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How to Say ‘Bon appétit!’ in German

Guten Appetit!

GOO-ten ah-peh-TEET

[GOO-ten ah-peh-TEET]

🇩🇪 In Germany: At a German table people often wait until someone says Guten Appetit! before starting to eat. Reply with Danke, gleichfalls! "Thanks, you too!".

Phrase Breakdown

Guten

[GOO-ten]

good

Form of 'gut' used before masculine nouns in greetings (accusative).

Example

Guten Abend, Herr Müller!

Good evening, Mr. Müller!

Appetit

[ah-peh-TEET]

appetite / enjoy your meal

Used in the fixed phrase Guten Appetit to wish someone enjoyment of their meal.

Example

Vor dem Essen sagt man oft Appetit in der Phrase Guten Appetit.

Before eating, people often say Appetit in the phrase Guten Appetit.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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