der  Billardtisch

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/biˈjaʁtˌtɪʃ/

🎱 What is a Billardtisch?

A Billardtisch (der Billardtisch, plural: die Billardtische) is a special table used for playing billiards or pool. It's characterized by a flat surface, usually covered with green cloth, cushions (Banden), and often six pockets (Taschen) into which the billiard balls (Billardkugeln) are hit.

The word is masculine, so the correct article is always der.

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'der Billardtisch'

The noun 'Billardtisch' is masculine.

Example Sentences

1. Der neue Billardtisch wurde gestern geliefert. (The new billiard table was delivered yesterday.)
2. Wir haben uns um den Billardtisch versammelt. (We gathered around the billiard table.)
3. Die Kugeln rollen sanft über den grünen Filz des Billardtisches. (The balls roll gently over the green felt of the billiard table.)
4. Im Keller stehen zwei alte Billardtische. (There are two old billiard tables in the basement.)

🎯 Using 'Billardtisch' in Context

The term 'Billardtisch' is used to refer to the specific table designed for billiard games (like pool, snooker, or carom billiards).

• Context: You often find Billardtische in bars (Bars), arcades (Spielhallen), clubhouses (Vereinsheimen), or even in private homes (in the hobby room or basement - im Hobbyraum oder Keller).
• Variations: Depending on the type of billiard game, the size, cloth color, and presence of pockets can differ (e.g., Snookertisch vs. Pooltisch vs. Karambolagetisch), but the general term usually remains 'Billardtisch'.
• Distinction: Don't confuse it with a regular dining table (Esstisch) or desk (Schreibtisch). Its function and construction are very specific.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Billardtisch'

Article Mnemonic: Think of a stereotypical male pool shark – he stands at der table. 'He' relates to the masculine article 'der'.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is literally 'Billiard' + 'Tisch' (table). It’s simply the table for billiards. Easy!

🔄 Synonyms & Related Terms

Related Terms

• Queue (das/der): The cue stick used in billiards.
• Billardkugel (die): The billiard ball.
• Spielhalle (die): Arcade or game room, often containing billiard tables.

😂 A Little Billiard Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette nie am Billardturnier teil?

Weil sie keinen Mumm (und keine Muskeln) in den Knochen haben, um den Queue zu stoßen! 😉

Translation:

Why do skeletons never take part in billiard tournaments?

Because they don't have the guts (or muscles) in their bones to push the cue! 😉

📜 Poem at the Green Table

Auf Tuch so grün, aus Holz gemacht,
Der Billardtisch, bei Tag und Nacht.
Kugeln rollen, treffen leis,
Ein Spiel voll Können, alt und weis'.
Der Queue geführt mit ruhiger Hand,
Ein Stoß, die Kugel rollt zum Rand.
Im Licht der Lampe, konzentriert,
Wird hier gespielt, wer triumphiert.

Translation:

On cloth so green, of wood it's made,
The billiard table, sun or shade.
Balls are rolling, softly meet,
A game of skill, old and neat.
The cue is guided by steady hand,
A shot, the ball rolls to the land (edge).
In lamp's bright light, with focused gaze,
Here players strive through winning ways.

❓ What Am I?

Ich habe Beine, doch kann nicht gehen.
Ich habe eine glatte Haut, meist grün zu sehen.
Man stößt Kugeln auf mir hin und her,
mit einem Stock, das ist nicht schwer.
Ich habe Taschen, doch kein Geld darin.
Wer bin ich wohl? Macht das Sinn?

I have legs, but cannot walk.
I have smooth skin, usually green to look.
People push balls on me back and forth,
with a stick, it's not much worth (effort).
I have pockets, but no money within.
Who am I? Does it make sense, where to begin?

Solution: Der Billardtisch (The billiard table)

🧩 Word Breakdown & Trivia

Word Composition:

The word 'Billardtisch' is a compound noun, formed from:

• Billard (das): The name of the game, likely from French ('bille' = ball, 'billart' = wooden stick).
• Tisch (der): The table.

Trivia:

• The typical green cloth on billiard tables is said to resemble grass, as early forms of the game were played outdoors on lawns.
• Professional Billardtische often have a slate plate (Schieferplatte) under the cloth to ensure a perfectly flat and stable playing surface.