die  Halbpension

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/halbpɛnˈzi̯oːn/

🏨 What exactly does 'die Halbpension' mean?

Die Halbpension (often abbreviated as HP in German listings) translates to half board in English. It's a type of meal plan commonly offered in hotels, guesthouses (Pensionen), or as part of package holidays (Pauschalreisen).

Typically, Halbpension includes two meals per day: breakfast (das Frühstück) and one other main meal – usually dinner (das Abendessen), less commonly lunch (das Mittagessen).

Unlike full board (die Vollpension: breakfast, lunch, and dinner) or all inclusive (All Inclusive: all meals and often drinks), Halbpension offers more flexibility for day trips, as lunch doesn't have to be eaten at the hotel. Drinks with the second meal (dinner/lunch) are usually not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.

⚠️ Pay close attention when booking to see which meal (lunch or dinner) is included besides breakfast.

🧐 Grammar: 'Die Halbpension' in Detail

The word "Halbpension" is a feminine noun. It's typically used only in the singular as it describes a concept. The article is always 'die'.

Singular Declension

Example Sentences

1. Wir haben das Hotelzimmer mit Halbpension gebucht.
   (We booked the hotel room with half board.)
2. Ist bei der Halbpension das Abendessen oder das Mittagessen dabei?
   (Is dinner or lunch included with the half board?)
3. Der Preis der Halbpension war sehr günstig.
   (The price of the half board was very reasonable.)
4. Viele Gäste bevorzugen die Halbpension gegenüber der Vollpension.
   (Many guests prefer half board over full board.)

💡 Usage in Travel Context

The term Halbpension is used almost exclusively in the context of travel, hotel bookings, and the hospitality industry.

• Bookings: When booking a hotel or trip, you often choose between different meal plans like 'nur Frühstück' (breakfast only), 'Halbpension' (half board), 'Vollpension' (full board), or 'All Inclusive'.
• Flexibility: Halbpension is ideal for travelers who want to be out and about during the day and try local restaurants for lunch, but prefer a guaranteed meal at the hotel in the morning and evening.
• Cost: It is generally cheaper than Vollpension or All Inclusive, but more expensive than just Bed & Breakfast (Übernachtung mit Frühstück).
• Distinction:
  - Übernachtung mit Frühstück (ÜF): Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
  - Vollpension (VP): Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  - All Inclusive (AI): Usually includes all meals and a selection of drinks.

🧠 Mnemonics for Halbpension

Article Mnemonic: Think of the related word 'Pension' (as in guesthouse or boarding house). In German, 'die Pension' is feminine. Since 'Halbpension' is derived from it, it keeps the feminine article: die Halbpension.

Meaning Mnemonic: Focus on 'Halb' (half). You get 'half' the main meals compared to full board (Vollpension). Since breakfast is almost always included, it's breakfast plus 'half' of the remaining main meals (usually dinner).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

🚨 Be careful with the word 'Pension' itself in German. It can mean 'guesthouse' or 'boarding house', not just the meal plan or 'retirement pension'.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Hotelgast den Kellner: "Ist das wirklich Halbpension? Die Portionen sind ja winzig!" Antwortet der Kellner: "Ja, natürlich. Bei Vollpension wären sie doppelt so groß!"

English Translation: A hotel guest asks the waiter: "Is this really half board? The portions are tiny!" The waiter replies: "Yes, of course. With full board, they'd be twice as big!"

✍️ Poem about Meal Plans

German:
Die Sonne weckt, das Frühstück lacht,
Ein guter Start in den Tag ist gemacht.
Dann raus ins Land, die Welt entdecken,
Sich mittags an lokalen Speisen lecken.
Zurück im Haus, wenn der Abend naht,
Steht die zweite Mahlzeit schon parat.
Die Halbpension, bequem und fein,
So lässt sich gut im Urlaub sein.

English Translation:
The sun awakes, the breakfast smiles,
A good start made, across the miles.
Then out to roam, the world explore,
Taste local foods at lunchtime's door.
Back in the house, as evening nears,
The second meal awaits, calms fears.
Half board, convenient and so fine,
A lovely way on holiday to dine.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich biete Schlaf und morgens Saft,
Und abends oft noch eine Kraft
In Form von Speisen, warm und kalt,
Doch mittags lass ich dich im Wald (oder Stadt).

Was bin ich für ein Angebot im Hotel?
Sag die Antwort, aber schnell!

English Translation:
I offer sleep and morning juice,
And often evening strength, let loose
In form of dishes, hot and cold,
But leave you out at noon, I'm told (in town or wood).

What hotel offer am I, can you guess?
Tell the answer, nothing less!

Solution: Die Halbpension (Half board)

🧩 Additional Info

Word Composition:

The word "Halbpension" is composed of:

• Halb-: Prefix meaning 'half'.
• Pension: Here used in the sense of 'board and lodging' or meal plan in hospitality (not retirement pay). The word comes from the French "pension" (board money, boarding house).

Trivia:

• In some countries or hotels, the included second meal might be flexible (choice between lunch and dinner), but often requires prior notification (e.g., the day before).
• Drinks with dinner are almost never included in half board arrangements and must be paid for separately.