Max replies: "The grape juice was good, but the bread was a bit dry. Maybe next time there'll be cake?" 😉

📜 Poem about the Abendmahl

Am Tisch des Herrn, bei Brot und Wein,
so soll die Gemeinschaft sein.
Das Abendmahl, in stiller Stund',
macht alte Kunde wieder kund.
Erinnerung, geteiltes Leid,
Verbundenheit für alle Zeit.

Translation:
At the Lord's table, with bread and wine,
So shall the community be.
The Lord's Supper, in a quiet hour,
Makes old tidings known again.
Remembrance, shared sorrow,
Unity for all time.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Mahl, doch nicht alltäglich,
find' statt am Abend, feierlich, beweglich.
An Jesus' letztes Essen wird gedacht,
in Kirchen oft mit Andacht vollbracht.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a meal, but not mundane,
Held in the evening, solemn, not plain.
Jesus' last supper is brought to mind,
In churches often, reverently you'll find.

What am I?
(Solution: das Abendmahl / The Lord's Supper / The Last Supper)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

Das Abendmahl is a compound noun made of:

• der Abend: the evening
• das Mahl: the meal

Cultural Significance:

"Das Abendmahl" (The Last Supper) by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world's most famous works of art. It depicts the scene where Jesus shares the Last Supper with his apostles and announces that one of them will betray him. This painting has significantly shaped the cultural image of the Last Supper.