das Geschirr
dishes, crockery, tableware
Geschirr means dishes, crockery, or tableware – the plates, cups, bowls, and other vessels used for eating and serving. It is an uncountable collective noun, so it has no plural form in this meaning. Germans use it in everyday contexts like washing up (Geschirr spülen) or setting the table (Geschirr auf den Tisch stellen).
Heard in real German videos
Lines where Geschirr was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Das Geschirr muss auch gespült werden.The dishes also need to be washed.
Example sentences
- Ich muss noch das Geschirr spülen.I still have to wash the dishes.
- Das Geschirr steht schon auf dem Tisch.The dishes are already on the table.
- Wir haben neues Geschirr gekauft.We bought new dishes.
Grammar
| Gender | neuter |
|---|---|
| Plural | none (uncountable in this meaning) |
| Genitive | des Geschirrs |
Geschirr is a collective noun and is always used in the singular when referring to tableware. To refer to individual pieces, use compound words like das Geschirrteil or specify the item (der Teller, die Tasse). A rare plural Geschirre exists for other meanings, such as harnesses for animals.
Common phrases
- Geschirr spülento wash the dishes
- Geschirr abtrocknento dry the dishes
- das Geschirr in die Spülmaschine räumento load the dishwasher
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often try to make Geschirr plural by adding an -e or using 'Geschirre', but it is usually uncountable in the meaning of tableware and always singular in this sense. Instead, say 'das Geschirr' for all dishes.
Don’t confuse it with
- das Besteck — Besteck refers specifically to cutlery (knives, forks, spoons), while Geschirr refers to plates, bowls, cups, etc.
Questions learners ask
What is the plural of Geschirr?
Geschirr has no plural form in this meaning because it is an uncountable collective noun. You always use 'das Geschirr' to refer to dishes in general.
How do you say 'to do the dishes' in German?
You say 'Geschirr spülen' or 'den Abwasch machen'. Both are common, but 'Geschirr spülen' is more standard.