Kaffeekränzchen (kah-FAY-krents-chyen) Literally “little coffee circle” From kaffee (coffee) + kränzchen (little wreath or little circle). A German kaffeekränzchen is a small afternoon gathering with coffee, cake, and conversation. It became especially familiar in the 1800s, often with ladies chatting, nibbling cake, and doing a bit of knitting or quilting on the side.