das  Buffet

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/byˈfeː/

🍽️ What Exactly is "das Buffet"?

The German word Buffet (often pronounced [bʏˈfeː] or Germanized as [bʊˈfeː]) has two main meanings, both using the article das:

1. Self-service meal: A selection of dishes (cold and/or hot) arranged on tables or a counter, from which guests serve themselves. Typical for parties, hotels, or restaurants.

2. Piece of furniture: A (often low) cabinet or sideboard, usually placed in the dining room, used for storing dishes, cutlery, and table linen. The top surface often serves as a counter.

🚨 Although originating from French, the article in German is das (neuter), not 'le' (masculine) as in French.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Buffet" in Detail

The noun Buffet is neuter and takes the article das. Here is its declension:

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

• Das Buffet zur Hochzeit war reichhaltig und sehr lecker.
  (The buffet at the wedding was abundant and very tasty. - Meaning 1: Meal)
• Im Restaurant gab es mittags ein warmes Buffet.
  (The restaurant offered a hot buffet at lunchtime. - Meaning 1: Meal)
• Omas altes Buffet steht jetzt in unserem Esszimmer.
  (Grandma's old buffet is now in our dining room. - Meaning 2: Furniture)
• Stell die Gläser bitte auf das Buffet.
  (Please put the glasses on the buffet. - Meaning 2: Furniture)

💡 Everyday Usage

The word das Buffet is frequently used when discussing food in social settings or referring to a specific piece of furniture.

• Food Context: People talk about a Frühstücksbuffet (breakfast buffet), Mittagsbuffet (lunch buffet), kaltes Buffet (cold buffet), warmes Buffet (hot buffet), or Dessertbuffet (dessert buffet). It implies a self-service situation. The phrase "am Buffet" means someone is currently getting food or standing there ("Ich treffe dich am Buffet." - "I'll meet you at the buffet.").
• Furniture Context: Here, it's often part of describing dining room furniture. It's sometimes used synonymously with Anrichte or Sideboard, although a traditional Buffet might also have an upper section (Aufsatz).

Confusion is rare, as the context usually clarifies whether the meal or the piece of furniture is meant.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Buffet"

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of food and furniture as neutral 'stuff' - it's just there. Das Buffet is just 'da' (there), whether for eating or placing things on.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you're facing a huge table (like a board, 'Brett' - sounds a bit like Buffet?) laden with food OR a piece of furniture like a broad board for placing things – both are das Buffet.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar Misleading Words

⚠️ Puffet: Sometimes incorrectly written or spoken instead of Buffet, but not a correct German word in this context.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Frage: Warum sollte man am Buffet nie der Letzte sein? Antwort: Weil dann nur noch die Reste übrig sind und die heißen dann „Rest-aurant“!

English Translation: Question: Why should you never be the last one at the buffet? Answer: Because then only the leftovers remain, and they are called a "Rest-aurant"! (Play on words: 'Reste' = leftovers, 'Restaurant' = restaurant)

📜 A Poem about the Buffet

German:
Das Buffet, so reich und breit,
hält für jeden was bereit.
Salate, Braten, süße Sachen,
lassen uns're Herzen lachen.
Man nimmt den Teller, geht entlang,
genießt den Duft, den frohen Klang.
Ob warm, ob kalt, ob groß, ob klein,
am Buffet ist jeder gern allein – mit seinem vollen Teller fein!

English Translation:
The buffet, so rich and wide,
Has something ready for each inside.
Salads, roasts, and sweet delights,
Make our hearts laugh with all their mights.
You take your plate, you walk along,
Enjoy the scent, the happy song.
Be it warm or cold, or big or small,
At the buffet, everyone likes to be alone – with their fine, full plate for all!

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich kann ein Schrank für Teller sein,
doch lad' ich auch zum Schmausen ein.
Mal kalt, mal warm, stets eine Schau,
bedien dich selbst, sei schlau!

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I can be a cupboard for a plate,
But I also invite you to feast, it's great.
Sometimes cold, sometimes hot, always a view,
Help yourself, be smart, it's true!

What am I?

Solution: das Buffet

🌐 Other Interesting Facts

• Origin: The word comes from French (le buffet) and originally referred to a sideboard or serving table. The meaning of a self-service meal developed later.
• Pronunciation: In German, there are two common pronunciations: the more French-like [bʏˈfeː] and the Germanized version [bʊˈfeː]. Both are correct.
• Spelling: Besides "Buffet", the Germanized spelling "Büfett" is also permissible and recommended by the Duden dictionary, but "Buffet" is more common in practice.