German Phrase
Das ist ein Abschiedsessen zur Rente.
Meaning
The sentence announces that a particular meal is being held as a farewell celebration for someone who is retiring. It emphasizes the purpose of the gathering – to say goodbye and honor the retiree.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are introducing or describing a retirement party’s meal, for example in a workplace announcement, an invitation, or when you point out the event to guests.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasisteinAbschiedsessenzurRente.
Demonstrativpronomen
„Das“ points to something specific and is neuter nominative, matching the subject of the sentence.
Verb „sein“
„ist“ is the third‑person singular present of „sein“ and links the subject with its predicate.
Indefinitartikel
„ein“ is the indefinite article for masculine/neuter nouns in the nominative case.
Kompositum „Abschiedsessen“
A compound noun formed from „Abschied“ (farewell) + „Essen“ (meal); it is neuter, so it takes the article „ein“.
Präposition + Dativ „zur“
„zur“ = „zu der“, a contraction of the preposition „zu“ with the feminine dative article „der".
Femininum Dativ „Rente"
„Rente" is a feminine noun; after „zu der“ it appears in the dative case (der Rente → zur Rente).
🗨In Conversation
Das ist ein Abschiedsessen zur Rente.
This is a retirement farewell dinner.
Ja, wir feiern Herrn Müller nach 35 Jahren im Unternehmen.
Yes, we’re celebrating Mr. Müller after 35 years with the company.
✕Common Mistakes
Das ist ein Abschiedsessen zu Rente.
The preposition "zu" must be combined with the dative article "der" (zur) because "Rente" is feminine.
Das ist ein Abschiedessen zur Rente.
The correct compound is "Abschiedsessen" (with the s‑linking element).
Das ist ein Abschiedsessen zu der Rente.
After "zu" the noun must be in dative, not nominative; "zur Rente" is required.
↔Alternatives
Das ist ein Abschiedsdinner zur Pensionierung.
This is a farewell dinner for the pension.
Wir veranstalten ein Abschiedsessen zum Ruhestand.
We are organizing a farewell meal for the retirement.
Hier gibt es ein Essen zum Abschied von der Arbeit.
Here we have a meal to say goodbye to work.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking companies a "Abschiedsessen" is a common way to honor a colleague who retires. It is usually a modest, sit‑down meal with coworkers, often held in the office cafeteria or a nearby restaurant. The tone is polite and slightly formal; avoid overly casual language unless you know the retiree well. Regional variations exist – in southern Germany a "Abschiedsbuffet" may be more typical, while in the north a simple "Abschiedsessen" is the norm.