nimm einen Bissen
To take a bite in German is to say nimm einen Bissen.
The phrase is used to suggest that someone eat a small piece of food by biting it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb nimm (take) and the noun phrase einen Bissen (a bite).
Which one should you use?
While nimm einen Bissen is a direct translation, in a casual setting it is often more natural to use probier mal, which means 'try some' or 'have a taste'. Additionally, if you want to express the colloquial sentiment of 'Dig in!', you can say Hau rein!
How does it change in a sentence?
The form nimm einen Bissen is the singular imperative used when addressing one person informally. When addressing multiple people informally, use nehmt einen Bissen. For formal situations addressing one or more people, use the polite form nehmen Sie einen Bissen.
Did you know?
- In German, there is a distinction between Bissen and Biss. While Bissen refers to a piece of food, Biss refers to the act of biting or the wound left by a tooth.
- While nimm einen Bissen means 'take a bite', the colloquial phrase Hau rein! literally translates to 'hit in!' or 'strike inside!'
- In German, if you are 'taking a bite' of something very hard, you might hear the word knabbern, which describes a specific type of nibbling or munching often used for nuts or crackers.
Examples in context
- Hier, nimm einen Bissen von diesem Apfel.Here, take a bite of this apple.
- Nimm einen Bissen von dem Apfel.Take a bite of the apple.
- Probier mal, nimm einen Bissen!Try it, take a bite!
Example conversation
Hannah offers Julian a piece of her sandwich.
- HannahDas Sandwich schmeckt sehr gut.The sandwich tastes very good.
- JulianSieht es wirklich so lecker aus?Does it really look that delicious?
- HannahJa, nimm einen Bissen!Yes, take a bite!
- JulianDanke, ich probiere es gerne.Thanks, I'd love to try it.
