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Nahrungsmittel
/ˈnaːʁʊŋsˌmɪtl̩/
food
Wir brauchen Nahrungsmittel zum Überleben.
We need food to survive.
formal
Any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body.
Pflanzliche Nahrungsmittel sind reich an Vitaminen.
Plant-based foods are rich in vitamins.
Used in scientific, nutritional, and everyday contexts.
general
Items or substances that can be eaten by humans or animals.
Dieses Produkt enthält keine tierischen Nahrungsmittel.
This product contains no animal-based foods.
Often used interchangeably with 'Lebensmittel' (groceries/foodstuffs) in everyday speech.
Collocations
pflanzliche Nahrungsmittelplant-based foodstierische Nahrungsmittelanimal-based foodsgesunde Nahrungsmittelhealthy foods
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'Lebensmittel'
'Nahrungsmittel' and 'Lebensmittel' are often used interchangeably in everyday speech, but 'Nahrungsmittel' specifically emphasizes the nutritional aspect. Use 'Lebensmittel' for general groceries and 'Nahrungsmittel' when referring to food as a source of nourishment.
Gold Rule
Use 'Nahrungsmittel' in formal contexts
When discussing nutrition, dietetics, or food science, prefer 'Nahrungsmittel' over 'Lebensmittel' to convey the nutritional purpose.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'nahrunge' (nourishment) + 'mittel' (means, agent), first attested in the 15th century. Related to 'nähren' (to nourish).
Usage Notes
In everyday German, 'Nahrungsmittel' is often replaced by the more general term 'Lebensmittel' (groceries/foodstuffs). 'Nahrungsmittel' is more commonly used in scientific, nutritional, or formal contexts. The term emphasizes the nutritional function rather than the edibility aspect.
Word Breakdown
Nahrung
nourishment
roots
genitive case marker
suffixMittel
means, agent
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch