der  Schreibtisch

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃʁaɪptɪʃ/

✍️ What exactly is a Schreibtisch?

A Schreibtisch is a piece of furniture with a work surface, primarily used for writing, studying, or working (often with a computer). It typically stands in an office (Büro), study (Arbeitszimmer), or children's room (Kinderzimmer).

The article is always der. There are no other articles for this word.

Example: Mein neuer Schreibtisch passt perfekt ins Arbeitszimmer. (My new desk fits perfectly into the study.)

🧐 Grammar: Declension of 'der Schreibtisch'

The word "Schreibtisch" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Der Schreibtisch ist aus Holz. (The desk is made of wood.)
• Accusative: Ich kaufe den Schreibtisch morgen. (I will buy the desk tomorrow.)
• Dative: Die Lampe steht auf dem Schreibtisch. (The lamp is on the desk.)
• Genitive: Die Oberfläche des Schreibtisches ist zerkratzt. (The surface of the desk is scratched.)
• Plural: In diesem Büro stehen viele Schreibtische. (There are many desks in this office.)

🏢 Everyday Usage

The term Schreibtisch is used very frequently when talking about workspaces, whether in an office (Büroschreibtisch - office desk), at home (Homeoffice), or at school/university.

• Typical combinations: am Schreibtisch sitzen (to sit at the desk), den Schreibtisch aufräumen (to tidy up the desk), ein Schreibtisch aus Eiche (an oak desk), höhenverstellbarer Schreibtisch (height-adjustable desk).
• Differentiation: A Tisch is a general term for a piece of furniture with a top and legs (e.g., Esstisch - dining table, Couchtisch - coffee table). A Schreibtisch is specifically designed for writing and work activities and often has drawers (Schubladen) or compartments (Fächer). A Pult can be similar but is often smaller or might have a slanted surface.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article 'der': Think of 'der' sounding a bit like *'dear'* Sir sitting at *his* desk. Masculine association often links to traditional office work, hence der Schreibtisch.

Meaning: Break down the word: schreiben means *to write*, and Tisch means *table*. So, a Schreibtisch is literally a *'write-table'* or writing desk.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Schreibtisch

⚠️ Similar Words

• Schreibpult: Often has a slanted surface, can be smaller than a standard desk.
• Zeichentisch: (Drafting table) Specifically for technical drawing or artistic work, often with an adjustable top.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Schreibtisch schlechte Laune?
Weil er so viel Arbeit auf sich nehmen muss! 😄

English: Why is the desk in a bad mood?
Because it has to take on so much work! 😄

📜 A Poem about the Schreibtisch

German:
Auf dem Schreibtisch, Tag für Tag,
Tastatur und Maus, was ich so mag.
Papiere stapeln sich so hoch,
Gedanken fliegen, immer noch.
Ein treuer Freund im Arbeitslicht,
Ohne ihn gäb's die Arbeit nicht.

English:
Upon the desk, day after day,
Keyboard and mouse, the tools I sway.
Papers pile up, reaching high,
Thoughts take flight beneath the sky.
A faithful friend in working light,
Without it, work wouldn't feel right.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich habe eine Platte, doch esse nicht.
Ich habe Beine, doch gehe nicht.
Ich trage Lasten, Bücher schwer,
Und diene oft dem Denker sehr.

Was bin ich? (... Ein Schreibtisch)

English:
I have a top, but I don't eat.
I have legs, but walk on no street.
I carry burdens, heavy books,
And often serve the thinker's looks.

What am I? (... A desk / Schreibtisch)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word "Schreibtisch" is a compound noun, made up of:

• schreiben (verb: *to write*) - stem 'schreib'
• Tisch (noun: *der Tisch* - the table)

So it literally means "writing table".

Trivia:

Early forms of desks existed back in the Middle Ages (Schreibpulte in monasteries), but the modern desk as we know it evolved with increasing literacy and bureaucracy in the modern era.