How do you say table in German?

It’s where meals are shared, homework is done, and coffee cups gather during long conversations. In German, it’s der Tisch. This is your German Word of the Day - solid, familiar, and one of the most common household nouns you’ll ever need.

The noun Tisch means table, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. From dinner tables to desks, conference tables to card tables - if it’s flat and supported by legs, it’s probably a Tisch.

It’s a masculine noun, so we say der Tisch (struggling with gender? Our video lesson makes the patterns clear and memorable).

Pronunciation

Tisch is pronounced [tish]

• Rhymes with “fish”

• Ends with the classic German -sch sound

• One short, punchy syllable: Tisch

Example sentences

• Das Essen steht schon auf dem Tisch.The food is already on the table.

• Setz dich bitte an den Tisch.Please sit down at the table.

• Der Tisch ist aus Holz.The table is made of wood.

Nuance and usage tips

Tisch refers to both functional and symbolic tables.

Types of tables:

• Esstisch - dining table

• Schreibtisch - desk

• Küchentisch - kitchen table

• Konferenztisch - conference table

• Nachttisch - bedside table (literally “night table”)

• Beistelltisch - side table

Common expressions:

• am Tisch sitzen - to sit at the table

• den Tisch decken - to set the table

• den Tisch abräumen - to clear the table

• etwas auf den Tisch bringen - to put something on the table (literal or figurative, e.g. in a discussion)

• mit jemandem an einem Tisch sitzen - to sit at the same table (can imply cooperation or negotiation)
  reinen Tisch machen - to come clean, to clear the air
  unter den Tisch fallen - to be dropped or ignored
  jemanden über den Tisch ziehen - to rip someone off

How does this word come up in real conversations?