Mittagsstunden

Mittagsstunden is a German term referring to the hours around midday. The phrase combines Mittags (noon) and Stunden (hours) and is used to describe the period roughly between 11:00 and 14:00, though the exact span varies with region, context, and tradition. In historical and rural life, this time was often associated with a midday rest or pause in daily activities, sometimes called Mittagsruhe; in contemporary settings it is commonly linked to the lunch break (Mittagspause) in workplaces and schools.

Historically, the sixth hour in the Christian liturgical day, around noon, is sometimes called the Mittagsstunde in German-language texts, reflecting a religious or historical usage rather than a strict civil timetable. Over time, Mittagsstunden has come to function more as a cultural concept denoting a lull in activity, heat, or stillness that characterizes the middle of the day.

In literature, music, and film, Mittagsstunden is frequently used as a motif to evoke quiet, heat, or the atmosphere of a midday pause. It can also appear as a title or setting in German-language works, signaling a focus on the day’s central hours.

See also: Mittagspause, Mittagsruhe, Sext (canonical hour).

Note: The exact interpretation of Mittagsstunden depends on regional customs, historical period, and the disciplinary context (cultural studies, liturgy, or daily life).