der / das  Service

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈsɜːvɪs/

🧐 What exactly does "Service" mean? (der vs. das)

The word "Service" is a loanword from French/English and has two different genders in German, indicating different meanings:

🚨 Attention: Using "das Service" for tableware is correct, but sometimes perceived as slightly outdated or varies regionally. More common are "das Geschirr" (the dishes/crockery) or more specifically "das Kaffeeservice", "das Tafelservice". The meaning "service/serve" is always masculine ("der").

📊 Grammar in Detail: Declension of Service

Here you can see how "Service" is declined depending on its article.

Der Service (masculine)

Das Service (neuter)

💬 Example Sentences for Clarity

• Der technische Service war sehr hilfreich. (The technical support was very helpful.)
• Beim Tennis hat sie einen schnellen Service. (In tennis, she has a fast serve.)
• Wir waren mit dem Service im Restaurant unzufrieden. (We were dissatisfied with the service in the restaurant.)
• Das Porzellan-Service ist ein Erbstück. (The porcelain dinner set is an heirloom.)
• Sie kaufte ein neues Kaffeeservice. (She bought a new coffee set.)

💡 How to Use "Service" Correctly?

Choosing the right article depends entirely on the meaning:

• Are you talking about services, customer care, waiting staff service, or the serve in sports? Then it's always der Service. This word is used very frequently in everyday language, especially in the context of shops, restaurants, hotels, and technical support.
• Are you talking about a set of dishes (plates, cups, etc.)? Then it's das Service. This usage is more specific and less common than "der Service". Often, more precise terms like "Tafelservice" (dinner set), "Kaffeeservice" (coffee set), or simply "Geschirr" (crockery/dishes) are preferred.

Risk of Confusion?

• Die Serviette: This is the napkin used to wipe your mouth while eating. Feminine! Don't confuse it with "das Service" (dinnerware set).
• Der Server: Usually refers to a computer in a network or a person who serves (waiter). Masculine, but a different meaning.

In modern usage, "der Service" for services dominates. "Das Service" for dishes might sound a bit more formal or older to some ears, but it is grammatically correct.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Service"

For the articles: Think: Der Mann (the man - masculine) offers der Service (service/serve), but das Set (the set - neuter) is das Service (dinnerware set).

For the meaning: Think: You get served by der Service (staff/service) on das Service (dishes).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but different words:

• Serviette (die): Napkin
• Servieren (verb): To serve (food/drink), to serve (a ball)
• Server (der): Computer server or waiter

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Gast den Kellner: "Sagen Sie mal, was ist das für ein Fleck auf Ihrer Krawatte?"
Kellner: "Das ist Suppe von letzter Woche, mein Herr."
Gast: "Pfui Teufel! Das ist ja widerlich!"
Kellner: "Finden Sie? Mir hat sie geschmeckt!"

--- Translation ---

Guest asks the waiter: "Tell me, what's that stain on your tie?"
Waiter: "That's soup from last week, sir."
Guest: "Yuck! That's disgusting!"
Waiter: "You think so? I thought it tasted fine!"
(Refers to der Service in the sense of waiting staff/service)

📜 Poem about Service

Der Service, schnell und sehr adrett,
bringt Kaffee, Kuchen ans Buffett.
Er schlägt den Ball mit viel Elan,
fängt so das Tennis-Spiel gut an.

Das Service, weiß und elegant,
steht blank geputzt am Schrankenrand.
Aus Porzellan, so fein und klar,
für Gäste, die sind lieb und rar.

--- Translation ---

The service (der), quick and very neat,
Brings coffee, cake to the buffet treat.
He hits the ball with great élan,
Starting the tennis match well then.

The service (das), white and elegant,
Stands brightly polished, cabinet-sent.
Of porcelain, so fine and clear,
For guests who are beloved and dear.

🤔 Little Riddle

Mal bin ich männlich, helfe gern,
im Laden, oder Tennis-Fern.
Mal bin ich sächlich, auf dem Tisch,
halt' Speisen für dich auf, ganz frisch.

Was bin ich? ... Service

--- Translation ---

Sometimes I'm masculine, glad to help out,
In the shop, or tennis court about.
Sometimes I'm neuter, on the table displayed,
Holding food for you, freshly made.

What am I?
... Service (referring to both der Service and das Service)

✨ Other Interesting Details

Word Origin: The word "Service" comes from the French "service", which originally meant "duty" or "service provision". This, in turn, derives from the Latin "servitium" (service, slavery). The meaning "dinnerware set" developed later, presumably from the idea of a complete set of items needed for serving.

Compounds: The word is part of many compound nouns:

• Der Service: Kundenservice (customer service), Serviceleistung (service provision), Servicepersonal (service staff), Servicenummer (service hotline number), Aufschlagservice (serve in sports), Reparaturservice (repair service)
• Das Service: Kaffeeservice (coffee set), Teeservice (tea set), Tafelservice (dinner set), Essservice (tableware set), Porzellanservice (porcelain set)