das
Menu
🍽️ What does "das Menu" mean?
The word das Menu (also spelled: Menü) is a neuter noun and has several meanings:
- Set Meal / Course Sequence: A fixed sequence of dishes served in a restaurant or at an event (e.g., ein 3-Gänge-Menu - a 3-course menu).
- Menu Card: A list of available food and drinks in a restaurant. Although die Speisekarte is more common for the full list, das Menu is sometimes used synonymously, especially when referring to a selection of set menus.
- Selection List (Computers): A list of options or commands available in software or on a website (e.g., das Startmenu - the start menu, das Navigationsmenu - the navigation menu).
🚨 Attention: The spelling Menü with an umlaut is also correct and more frequent in German. The pronunciation remains the same. Grammatically, it is always das Menu/Menü.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Many foreign words → mostly neutral.
There are many foreign words, we won't list them all.
🧐 Grammar of "das Menu" in Detail
"Das Menu" is a noun of neuter gender (sächlich). It originates from the French word le menu but adopted the neuter article in German. The declension follows the regular pattern for neuter nouns.
| Case | Article | Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Menu |
| Genitive | des | Menus |
| Dative | dem | Menu |
| Accusative | das | Menu |
| Case | Article | Menus |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Menus |
| Genitive | der | Menus |
| Dative | den | Menus |
| Accusative | die | Menus |
📝 Example Sentences
- Nominative: Das Menu kostet 25 Euro. (The menu costs 25 Euros.)
- Genitive: Der Preis des Menus ist angemessen. (The price of the menu is reasonable.)
- Dative: Ich folge dem Menu des Tages. (I'll go with the menu of the day.)
- Accusative: Haben Sie sich schon für das Menu entschieden? (Have you decided on the menu yet?)
- Plural: Das Restaurant bietet verschiedene Menus an. (The restaurant offers various menus.)
- Computer: Klicke auf Datei im Menu oben links. (Click on File in the menu at the top left.)
💡 How is "das Menu" used?
The usage of "das Menu" depends on the context:
- Gastronomy/Restaurants: Here, it usually refers to a set meal or sequence of courses ("Ich nehme das Tagesmenu." - I'll take the daily menu.) or sometimes the entire menu card, although "die Speisekarte" is more precise when referring to the complete list of choices. A "Menu" often implies a pre-arranged sequence.
- Computers/Technology: Here, "das Menu" is the standard term for selection lists in programs or on websites ("Findest du die Option im Hauptmenu?" - Can you find the option in the main menu?).
Difference from "die Speisekarte":
While die Speisekarte refers to the entire list of all individually orderable dishes and drinks, das Menu often denotes a specific, pre-selected combination of courses at a fixed price.
Example: "Bringen Sie mir bitte die Speisekarte?" (Could you bring me the menu card, please? - to see everything) vs. "Ich hätte gern das Fisch-Menu." (I would like the fish menu, please. - a specific sequence).
🧠 Mnemonics for "das Menu"
-
Article Mnemonic: Imagine a fancy restaurant MENU presented on a golden TRAY. A tray is a neutral object, a thing – just like das Menu presented on it. (Golden tray -> neuter -> das Menu). Or think: A computer menu is just *data* -> *das* Menu.
-
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the English word "menu" - it's almost the same! For the computer meaning, it's identical. For the food meaning, remember it's often a *set* MEal NUmber (of courses).
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Direct antonyms are rare. Contextually, you might consider:
- Opposite of a set meal (Menu): À la carte (ordering individual dishes from the Speisekarte)
- Opposite of a selection (Computer Menu): Direct command input, no selection list
⚠️ Similar but different words:
- Die Mensa: University canteen/cafeteria (sounds similar, but is feminine and has a different meaning).
😂 A Little Joke
Kellner: "Möchten Sie vielleicht unser Überraschungsmenu probieren?"
Gast: "Kommt darauf an. Was gibt es denn heute als Überraschung?"
Waiter: "Would you perhaps like to try our surprise menu?"
Guest: "That depends. What's the surprise today?"
📜 Poem about the Menu
Das Menu, ein Blatt Papier,
Verspricht Genüsse, glaub es mir.
Von Vorspeis' leicht bis Dessert süß,
Ein kulinarisch' Paradies.
Im Computer, klick für klick,
Führt das Menu zum nächsten Glück.
Ob Speis' ob Code, die Wahl ist dein,
Das Menu lädt dich freundlich ein.
The Menu, a sheet of paper near,
Promises delights, believe me, dear.
From starter light to dessert sweet,
A culinary paradise, a treat.
In the computer, click by click,
Leads the Menu to the next trick.
Be it food or code, the choice is thine,
The Menu invites you, so divine.
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich zeige dir, was es zu essen gibt,
bin manchmal fest, mal sehr beliebt.
Am Computer biet' ich Auswahl dar,
mit Artikel 'das', ist doch klar!
Was bin ich?
I show you what there is to eat,
Sometimes I'm fixed, sometimes a popular treat.
On the computer, I offer choices clear,
With the article 'das', have no fear!
What am I?
Solution: das Menu (or Menü)
🌐 Other Information
Etymology: The word "Menu" comes from the French word menu, meaning „small“, „fine“, or „detailed“. Originally, it referred to a detailed list (of dishes).
German Spelling: Although both spellings, "Menu" and "Menü", are correct, the Duden (authoritative German dictionary) recommends using "Menü".
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Menu?
The correct article for the word Menu is always das: das Menu. It is used for a set meal sequence or menu card in gastronomy, as well as for a selection list in computer technology.