der
Nachschlag
🍽️ What exactly does "der Nachschlag" mean?
The noun der Nachschlag (masculine) has several meanings, varying by context:
- Main meaning (Food & Drink): An additional portion of food received after the first serving. Similar to a second helping or refill (for food). Example: Darf ich bitte noch einen Nachschlag Kartoffeln haben? (May I please have a second helping of potatoes?)
- Music: An embellishment in music, often a short note played after a principal note (similar to a grace note, but following the main note). Example: Der Pianist fügte einen eleganten Nachschlag hinzu. (The pianist added an elegant grace note/after-note.)
- Finance/Business (less common): An additional payment, a premium, or a surcharge demanded subsequently. Example: Wegen gestiegener Kosten gab es einen Nachschlag auf die Rechnung. (Due to increased costs, there was a surcharge on the bill.)
🚨 The most common and everyday meaning is the one related to an extra serving of food.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
📊 Grammar of "der Nachschlag" in Detail
Der Nachschlag is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Nachschlag |
| Genitive | des | Nachschlag(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Nachschlag(e) |
| Accusative | den | Nachschlag |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Nachschläge |
| Genitive | der | Nachschläge |
| Dative | den | Nachschlägen |
| Accusative | die | Nachschläge |
📝 Example Sentences
- Beim Mittagessen fragte Tim: "Gibt es noch einen Nachschlag von dem leckeren Braten?"
(At lunch, Tim asked: "Is there a second helping of the delicious roast?") (Meaning: Food) - In der Partitur war ein kleiner Nachschlag nach der Hauptmelodie notiert.
(In the score, a small grace note was written after the main melody.) (Meaning: Music) - Die Firma musste einen finanziellen Nachschlag leisten, um das Projekt abzuschließen.
(The company had to make an additional financial payment to complete the project.) (Meaning: Finance)
🤔 When and how to use "Nachschlag"?
The use of der Nachschlag strongly depends on the context:
- With food: Very common in informal and family settings. You ask for or offer a Nachschlag. Phrases like "einen Nachschlag nehmen/bekommen/geben" (to take/get/give a second helping) are typical.
- In music: A technical term used mainly by musicians or in musical analyses.
- In finance: Rather formal or in specific economic contexts, often meaning additional costs or subsequent demands (surcharge, additional payment).
In everyday life, the meaning of an additional portion of food clearly dominates. Confusion is rare as the context usually makes the meaning clear.
💡 Mnemonics for "der Nachschlag"
- Remembering the article (der): Think of der plate (der Teller) where you get der second helping. Or: The person wanting a Nachschlag is often der hungriest guy (Mann) at the table.
- Remembering the meaning(s): Imagine someone schlägt (hits/ladles) food onto the plate nach (after) the first time. For music: The note schlägt (strikes) nach (after) the main note. For finance: The bill schlägt nach (strikes again/hits you again) because more money is due.
"Nach the first plate, give it another Schlag (hit/serving) – that's der Nachschlag!"
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Words)
- For Food: die Zugabe (encore, extra portion), die zweite Portion (second portion), der Zuschlag (extra helping, regional), das Supplement (supplement, formal)
- For Music: die Verzierung (ornament, embellishment), die Appoggiatura (similar, but technically different)
- For Finance: der Zuschlag (surcharge), das Aufgeld (premium), die Nachzahlung (additional payment), die Zusatzkosten (additional costs)
Antonyms (Opposites)
- For Food: der Verzicht (waiver, doing without), die erste Portion (first portion, as opposed to second)
- For Finance: der Rabatt (discount), der Nachlass (rebate), die Gutschrift (credit note)
⚠️ Be careful: The word "Zuschlag" can mean both a second helping of food and a financial surcharge – context is key!
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Gast den Koch: "Gibt es einen Nachschlag von dem Humor?"
Antwortet der Koch: "Nein, der Witz war leider eine einmalige Portion!"
(Guest asks the chef: "Is there a second helping of the humor?"
Chef replies: "No, unfortunately, the joke was a one-time serving!")
📜 Poem about Nachschlag
Der Magen knurrt, der Teller leer,
Ein leck'res Mahl, ich will noch mehr!
"Ein Nachschlag bitte, wenn's noch geht?"
Bevor die Schüssel untergeht.
Der Koch, er lächelt, füllt geschwind,
Ein zweites Glück, das uns gewinnt.
So ist das Leben, oft im Takt,
Ein kleiner Nachschlag, gut verpackt.
(The stomach rumbles, the plate is bare,
A tasty meal, I want more there!
"A second helping, please, if it's okay?"
Before the serving bowl goes away.
The chef, he smiles, fills it up fast,
A second joy, designed to last.
Such is life, often keeps pace,
A little extra serving, in its place.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich komme oft nach dem Genuss,
bin eine Zugabe, kein Muss.
Mal auf dem Teller, mal im Takt der Noten fein,
manchmal kost' ich extra – was mag ich sein?
(I often come after the enjoyment,
I'm an extra portion, not a requirement.
Sometimes on the plate, sometimes in time with fine notes,
Sometimes I cost extra – what might I be?)
... Der Nachschlag (A second helping / grace note / surcharge)
🧩 Word Origin
Der Nachschlag is composed of the prefix "nach-" (meaning after, additional) and the noun "Schlag" (hit, strike, blow, or in this context likely 'serving' or 'portion'). Originally, it might refer to the act of 'hitting' or ladling food onto the plate again.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Nachschlag?
The German word Nachschlag is masculine: der Nachschlag. It most commonly means a second helping of food, but can also refer to a grace note in music or a financial surcharge.