Snack
/snɛk/
The German word for snack is Snack.
A Snack refers to an item of food eaten between meals. It is often used when referring to modern, processed or quick food items.
Meaning: an item of food eaten between meals (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Snack is used for modern or quick items, the related verb jausnen implies a more traditional, light meal or break.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Snack is an informal anglicism used in casual, modern contexts. For a more formal way to express the concept of an intermediate meal, you can use die Zwischenmahlzeit.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The verb jausnen is often used in Southern Germany and Austria to imply a traditional light meal or break.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Snack is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Snacks. Because it is masculine, it takes the accusative ending -en when it is the direct object of a sentence, such as in einen Snack.
How do you pronounce it?
/snɛk/
Did you know?
- Despite the use of Snack, German has the specific word Knabberzeug for 'nibble-things', specifically referring to crunchy snacks like chips or nuts.
- While 'Snack' is common, the word 'Snackbar' in German often refers to a small kiosk or a counter where you can buy food, rather than the food itself.
- In some regions of Germany, the word Vesper is used instead of Snack to describe a traditional mid-morning or afternoon break, especially in the southwest.
Examples in context
- Ich brauche einen Snack.I need a snack.This sentence shows how to use Snack as a direct object.Tatoeba #12596540 by mayabe, translation #881796 by CK
- Sie hat uns einen Snack gemacht.She fixed us a snack.Tatoeba #8292239 by GuidoW, translation #314079 by CK
- Ich hätte gerne eine gesunde Zwischenmahlzeit.I would like a healthy snack.
- Lass uns einen Snack essen!Let's have a snack!
- Hast du noch eine Kleinigkeit zu naschen?Do you have a little something to snack on?
- Jeder brachte ein leckeres Häppchen mit.Everyone brought a delicious small snack.
- Möchtest du einen kleinen Snack?Would you like a small snack?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are studying together at a cafe.
- JuliaIch habe Hunger.I am hungry.
- JulianSoll ich einen Snack für dich kaufen?Should I buy a snack for you?
- JuliaJa, das wäre super, Julian.Yes, that would be great, Julian.
- JulianAlles klar, ich bin gleich zurück.Alright, I will be right back.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Snack, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
