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
das Besteck
surgical instruments
A set of surgical instruments needed for an operation.
EXAMPLE
Die Schwester bereitete das sterile Besteck für den Eingriff vor.
The nurse prepared the sterile instruments for the procedure.
das Besteck
navigation instruments
In seafaring or aviation, the set of instruments needed for navigation and determining position.
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän holte das nautische Besteck hervor, um den Kurs auf der Seekarte zu bestimmen.
The captain took out the nautical instruments to determine the course on the nautical chart.
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.
In real life
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