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)

How does this word come up in real conversations?

• "Wo ist denn der große Tisch geblieben?"
  Where did the big table go?

• "Kannst du bitte den Tisch decken?"
  Can you please set the table?

• "Wir haben stundenlang am Tisch gesessen und geredet."
  We sat at the table for hours talking.

Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)

Lina: Wo essen wir heute?
Ben: Am neuen Tisch im Wohnzimmer.
Lina: Oh, schön! Der sieht echt gemütlich aus.
Ben: Und er wackelt nicht – das ist neu!

Translation:
Lina: Where are we eating today?
Ben: At the new table in the living room.
Lina: Oh, nice! It looks really cozy.
Ben: And it doesn’t wobble—that’s a first!

Grammatical case examples

Nominative:
Der Tisch ist sehr stabil.
The table is very sturdy.

Accusative:
Stell das Glas auf den Tisch.
Put the glass on the table.

Dative:
Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch.
The book is lying on the table.

Genitive:
Die Beine des Tisches sind aus Metall.
The legs of the table are made of metal.

Word variations and language tidbits

• Tischdecke – tablecloth

• Tischbein – table leg

• Tischplatte – tabletop

• Tischtennis – table tennis

• Tischmanieren – table manners

• Kindertisch – kids’ table (also used figuratively in politics or negotiations)

🪑 Fun fact: In German culture, the act of “sitting together at the table” (am Tisch sitzen) symbolizes equality, dialogue, and connection—whether in family life or diplomacy.

📘 Duden entry: https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Tisch
🎥 Want to bring real-life vocabulary to your learning table? Our free video course teaches the top 1000 German nouns with clear examples and everyday context.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Do you know what Titel means? Some titles are earned at the Tisch of hard work.
And what about Tochter? She might be the one setting the Tisch tonight.