German Phrase
Der Tisch ist nicht sauber.
Meaning
This sentence means “The table is not clean.” It states that the table’s condition is dirty or not tidy. The negation 'nicht' directly precedes the adjective 'sauber', which is the standard way to negate descriptive adjectives in German.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to point out that a table needs cleaning, for example in a restaurant, at home, or in a classroom. It’s a neutral statement suitable for both informal and formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DerTischistnichtsauber.
Definite article (Der)
‘Der’ is the masculine nominative singular article, matching ‘Tisch’ (table).
Verb ‘sein’ (ist)
‘ist’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘sein’ (to be) and links the subject to the adjective.
Negation with ‘nicht’
‘nicht’ negates the adjective that follows it; placement before the adjective is essential.
Adjective ‘sauber’
‘sauber’ means ‘clean’; after ‘sein’ it stays in its base form (no ending).
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, ist der Tisch sauber?
Excuse me, is the table clean?
Der Tisch ist nicht sauber. Könnten Sie ihn bitte wischen?
The table is not clean. Could you please wipe it?
✕Common Mistakes
Der Tisch ist sauber nicht.
Do not place ‘nicht’ after the adjective; the correct order is ‘nicht sauber’.
Der Tisch ist nicht rein.
While understandable, ‘rein’ is less common for tables; ‘sauber’ or ‘schmutzig’ are preferred.
Der Tisch nicht ist sauber.
The verb ‘ist’ must stay directly after the subject; ‘nicht’ cannot split subject and verb.
↔Alternatives
Der Tisch ist schmutzig.
The table is dirty.
Der Tisch ist nicht rein.
The table is not clean.
Der Tisch muss noch gereinigt werden.
The table still needs to be cleaned.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking households and restaurants, it’s common to ask politely before touching someone else’s table. Using ‘nicht sauber’ is neutral, but ‘schmutzig’ sounds a bit stronger. When speaking to staff, keep the tone courteous: ‘Entschuldigung, der Tisch ist noch nicht sauber.’