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German Phrase

Ist das Essen schon fertig?

/ɪst das ˈɛsn̩ ʃoːn ˈfɛʁtɪç/
Meaning"Is the food already ready?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a direct question used to check if a meal has finished cooking and is ready to be eaten. It combines the verb 'ist' (is) with the adjective 'fertig' (finished/ready), while 'schon' adds the nuance of 'already'.

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When to use

Use this in casual settings at home with family or friends when you are hungry or helping out in the kitchen. It is a standard way to ask for a status update on a meal.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Istdas Essenschonfertig

1

V2-Word Order

In German questions, the conjugated verb 'ist' moves to the first position.

2

Das Essen

In this context, 'Essen' is a nominalized verb acting as a noun, meaning 'the food' or 'the meal'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ist das Essen schon fertig?

Is the food already ready?

Gleich, ich muss nur noch den Tisch decken.

Almost, I just need to set the table.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ist das Essen schon bereit?

    While 'bereit' also means ready, 'fertig' is the idiomatic choice for food that has finished cooking.

  • Sind das Essen schon fertig?

    'Essen' is a singular neuter noun, so you must use the singular verb 'ist' instead of 'sind'.

↔Alternatives

  • Können wir schon essen?

    Can we eat already?

  • Wann gibt es Essen?

    When is there food (being served)?

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany, meal times are often structured and punctual. Asking if the food is ready is perfectly acceptable in a family context, but in a more formal dinner party, it is better to wait for the host to say 'Das Essen ist fertig' or 'Guten Appetit'.