The German word for “meal” depends on what you mean: Mahlzeit refers to a mealtime or meal, Essen is the everyday word for food or a meal, and Gericht usually means a prepared dish. This guide explains how to choose among them and gives you a simple German-style lunch plate to make while learning the vocabulary.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) waxy potatoes, scrubbed
- 1 lb (450 g) bratwurst or other German-style sausages
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil
- 1 small yellow onion, about 5 oz (140 g), thinly sliced
- 1 lb (450 g) red cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
- 1 tsp (5 g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp (3 g) fine salt, plus more for the potatoes
- ¼ tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp (30 g) mustard, for serving
Instructions
- Put the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until a knife slides into the largest potato easily. Drain and let them cool until comfortable to handle, then cut into bite-size pieces.
- While the potatoes cook, combine the cabbage, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite. Add a splash of water if the pan looks dry. Taste and adjust the vinegar, salt, or sugar to balance the flavor.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning regularly, for about 12–15 minutes, or according to their package directions. Check the center of a sausage with a food thermometer: USDA FSIS guidance sets 160°F (71°C) as the safe minimum for pork or beef sausage and 165°F (74°C) for poultry sausage. If the package specifies a higher temperature, follow it. Transfer the cooked sausages to a plate.
- Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the butter and onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add the potatoes and toss gently for 2–3 minutes, until heated through and lightly coated. Fold in the parsley and taste for seasoning.
- Divide the potato mixture, cabbage, and sausages among four plates. Serve with mustard on the side. Use the words below to describe what is on the plate or to talk about the meal.
Tips
- Choose the right German word. Mahlzeit is a meal or mealtime, while Essen is the broad, everyday word for food and can also mean a meal. Gericht is one prepared dish, often something listed on a menu. The best translation depends on the sentence.
- Use the sausage’s label. Sausage sizes and meat mixtures vary, so cook to the package directions as well as the relevant safe internal temperature. Brown color alone cannot confirm that sausage is safely cooked.
- Swap the cabbage carefully. If red cabbage is unavailable, use green cabbage; it will taste less sweet and look different. A little extra vinegar can restore some brightness.
- Keep the potatoes intact. Waxy potatoes hold their shape when tossed. If using floury potatoes, cut them gently and expect a softer, more rustic result.
Serving Suggestions
This plate works as a relaxed lunch or a simple supper. Put mustard on the table so everyone can add as much as they like, and serve rye bread or crusty bread alongside if you want a more filling meal. A crisp green salad is a fresh contrast to the warm potatoes and cabbage. For a German-language practice prompt, you can call the whole occasion das Mittagessen (lunch) and the sausage a Gericht (dish).
German mealtime vocabulary varies somewhat by region and situation. Frühstück means breakfast, Mittagessen means lunch, and Abendessen means dinner or evening meal. In some regions, people also use Abendbrot, literally “evening bread,” for a bread-based evening meal. These words describe eating occasions rather than a particular recipe.
Variations
For a vegetarian plate, replace the sausages with browned smoked tofu or a plant-based sausage, following the package cooking directions. The texture and seasoning will differ, so taste before adding more salt. For a milder cabbage, use 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vinegar instead of 2; for sharper, more tangy cabbage, add vinegar a teaspoon at a time after cooking.
You can also serve the potatoes simply boiled rather than tossing them with onion and butter. For a more substantial potato salad-style side, let the cooked potatoes cool slightly and dress them with a little extra vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. The dish is a practical German-inspired combination, not a claim to one definitive regional recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the potatoes, cabbage, and sausages in covered containers. They keep for 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat, using a skillet or microwave, until every component reaches 165°F (74°C); check the center of the sausage with a food thermometer. Add a spoonful of water to the cabbage or potatoes if they seem dry. Avoid leaving cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common German word for “meal”?
Essen is a common everyday choice when “meal” means food or something you eat. Mahlzeit is also correct when referring to a meal or mealtime. The sentence determines which sounds natural.
Does Mahlzeit mean “enjoy your meal”?
It can be used as a greeting around mealtimes, especially in workplace settings, and may function like “enjoy your meal.” Its basic meaning is “mealtime” or “meal,” so it does not translate as that phrase in every context.
What is the difference between Essen and Gericht?
Essen can mean food, eating, or a meal. Gericht means a prepared dish or course, such as a plate of sausage and potatoes. A meal may include several Gerichte.
How do I say “What’s for dinner?” in German?
A natural everyday version is Was gibt es zum Abendessen? It means “What is there for dinner?” In some regions, people say Abendbrot for an evening meal, but that word often suggests bread is part of it.
Can I use this recipe for breakfast or dinner?
Yes. The food is not limited to one time of day. In German, you can call the occasion Frühstück for breakfast, Mittagessen for lunch, or Abendessen for dinner.
Can I make the components ahead?
Yes. Cook the potatoes and cabbage up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate them promptly. Reheat them in a skillet, then cook the sausages fresh for the best texture, or reheat already-cooked sausages to 165°F (74°C).
Related
- Healthy Shakes With Protein and Fruit: Easy Recipes
- English to German: How to Say Good Evening
- Traditional German New Year Meal: Pork and Sauerkraut
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).