die Vorspeise
starter / appetizer
A small, light dish served as the first course of a menu before the main course.
EXAMPLE
Als Vorspeise bestelle ich einen gemischten Salat.
As a starter, I'll order a mixed salad.
die Vorspeise
starter / appetizer
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is composed of 'vor' (before) and 'die Speise' (the dish/food). So it is literally the 'Vor-Speise', the dish you eat before the main course.
EXAMPLE
Die Speisekarte bietet eine große Auswahl an Vorspeisen.
The menu offers a wide selection of starters.
Use with 'als'
Very often, the Vorspeise (starter/appetizer) is introduced with the preposition 'als' to describe its function in the menu.
EXAMPLE
Als Vorspeise nehme ich eine Tomatensuppe.
As a starter, I'll have tomato soup.
Part of a menu
A 'Vorspeise' is the first part of a classic menu. The typical order in Germany is: Vorspeise (starter), then Hauptspeise or Hauptgericht (main course), and finally Nachspeise or Dessert (dessert).
EXAMPLE
Das Menü besteht aus Vorspeise, Hauptgericht und Dessert.
The menu consists of a starter, main course, and dessert.
Compare with
Vorspeise vs Starter
starter / appetizer
Both words refer to the first small course of a meal. “Vorspeise” is the neutral, generally used term, while “Starter” is used especially in restaurants and has an English-influenced feel. “Vorspeise” is usually the better choice in ordinary conversation, while “Starter” can also appear on a modern menu.
Vorspeise
Im Familienrestaurant bestellte ich als Vorspeise eine kleine Gemüsesuppe.
At the family restaurant, I ordered a small vegetable soup as an appetizer.
Starter
Auf der modernen Speisekarte wählte ich als Starter eine kleine Gemüsesuppe.
At the modern restaurant, I chose a small vegetable soup as a starter.
In real life
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