German word

decken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdɛkən/

Meaning

  • verbset the table

Example

Wir decken den Tisch vor dem Essen.

We set the table before the meal.

Illustration for decken (set the table)

More examples

Kannst du bitte den Tisch für zwei decken?

Could you please set the table for two?

Core concept

A surface receives a cover, with a table receiving the items needed for a meal.

Common phrases

  • den Tisch für zwei decken

    set the table for two

  • den Tisch mit Gläsern decken

    set the table with glasses

  • den Tisch festlich decken

    set the table festively

Similar words

eindecken: Prepare a table for a meal by arranging plates and cutlery.
abräumen: Clear used plates and dishes from a table after a meal.
aufdecken: Remove a cover so that what lies beneath becomes visible.

Definition in German

Ein Verb, das allgemein ‚bedecken‘ heißt und speziell das Anrichten von Tellern und Besteck auf einem Tisch meint.

Word origin

German decken comes through Old High German deckan from an inherited Germanic verb meaning 'cover', and its table sense extends that action to preparing the needed items.

Usage tips

  • German uses den Tisch decken for setting the table, whereas den Tisch abräumen means clearing it afterward.

Other meanings

  • coververb
  • provide forverb

Opposites

  • abräumenclear awayverb

Related words

  • abdeckencoververb
  • gedecktcoveredadjective
  • Deckellidnoun

Word lists with this word