01
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
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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 Essen
food / meal / eating
'das Essen' and 'der Imbiss' can both mean a meal or something to eat. 'das Essen' is more general: it can be a whole lunch, dinner, or food in general. 'der Imbiss' is usually smaller and quicker, often between two main meals. In addition, 'der Imbiss' can also be a small shop where you buy quick dishes. Learners may confuse the words because you get food at an 'Imbiss' (snack bar). As a practical rule: for a meal in general, say 'Essen'; for a small snack or the shop, say 'Imbiss'.
Imbiss
Vor dem Termin holen wir uns schnell einen Imbiss am Bahnhof.
Before the appointment, we'll quickly grab a snack at the train station.
Essen
Vor der Reise bereitet Maria das Essen für die Kinder vor.
Before the trip, Maria prepares the food for the children.
In real life
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