der  Nachtisch

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnaxtɪʃ/

🍽️ What does "der Nachtisch" mean?

The German word der Nachtisch refers to a typically sweet course served after the main dish of a meal. It's essentially the dessert.

The word is generally used synonymously with "Dessert", although "Nachtisch" can sound a bit more colloquial or everyday compared to the French loanword "Dessert".

⚠️ There are no other articles or meanings for "Nachtisch"; it is always masculine (der).

🧐 Grammar of "der Nachtisch" in Detail

"Nachtisch" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

The plural "die Nachtische" is used less often than the singular, but it is grammatically correct.

Example Sentences

• Als Nachtisch gab es Eiscreme. (There was ice cream for dessert.)
• Freust du dich schon auf den Nachtisch? (Are you looking forward to the dessert?)
• Der Geschmack des Nachtischs war himmlisch. (The taste of the dessert was heavenly.)
• Wir bieten verschiedene Nachtische an. (We offer various desserts.) [Plural]

💡 How to Use "Nachtisch" Correctly

"Nachtisch" is frequently used in everyday language to describe the sweet conclusion to a meal.

• Context: Typically after the main course, at home, in a restaurant, at celebrations.
• Difference from "Dessert": "Dessert" often sounds slightly more formal or is preferred in gastronomy. However, they are essentially interchangeable. Example: "Was gibt es zum Nachtisch?" (common at home) vs. "Wählen Sie ein Dessert von unserer Karte." (more likely in a restaurant).
• Typical Combinations: süßer Nachtisch (sweet dessert), leichter Nachtisch (light dessert), üppiger Nachtisch (rich/lavish dessert), zum Nachtisch essen (to eat for dessert).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Think that one has der Hunger (hunger, which is masculine) for something sweet nach dem Tisch (after the table/meal). This leads to der Nachtisch.

Remembering the Meaning: The word itself is helpful! It comes nach (after) the meal onto the Tisch (table).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Nachtisch

🚨 Caution: Although "Süßspeise" is often used synonymously, not every Süßspeise is automatically a Nachtisch (e.g., pancakes as a main course).

😂 A Little Dessert Joke

German: Fragt der Gast den Ober: "Was können Sie mir heute als leichten Nachtisch empfehlen?" Der Ober: "Staub!"

English Translation: The guest asks the waiter: "What can you recommend as a light dessert today?" The waiter: "Dust!"

✒️ Poem about the "Nachtisch"

German:
Nach Suppe, Braten, feinem Wein,
stellt sich die süße Frage ein.
Was krönt das Mahl, was kommt zum Schluss?
Der Nachtisch ist's, ein Hochgenuss!

Ob Eis, ob Pudding, Torte zart,
ganz nach besond'rer Gaumenart.
Ein süßer Traum, zum Löffeln, Beißen,
lässt uns das gute Essen preisen.

English Translation:
After soup, roast, and fine wine,
the sweet question does align.
What crowns the meal, what comes at the end?
It's the Nachtisch, a delight to send!

Be it ice cream, pudding, or tender cake,
suited for every palate's sake.
A sweet dream, to spoon up or bite,
makes us praise the good food's light.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich komme meistens ganz zum Schluss,
bin oft ein süßer, kühler Kuss.
Mal cremig, fruchtig oder fein,
was mag ich wohl am Ende sein?

English Translation:
I usually come right at the end,
am often a sweet, cool godsend.
Sometimes creamy, fruity, or fine,
what might I be at mealtime's decline?

Solution: Der Nachtisch (The dessert)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Nachtisch" is a compound word made up of:

• Nach: Preposition/Adverb meaning "after" or "subsequent to".
• Tisch: Noun meaning "table", used here metonymically to refer to the meal eaten at the table.

So, it literally means "that which comes after the meal (at the table)".

Cultural Note

Dessert (der Nachtisch) has a long tradition in many cultures and is often an important part of feasts and celebrations.