German Phrase
Kannst du den Tisch decken?
Meaning
The sentence asks someone if they are able or willing to set the table, i.e., arrange plates, glasses, cutlery, and napkins before a meal. It is a polite, informal request that presumes the listener is familiar enough to be addressed with ‘du’.
When to use
Use this phrase in a household or casual dining setting when you need help preparing the table. It works well among family members, roommates, or close friends, but would be too informal for a formal restaurant or when speaking to strangers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KannstdudenTischdecken?
Modalverb können
‘kannst’ is the 2nd‑person singular present of können, used to ask about ability or permission.
Verb‑Zweit‑Stellung
In German main clauses the finite verb occupies the second position; the subject follows it in questions.
Akkusativobjekt
‘den Tisch’ is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the verb ‘decken’.
Infinitiv am Satzende
With modal verbs the infinitive (‘decken’) is placed at the end of the clause.
Frage‑Inversion
A yes‑no question is formed by inverting the finite verb and the subject: ‘Kannst du … ?’
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du den Tisch decken?
Can you set the table?
Klar, ich mache das gleich.
Sure, I’ll do it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Kannst du den Tisch decken
Missing the question mark makes it a statement rather than a question.
Kannst du den Tisch deckst?
The infinitive ‘decken’ must stay at the end; ‘deckst’ is a finite form and is incorrect after a modal verb.
Kannst du den Tisch decken Sie?
Mixing ‘du’ (informal) with ‘Sie’ (formal) is a register error. Choose one form of address.
↔Alternatives
Kannst du den Tisch eindecken?
Can you set the table?
Würdest du den Tisch decken?
Would you set the table?
Könntest du bitte den Tisch decken?
Could you please set the table?
Cultural Tip
In German households the table is often set with a plate, fork, knife, and glass for each person, plus a napkin on the left. When you’re invited to a German home, it’s common to offer help with ‘den Tisch decken’. Using ‘du’ signals familiarity; with strangers or older people you would say ‘Können Sie den Tisch decken?’ to stay polite.