Nachtisch
[ˈnaːχˌtɪʃ]masculine
The English word "dessert" can be translated into German as Nachtisch, Nachspeise or Dessert.
Meaning: sweet confection served as the last course of a meal (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nachtisch | [ˈnaːχˌtɪʃ] (narrow) | masculine |
| Nachspeise | /ˈnaːxʃpaɪ̯zə/ | feminine |
| Dessert | /dɛˈseːɐ̯/ /dɛˈsɛːɐ̯/ |
neuter |
All three terms refer to a sweet confection served as the last course of a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Nachspeise is a compound of nach (after) and Speise (dish/food), literally meaning 'after-dish'.
Which one should you use?
Nachtisch is the most common, everyday term used in casual settings or at home. Nachspeise is a slightly more formal or technical term than Nachtisch, often found in written menus or formal dining contexts. Dessert is a neuter noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying "for dessert", German uses the prepositional phrase zum Nachtisch (literally "to the dessert").
Did you know?
- The German word Dessert comes from the French word desservir, which means 'to clear the table'.
- In Germany, the tradition of Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) often replaces the need for a Nachtisch during weekend lunches, moving the sweet course to the afternoon.
- In some German contexts, a Nachspeise might not be sweet at all, as it can refer to a savory cheese platter served at the end of the meal.
Examples in context
- Ich esse selten Dessert.I seldom eat dessert.This sentence is useful for expressing how often you eat Dessert.Tatoeba #13320403 by aninaaa02, translation #7410486 by CK
- Was gibt’s zum Nachtisch?What is for dessert?This sentence is useful for asking what is being served for Nachtisch.Tatoeba #1256894 by Esperantostern, translation #1747539 by belgavox
- Was gibt es zum Nachtisch?What's for dessert?Tatoeba #3385696 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2713712 by CK
- Kann ich bitte die Dessertkarte haben?Can I have the dessert menu, please?
- Welche Desserts haben Sie im Angebot?What desserts do you have on offer?
- Ich hätte gerne einen Nachtisch.I would like a dessert.
- Ich nehme das Schokoladenmousse, bitte.I'll take the chocolate mousse, please.
- 105 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are at a restaurant looking at the menu.
- JulianHast du noch Platz für einen Nachtisch?Do you still have room for a dessert?
- JuliaJa, ich hätte gerne den Schokoladenkuchen.Yes, I would like the chocolate cake.
- JulianDann bestellen wir zwei Portionen Nachtisch.Then we will order two portions of dessert.
- JuliaDas ist eine gute Idee, Julian.That is a good idea, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dessert” translations and entries Nachtisch, Nachspeise, Dessert, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dessert, Nachspeise, Nachtisch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
