German word

Geschirr

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈʃɪɐ̯/

Meaning

  • neuter noundishes

Example

Das Geschirr ist sauber und trocken.

The dishes are clean and dry.

Illustration for Geschirr (dishes)

More examples

Nach dem Abendessen muss ich das Geschirr spülen.

After dinner, I have to do the dishes.

Core concept

A coordinated set of things used together, such as plates and cups on a table or straps fitted to a horse.

Common phrases

  • das Geschirr spülen

    do the dishes

  • schmutziges Geschirr

    dirty dishes

Similar words

Teller: A flat piece of tableware for holding food while eating.
Besteck: Hand-held tools used for eating, including knives, forks, and spoons.
Gericht: One prepared dish served as a meal or part of a meal.
Speise: Food prepared or served for eating.

Definition in German

Geschirr bezeichnet die Gegenstände, die zum Servieren und Essen benutzt werden, und wird im Sprachgebrauch oft als unzählbares Substantiv behandelt.

Word origin

Geschirr descends from Middle High German geschirre, a broad term for equipment or utensils that later developed its tableware and horse-tack senses.

Usage tips

  • As a collective noun for tableware, Geschirr is normally neuter singular: Das Geschirr ist sauber, not Das Geschirr sind sauber.

Other meanings

  • washing-upnoun
  • harnessnoun

Related words

  • Geschirrspülerdishwashernoun
  • Geschirrschrankdish cupboardnoun

Word lists with this word