der
Leckerbissen
😋 What Exactly is a 'Leckerbissen'?
A Leckerbissen (masculine, article: der) refers to a particularly tasty dish, a delicacy, or a treat for the palate. It's something considered especially delicious and desirable, often a small portion or a special part of a meal.
Figuratively, 'Leckerbissen' can also be used for something else that is very attractive or pleasant, e.g., an interesting piece of information or a special offer.
- Main meaning: A small, particularly tasty morsel of food; a delicacy.
- Figurative meaning: Something particularly attractive, a 'tidbit' (e.g., information, an offer).
🚨 Since the word always describes a delicacy, the article is fixed: der. There are no variations with 'die' or 'das'.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-en → mostly masculine.
1. All diminutives with '-chen' are neutral, like 'das Mädchen'. 2. Nouns derived from verbs are always neutral ('das Schrieben'). 3. There are many -en words, we won't list them all.
🧐 Grammar: 'Der Leckerbissen' in Detail
The noun 'Leckerbissen' is masculine.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Leckerbissen | ein Leckerbissen |
| Genitive | des Leckerbissens | eines Leckerbissens |
| Dative | dem Leckerbissen | einem Leckerbissen |
| Accusative | den Leckerbissen | einen Leckerbissen |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Leckerbissen | Leckerbissen |
| Genitive | der Leckerbissen | Leckerbissen |
| Dative | den Leckerbissen | Leckerbissen |
| Accusative | die Leckerbissen | Leckerbissen |
Example Sentences
- Die Oma hat uns einen besonderen Leckerbissen zum Nachtisch gemacht.
(Grandma made us a special treat for dessert.) - Auf dem Buffet gab es viele kleine Leckerbissen.
(There were many small delicacies on the buffet.) - Diese Information ist ein echter Leckerbissen für Journalisten.
(This information is a real tidbit for journalists.) - Er betrachtete das Stück Kuchen als wohlverdienten Leckerbissen.
(He considered the piece of cake a well-deserved treat.)
💡 How to Use 'Leckerbissen'?
'Leckerbissen' is primarily used in the context of food and enjoyment. It describes something that goes beyond ordinary food – something special, fine, or rare.
- Literal meaning: Often used for sweets, desserts, canapés, or specially prepared small dishes. Also for pet food (e.g., a treat for the dog, often called 'Leckerli').
- Figurative meaning: Can refer to interesting news, a good deal, an attractive offer, or even a person (though the latter can be perceived as objectifying ⚠️).
- Style: The word has a positive, often slightly indulgent or appreciative connotation. It's common in everyday language as well as in more formal language when discussing culinary matters.
Compared to Snack, a Leckerbissen is often of higher quality or more special. Compared to Delikatesse (delicacy), Leckerbissen is somewhat more common and less exclusive.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article 'der': Think of der Bissen (the morsel/bite, which is masculine). A Leckerbissen is a particularly tasty (lecker) morsel (Bissen). Since 'Bissen' is masculine, 'Leckerbissen' remains masculine: der Leckerbissen.
Meaning: Imagine seeing something lecker (tasty) and wanting to try a small Bissen (bite) – that's the Leckerbissen! It's so tasty you think: "Mmmh, this bite (Bissen) is lecker!"
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Words):
- Delikatesse: A special delicacy, often expensive or rare.
- Schmankerl: (Especially Southern German/Austrian) A treat, a special delicacy.
- Köstlichkeit: Something very tasty.
- Gaumenfreude / Gaumenschmaus: Expressions for special culinary enjoyment ('palate joy' / 'palate feast').
- Häppchen: A small bite or morsel, often as an appetizer or at parties.
- Bonbon / Praline: Specific sweets that can be considered a Leckerbissen.
Similar but potentially misleading words:
😂 A Little Joke
Waiter asks the guest: "War der Leckerbissen nach Ihrem Geschmack?"
Guest replies: "Ja, danke! Aber der Teller war etwas hart."
Translation:
Waiter asks the guest: "Was the tasty morsel to your liking?"
Guest replies: "Yes, thank you! But the plate was a bit hard."
📜 Poem about a Treat
Ein kleiner Bissen, fein und zart,
Ein Leckerbissen, ganz besond'rer Art.
Auf der Zunge schmilzt er hin,
Bringt Freude tief ins Herz hinein.
Der Genuss, so süß und rein,
So soll ein Leckerbissen sein!
Translation:
A little bite, fine and tender,
A tasty morsel, of a special kind.
On the tongue, it melts away,
Brings joy deep into the heart.
The delight, so sweet and pure,
That's how a tasty morsel should be!
🤔 Riddle Time
Ich bin klein, doch sehr begehrt,
hab' oft den Gaumen froh belehrt.
Mal süß, mal salzig, stets ein Hit,
ein besonderer Bissen, ein Favorit.
Man reicht mich gern zum Festtagsschmaus,
wie heiß ich wohl? Finde es heraus!
Translation:
I am small, yet highly desired,
I've often happily taught the palate.
Sometimes sweet, sometimes salty, always a hit,
A special bite, a favorite.
I'm gladly served at festive feasts,
What am I called? Figure it out!
Solution: der Leckerbissen
🧩 Further Information
Word Composition
The word 'Leckerbissen' is a compound noun, composed of:
- lecker: Adjective, meaning 'tasty', 'delicious'.
- Bissen: Noun (der Bissen), meaning 'small amount of food taken into the mouth at one time', 'morsel', 'bite'.
Together, the meaning is: a delicious morsel/bite.
Cultural Notes
In German culture, special foods are often offered as a sign of appreciation or hospitality. A 'Leckerbissen' often symbolizes something special that one treats oneself or others to.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Leckerbissen?
The word 'Leckerbissen' is always masculine. The correct article is der Leckerbissen. It refers to a delicacy, a tasty morsel, or something particularly attractive.