das  Dinner

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdɪnɐ/

🍽️ What Exactly is 'das Dinner'?

In German, das Dinner refers to a mostly formal or festive main meal in the evening. It's a loanword from English and is often used for special occasions or invitations that go beyond an everyday evening meal (Abendessen).

Unlike the more neutral Abendessen or Abendbrot, das Dinner often implies a certain degree of elegance, planning, or a special social context (e.g., business dinner, romantic meal, celebration).

🚨 Attention: Although it comes from English, the article in German is neuter: das Dinner.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Dinner

The word "Dinner" is a noun and takes the article das. It is neuter (sächlich).

Declension (Deklination)

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

• Wir sind heute Abend zu einem Dinner bei Freunden eingeladen.
  (We are invited to a dinner at friends' tonight.)
• Das Unternehmen gab ein festliches Dinner für die Jubilare.
  (The company gave a festive dinner for the employees celebrating an anniversary.)
• Im Rahmen der Konferenz fanden mehrere offizielle Dinners statt.
  (Several official dinners took place during the conference.)
• Erinnerst du dich an das romantische Dinner zu unserem Jahrestag?
  (Do you remember the romantic dinner for our anniversary?)

💡 When to Use 'Dinner'? Usage Tips

Using das Dinner usually signals a special occasion or a more formal meal in the evening:

• Formal occasions: Business meals (Geschäftsessen), official receptions, banquets (Bankette).
• Special private occasions: Birthday parties, anniversaries, romantic dates (e.g., Candle-Light-Dinner).
• Distinction from 'Abendessen': While das Abendessen or das Abendbrot describe the everyday evening meal, das Dinner is more upscale and often involves more effort (multiple courses, special attire, etc.).
• International context: Often used in hotels, at events, or in fine dining (gehobene Gastronomie).

Sometimes it's used slightly ironically or fashionably for a normal evening meal among friends, but the main meaning remains the more festive one.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Dinner'

For the article 'das': Think of 'das event'. A special dinner is often a special event, and 'event' in German is 'das Ereignis' (neuter). Or imagine: Das fancy meal needs das right setting -> das Dinner.

For the meaning: 'Dinner' sounds a bit like 'within' or 'inside'. Formal dinners often take place inside a nice restaurant or hall, not just casually outside like a barbecue (though exceptions exist).

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms

Potential Confusion?

Sometimes "Dinner" might be used loosely for any evening meal, which can dilute its primary meaning (festive/formal). However, in German, the distinction from "Abendessen" is generally still maintained.

😄 A Little Dinner Joke

German: Fragt der Ober den Gast beim Dinner: "Wie fanden Sie das Steak?"
Antwortet der Gast: "Rein zufällig, als ich die Kartoffel zur Seite geschoben habe!"

English Translation: The waiter asks the guest at dinner: "How did you find the steak?"
The guest replies: "Purely by chance, when I pushed the potato aside!"

📜 A Poem for the Evening Meal

German:
Das Dinner ruft, der Tisch gedeckt,
mit Glanz und Stil, was uns erweckt.
Kerzenschein und leises Wort,
ein festlich Mahl an diesem Ort.
Gänge kommen, Wein fließt klar,
ein Abend schön, ganz wunderbar.

English Translation:
The Dinner calls, the table's set,
With shine and style, our senses whet.
Candlelight and voices low,
A festive meal, a gentle flow.
Courses come, the wine runs clear,
A lovely evening, holding dear.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin am Abend, oft adrett,
mal romantisch, mal im Bankett.
Nicht Frühstück, nicht das Mittagessen,
sondern festlich und nicht zu vergessen.
Aus England kam ich, sag ich dir,
mein Artikel ist sächlich hier.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: das Dinner)

English Translation:
I happen at night, often smart,
Sometimes romantic, sometimes a work of art (like a banquet).
Not breakfast, not lunch, you see,
But festive and for memory.
From England I came, it's true,
My German article is neuter for you.

What am I? (Answer: das Dinner)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

• Origin (Herkunft): The word "Dinner" comes directly from English and has established itself in German, especially in gastronomy and event contexts. It ultimately derives from the Old French 'disner' (originally 'to eat breakfast', later 'to eat the main meal').
• Typical Collocations (Typische Verbindungen): People are often zum Dinner eingeladen (invited to dinner), one gibt ein Dinner (hosts a dinner), or enjoys a Candle-Light-Dinner.