die Mensa
Translation
canteen, refectory, student dining hall
Examples
Wir essen heute in der Mensa.
We are eating in the canteen today.
Die Mensen der Universität sind gut.
The university canteens are good.
Grammar Patterns
in+3 essen to eat in the canteen The students eat in the canteen.
zu+3 gehen to go to the canteen Let's go to the canteen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Kantine (canteen), die Cafeteria (cafeteria), der Speisesaal (dining hall)
Etymology
From Latin 'mensa', meaning 'table'.
Memory Tips
Think of a massive 'table' (mensa in Latin) where many students eat together.