01
der Tisch
table
A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used for eating, working, or putting objects on.
example
Stell die Gläser bitte auf den Tisch.
Please put the glasses on the table.
der Tisch
table
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Location and direction
With 'Tisch' (table), the distinction between dative (location) and accusative (direction) is important. 'Auf dem Tisch' (on the table) describes where something is, while 'auf den Tisch' (onto the table) describes movement.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitung liegt auf dem Tisch.
The newspaper is lying on the table.
Typical collocations
In everyday life, 'Tisch' (table) is often used with the verbs 'decken' (to set, as in preparing for a meal) and 'abräumen' (to clear, as in tidying up after a meal).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte schon mal den Tisch decken?
Can you please go ahead and set the table?
Fixed expression
The idiom 'vom Tisch sein' (to be off the table) means that a topic has been dealt with. The topic that is no longer current appears as the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die Idee einer Reise nach Australien ist für dieses Jahr vom Tisch.
The idea of a trip to Australia is off the table for this year.
Fixed expression
The expression 'reinen Tisch machen' (to come clean) means to tell the truth or confess something. The person who confesses is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Nach wochenlangem Schweigen hat er endlich reinen Tisch gemacht.
After weeks of silence, he finally came clean.
Sentence structure of the expression
The idiom 'jemanden über den Tisch ziehen' (to rip someone off) always needs an accusative object. This object is the person who is being cheated.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass dich der Händler nicht über den Tisch zieht.
Be careful that the dealer doesn't rip you off.
Compare with
Tisch vs Schreibtisch
desk
'der Tisch' and 'der Schreibtisch' are both pieces of furniture with a flat top. 'Tisch' is the more general term: you can eat at it, work at it, or put things on it. 'Schreibtisch' is more specific and means a desk for writing, studying, or working, often with a computer or drawers. Learners may confuse the words because a desk is also a kind of table. If the purpose is not important, 'Tisch' often fits. If it is clearly about work, an office, or studying, 'Schreibtisch' sounds more natural.
Tisch
Auf dem Tisch stehen Teller, Gläser und eine große Schüssel Salat.
There are plates, glasses, and a large bowl of salad on the table.
Schreibtisch
Nach dem Gespräch hat Anna ihre Notizen auf den Schreibtisch gelegt.
After the conversation, Anna put her notes on the desk.
In real life
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