appetizer / bite
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appetizer / bite
A small, bite-sized portion of food that is often served at receptions, parties, or as a starter. Synonymous with finger food or canapé.
Beim Sektempfang wurden verschiedene kleine Häppchen gereicht.
At the champagne reception, various small appetizers were served.
bit by bit
In small parts or portions, gradually. Often used figuratively for information.
Die Polizei gab die Informationen über den Fall nur häppchenweise an die Presse weiter.
The police released the information about the case to the press only bit by bit.
'Häppchen' (small bite/appetizer) is the diminutive form of 'der Happen' (a bite). The ending '-chen' makes nouns neuter ('das') and signals that something is small.
Iss doch noch ein kleines Häppchen, bevor du gehst.
Have one more little bite before you go.
Häppchen (appetizers/small bites) are typically 'gereicht' (passed around), 'angeboten' (offered), or 'serviert' (served) at social occasions. You often find them at a 'Buffet' (buffet) or at an 'Empfang' (reception).
Auf der Party gab es eine große Auswahl an leckeren Häppchen.
At the party, there was a large selection of delicious appetizers.
The adverb 'häppchenweise' (bit by bit) is often used figuratively, especially for information. It means that something is not revealed or received all at once, but gradually in small parts.
Der Zeuge erzählte die Geschichte nur häppchenweise.
The witness told the story only bit by bit.
bite / morsel
Häppchen and Happen both refer to a small amount of food. Häppchen usually means a deliberately prepared, bite-sized portion, such as one offered at a party or reception. Happen is more general, referring to a small piece or a quick, informal snack.
Für den Empfang bereitete die Köchin kleine Häppchen mit Käse vor.
The cook prepared small appetizers with cheese for the reception.
Vor dem Empfang aß die Köchin schnell einen Happen Brot.
Before the reception, the cook quickly ate a bite of bread.
