der  Mittagstisch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɪtaːkˌtɪʃ/

🍽️ What exactly is *der Mittagstisch*?

Der Mittagstisch is a German word with two main meanings:

• The table for lunch: Literally, it refers to the table (der Tisch) where the midday meal (das Mittagessen) is eaten. This could be the dining table at home. Example: “Die Familie versammelt sich am Mittagstisch.” (The family gathers at the lunch table.)
• The lunch special/midday meal: Much more commonly, especially in public contexts, der Mittagstisch refers to a special, often cheaper menu offered by restaurants, canteens, or pubs at lunchtime. It's synonymous with Tagesessen (dish of the day) or Mittagsmenü (lunch menu). Example: “Ich gehe heute zum Italiener, die haben einen guten Mittagstisch.” (I'm going to the Italian place today, they have a good lunch special.)

🚨 The second meaning is significantly more common in modern usage.

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: *Der Mittagstisch*

The word *Mittagstisch* is a masculine noun. The article is der.

Example Sentences

1. Der Mittagstisch in der Kantine war heute sehr lecker. (The lunch special in the canteen was very tasty today.)
2. Um 12 Uhr decke ich den Mittagstisch. (At 12 o'clock, I set the lunch table.)
3. Viele Restaurants bieten einen günstigen Mittagstisch an. (Many restaurants offer an inexpensive lunch special.)
4. Wir treffen uns morgen am Mittagstisch im Restaurant „Sonne“. (We'll meet tomorrow for the lunch special / at the lunch table at the "Sonne" restaurant.)

💡 Everyday Usage

The term Mittagstisch is frequently used when talking about eating lunch outside the home, especially in a professional context or when dining out at noon.

• In Restaurants & Pubs: Here, der Mittagstisch is the special, often time-limited offer during lunchtime. It usually includes a main course, sometimes soup or dessert, at a reduced price. Signs like “Mittagstisch von 11:30 bis 14:00 Uhr” (Lunch special from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM) are common.
• In Canteens: Workplace canteens often offer daily changing Mittagstische.
• In Private Settings: Used less often, but possible to describe the table set for lunch (e.g., “Setzt euch an den Mittagstisch!” - “Sit down at the lunch table!”).

There's little risk of confusion, as the context usually clarifies whether the physical table or the meal offer is meant. When in doubt, it usually refers to the meal offer.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of the component *Tisch*. A table is almost always masculine in German: der Tisch. Therefore, Mittagstisch is also masculine: der Mittagstisch.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine that in the middle of the day (Mittag), there's a special, affordable meal waiting on the table (Tisch) at a restaurant – that's the Mittagstisch!

↔️ Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Terms

Similar Terms (Take Care ⚠️)

• Mittagspause: The lunch break from work or school, during which one might eat the Mittagstisch. Refers to the time, not the food.
• Stammtisch: A table in a pub or restaurant reserved for a regular group of patrons (unrelated to lunch).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Ober den Gast: „Hat Ihnen unser Mittagstisch geschmeckt?“
Gast: „Das Essen war ausgezeichnet, aber der Tisch war etwas hart!“ 😄

(Waiter asks the guest: "Did you enjoy our lunch special/lunch table?"
Guest: "The food was excellent, but the table was a bit hard!")

✍️ Poem about *Mittagstisch*

Zur Mittagsstund', der Magen knurrt,
Ein guter Plan schnell ausgespurt.
Zum Wirt hinein, ganz ohne Hast,
Wo schon der Mittagstisch erfasst
Den Gaumen und den Sinn erfreut,
Für wenig Geld, zur rechten Zeit.

(At midday hour, the stomach growls,
A clever plan quickly unfurls.
Into the pub, without delay,
Where the Mittagstisch holds sway,
Delighting palate, pleasing mind,
Cheaply bought, at the right time.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich steh' im Restaurant bereit,
Besonders zur Mittagszeit.
Ich biete Speisen, wohlbekannt,
Oft günstig und schnell zur Hand.
Manchmal bin ich auch ein Möbelstück,
Doch meistens bring' ich Essensglück.

Was bin ich?
(I stand ready in the restaurant,
Especially at lunchtime's font.
I offer dishes, widely known,
Often cheap and quickly shown.
Sometimes I'm furniture, it's true,
But mostly bring food-luck to you.

What am I?)

🧩 Word Building and Trivia

Word Composition:

The word *Mittagstisch* is a compound noun, formed from:

• Mittag: Meaning midday or noon.
• Tisch: Meaning table.

Cultural Significance:

In Germany, the lunch break (Mittagspause) and thus often the Mittagstisch holds a certain importance, both in professional life and social contexts. Many employees take advantage of canteen offers or nearby restaurants for a Mittagstisch. It's an established way to eat a warm and relatively inexpensive meal at noon.