das
Dessert
What exactly is "das Dessert"? 🍰
The German word das Dessert [dɛˈseːɐ̯] refers to the sweet dish typically served at the end of a meal. It's the crowning glory of a menu and can take many forms, from cakes and pies to ice cream, pudding, or fruit salad.
There is only one article for Dessert in German: das. It's a neuter noun.
🚨 Attention: Although it originates from French, its pronunciation in German is often Germanized.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Many foreign words → mostly neutral.
There are many foreign words, we won't list them all.
The Grammar behind "das Dessert" 📖
The word "Dessert" is a noun and takes the article das. It is therefore neuter (sächlich). Here are the declension tables for singular and plural:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Nom.) | das | Dessert |
| Genitive (Gen.) | des | Desserts |
| Dative (Dat.) | dem | Dessert |
| Accusative (Acc.) | das | Dessert |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nom. | die | Desserts |
| Gen. | der | Desserts |
| Dat. | den | Desserts |
| Acc. | die | Desserts |
Example Sentences
- Als Dessert gab es heute Schokoladenpudding. (For dessert today, there was chocolate pudding.)
- Die Auswahl an Desserts in diesem Restaurant ist beeindruckend. (The selection of desserts in this restaurant is impressive.)
- Ich freue mich schon den ganzen Tag auf das Dessert. (I've been looking forward to the dessert all day.)
- Der Geschmack des Desserts war himmlisch. (The taste of the dessert was heavenly.)
When to use "Dessert"? 🤔
The term das Dessert is mainly used in the context of meals, especially in restaurants, at dinner parties, or festive occasions. It specifically denotes the sweet course served after the main dish.
- In a restaurant: "Was möchten Sie zum Dessert?" (What would you like for dessert?)
- At home: "Ich habe noch ein leckeres Dessert vorbereitet." (I've prepared a delicious dessert.)
- At celebrations: "Das Dessertbuffet war unglaublich vielfältig." (The dessert buffet was incredibly diverse.)
In everyday language, the word Nachtisch is often used as a synonym. "Dessert" sometimes sounds a bit more formal or specific, referring to more elaborate sweet dishes.
Memory Aids for "das Dessert" 🧠
Article Mnemonic: Think of many abstract concepts or general 'things' in German being neuter (das). Das Dessert is like 'das süße Ding' (that sweet thing) – the general concept of a sweet course is neuter.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word comes from the French "desservir" (to clear the table). You eat das Dessert after the table has been cleared from the main course. Think "De-Serve" -> Dessert.
Similar and Opposite Words 🔄
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Der Nachtisch: A very common synonym, often used in everyday conversation. Literally 'after-table'.
- Die Süßspeise: Means 'sweet dish' in general, can function as a dessert.
- Der Nachschlag (süß): More colloquial, meaning 'a second helping (sweet)'.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Die Vorspeise: The appetizer or starter, served before the main course.
- Das Hauptgericht / Der Hauptgang: The main course.
Potential Confusion?
- Der Dessertwein: A sweet wine served with dessert, but not the dessert itself.
A Little Dessert Joke 😄
Fragt der Kellner: "Möchten Sie noch ein Dessert?"
Antwortet der Gast: "Nein danke, ich bin süß genug!" 😉
Waiter asks: "Would you like another dessert?"
Guest replies: "No thank you, I'm sweet enough!" 😉
A Poem about Dessert 📝
Nach Suppe, Braten, Wein so fein,
kommt süßer Glanz ins Haus herein.
Das Dessert, so zart und süß,
ein Traum für Gaumen und Gemüt.
Ob Eis, ob Kuchen, Frucht im Glas,
es macht die Mahlzeit erst zum Spaß!
After soup, roast, wine so fine,
sweet brilliance enters the home.
The dessert, so tender and sweet,
a dream for palate and soul.
Be it ice cream, cake, fruit in a glass,
it truly makes the meal a blast!
Little Riddle 🤔
Ich komme nach dem Hauptgericht,
bin süß und oft ein kleines Licht
am Ende einer Speisenreih'.
Mal kalt, mal warm, mal Brei.
Was bin ich?
... Das Dessert
I come after the main course,
I'm sweet and often a small light
at the end of a line of dishes.
Sometimes cold, sometimes warm, sometimes mush.
What am I?
... The dessert
Interesting Facts about "das Dessert" 💡
Origin: The word "Dessert" comes from French. The verb desservir originally meant „to clear the table“. So, das Dessert is what is served after the main course dishes have been cleared.
Variety: The world of desserts is vast and culturally diverse. From Italian Tiramisu and French Crème brûlée to German Apfelstrudel (apple strudel).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Dessert?
The German word "Dessert" is always neuter. The correct article is exclusively das (das Dessert, des Desserts, dem Dessert, das Dessert).