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How to Say ‘To set the table’ in German

Den Tisch decken

dayn tish DEK-en

[dayn tish DEK-en]

💬 Usage Tip: der Tisch becomes den Tisch when the table is the thing being acted on. Only masculine words change like this: die Tür "the door" stays die.

Phrase Breakdown

Den

[dayn]

the

Masculine accusative definite article used before 'Tisch'.

Example

Ich trage den Tisch ein.

I am entering the table reservation.

Tisch

[tish]

table

A table at a restaurant.

Example

Wir brauchen einen Tisch am Fenster.

We need a table by the window.

decken

[DEK-en]

to set (the table); to cover

Verb meaning to cover; with 'Tisch' it means to lay out plates and cutlery.

Example

Kannst du bitte den Tisch decken?

Can you please set the table?

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