der Imbiss
snack
A small, quick meal eaten between main meals; a snack.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Wanderung aßen wir zur Stärkung einen kleinen Imbiss.
After the hike, we had a small snack to regain our strength.
der Imbiss
snack / snack bar
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Meanings
der Imbiss
snack bar
A small shop, stand, or simple eatery where quick and simple dishes are sold for immediate consumption.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns am Imbiss an der Ecke eine Currywurst holen.
Let's get a currywurst at the snack bar on the corner.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Imbiss' (snack/snack bar) is derived from the old verb 'imbeißen', which means something like 'hineinbeißen' (to bite into). So an 'Imbiss' is literally a 'bite into,' a small meal.
EXAMPLE
Für einen richtigen Hunger ist das nur ein kleiner Imbiss.
If you're really hungry, that's only a small snack.
Context clue
The verb and preposition reveal whether the meal or the shop is meant. 'Einen Imbiss essen' (to eat a snack) or 'nehmen' (to have/take) refers to the food. 'Zum Imbiss gehen' (to go to the snack bar) or 'an einem Imbiss warten' (to wait at a snack bar) refers to the place.
EXAMPLE
Wir können uns am Imbiss treffen und dort etwas essen.
We can meet at the snack bar and eat something there.
Typical places
A place where you can buy a snack is often also called 'Imbissbude' (snack stand) or 'Imbissstand' (snack stand). These words emphasize the often small, simple character of the shop.
EXAMPLE
Die beste Currywurst der Stadt gibt es an dieser kleinen Imbissbude.
The best currywurst in the city is at this little snack stand.
Compare with
Imbiss vs Stärkung
refreshment / strengthening
Stärkung and Imbiss can both refer to a small meal. Stärkung emphasizes regaining strength through it, especially after exertion; Imbiss primarily describes a small, quick meal between main meals. The intended benefit points to Stärkung, while the type and size point to Imbiss.
Imbiss
Nach der Wanderung nehmen wir einen kleinen Imbiss zu uns, weil bis zum Abendessen noch Zeit ist.
After the hike, we have a small snack because there is still time before dinner.
Stärkung
Nach der anstrengenden Wanderung nehmen wir eine Stärkung zu uns, um wieder Kraft zu bekommen.
After the strenuous hike, we have some refreshments to regain our strength.
In real life
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