01
das Besteck
cutlery
The set of eating utensils used at the table, such as knives, forks, and spoons.
example
Könntest du bitte das Besteck auf den Tisch legen?
Could you please put the cutlery on the table?
das Besteck
cutlery / instruments
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
The word 'Besteck' (cutlery/instruments) derives from the verb 'stecken' (to stick/put). It originally referred to a case into which people would 'hineinstecken' (put inside) their eating utensils, such as a knife and fork, in order to take them along.
EXAMPLE
Für das Picknick packte sie ein einfaches Besteck ein.
She packed simple cutlery for the picnic.
Almost always singular
'Besteck' (cutlery) is a collective noun and is almost always used in the singular, even when talking about many knives, forks, and spoons. The plural form 'Bestecke' is very rare and is hardly used.
EXAMPLE
Das ganze Besteck in der Schublade ist schmutzig.
All the cutlery in the drawer is dirty.
Context clue
The meaning of 'Besteck' depends strongly on the context. In the kitchen, it means eating utensils. In a hospital, people speak of 'chirurgischem Besteck' (surgical instruments). On a ship, 'nautischem Besteck' means navigation instruments.
EXAMPLE
Der Chirurg verlangte nach dem sterilen Besteck.
The surgeon asked for the sterile instruments.
Typical collocations
In its most common meaning, eating utensils, 'Besteck' (cutlery) is often combined with verbs like 'auf den Tisch legen' (to put on the table), 'polieren' (to polish), or 'spülen' (to wash). A standard set consists of 'Messer, Gabel und Löffel' (knife, fork, and spoon).
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Essen müssen wir noch den Tisch decken und das Besteck hinlegen.
Before eating, we still have to set the table and put out the cutlery.
Compare with
Besteck vs Geschirr
dishes / harness
'das Geschirr' and 'das Besteck' both belong to eating at the table, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Geschirr' is the broader term for plates, cups, bowls, and often also the things on or in which food is served. 'Besteck' means only the eating utensils, that is, knives, forks, and spoons. The words can be confusing because both are washed after a meal or placed on the table. A practical tip: the food is on the plate; you eat it with the cutlery.
Besteck
Leg bitte für jede Person ein Besteck neben den Teller.
Please put a set of cutlery next to each person's plate.
Geschirr
Weil Besuch kommt, holt Sofia das gute Geschirr aus dem Schrank.
Because guests are coming, Sofia takes the good dishes out of the cupboard.
In real life
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