I wouldn't say Abendbrot is something only old folks use. It simply implies that your Abendessen involves bread and butter with a topping. When you say you're h

I wouldn't say Abendbrot is something only old folks use. It simply implies that your Abendessen involves bread and butter with a topping. When you say you're having Abendbrot you literally mean that you are eating bread, otherwise you say Abendessen. It's not unusual for some German families to eat their main meal late in the afternoon or evening, when everyone is home. So they might prefer to call it Abendessen since they're not just having bread and toppings but a proper hot meal.