der  Frühstückstisch

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfʁyːʃtʏkstɪʃ/

🍽️ What exactly is a Frühstückstisch?

The Frühstückstisch is, as the name suggests, a table specifically intended for or commonly used for breakfast. It is a compound noun made up of Frühstück (breakfast) and Tisch (table).

Unlike a general Esstisch (dining table), which can be used for all meals, the term Frühstückstisch often implies a cozier, perhaps smaller table, frequently found in the kitchen or a bright dining area, where the family or individuals start their day. It's the place for coffee, rolls (Brötchen), cereal (Müsli), and the first meal of the day.

Since Tisch is masculine (der Tisch), der Frühstückstisch is also masculine. There are no other articles or meanings for this word.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Frühstückstisch

The noun Frühstückstisch is masculine. The article is der.

Example Sentences

• Der Frühstückstisch war reichlich gedeckt.
  (The breakfast table was lavishly set.)
• Wir sitzen jeden Morgen gemeinsam am Frühstückstisch.
  (We sit together at the breakfast table every morning.)
• Die Zeitung lag auf dem Frühstückstisch.
  (The newspaper was lying on the breakfast table.)
• Kannst du bitte den Frühstückstisch abräumen?
  (Can you please clear the breakfast table?)
• Die Kinder malen gerne an den Frühstückstischen in der Kita.
  (The children enjoy drawing at the breakfast tables in the daycare center.)

💬 How to Use "Frühstückstisch"?

The term Frühstückstisch is mainly used in the context of morning meals. It describes the place where breakfast is eaten.

• Everyday Language: Very common in families or shared apartments to refer to the table where people eat in the morning. Example: "Treffen wir uns am Frühstückstisch?" (Shall we meet at the breakfast table?)
• Furnishings/Furniture: Can also refer to a specific type of table intended for breakfast (e.g., smaller, in the kitchen). Example: "Wir suchen einen schönen Frühstückstisch für unsere neue Wohnung." (We are looking for a nice breakfast table for our new apartment.)
• Symbolically: Sometimes the Frühstückstisch also symbolizes morning family togetherness or the ritual of starting the day together.

Compared to the general Esstisch (dining table), Frühstückstisch emphasizes the specific morning function and often a cozier atmosphere.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: The base word is der Tisch (the table). Tables are almost always masculine in German. Think of the strong (masculine) table that has to carry the whole breakfast. Therefore, it's der Frühstückstisch.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine shuffling sleepily to the table in the morning. What's there? Frühstück (breakfast)! On what piece of furniture? The Tisch (table)! Put them together: Der Frühstückstisch.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Risk of Confusion?

Not really. The word is clearly compounded. Confusion with other types of tables is unlikely if the context is clear.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Frühstückstisch schlechte Laune?
(Why is the breakfast table in a bad mood?)

Weil er jeden Morgen so früh aufstehen muss, um gedeckt zu werden!
(Because it has to 'get up' (be set) so early every morning!)

📜 A Morning Poem

Der Frühstückstisch, so wohlbekannt,
(The breakfast table, so well-known,)
Mit Kaffee, Saft und Croissant zur Hand.
(With coffee, juice, and croissant at hand.)
Die Sonne scheint, ein neuer Tag,
(The sun shines, a new day,)
An dem man gerne speisen mag.
(On which one likes to dine.)
Er trägt die Last von Glas und Teller,
(It bears the load of glass and plate,)
Und macht den Morgenmuffel heller.
(And makes the morning grump brighter.)
Ein Ort, wo man zusammenfindet,
(A place where people come together,)
Bevor der Alltagsstress beginnt.
(Before the daily stress begins.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich trage Brötchen, Marmelade, Ei,
(I carry rolls, jam, egg,)
Bin morgens Mittelpunkt für zwei, drei, vier – oder einerlei.
(Am the center of attention in the morning for two, three, four - or whoever.)
Mein erster Teil ist, was du isst zum Start,
(My first part is what you eat to start,)
Mein zweiter Teil ist harte, flache Art.
(My second part is of a hard, flat sort.)

Wer bin ich? / Who am I?

Lösung / Answer: Der Frühstückstisch

🧩 Word Building Blocks: Der Frühstückstisch

The word Frühstückstisch is a classic example of a German compound noun (Kompositum).

• Base Word (Grundwort): The last word in the compound determines the gender (Genus) and the basic meaning. Here it is der Tisch (masculine).
• Determinant Word (Bestimmungswort): The first word(s) describe the base word in more detail. Here it is das Frühstück (breakfast).

So: das Frühstück + der Tisch = der Frühstückstisch.

The connecting 's' (Fugen-s: "Frühstückstisch") is often inserted in compounds for better pronunciation.