eindecken

While 'den Tisch machen' can sometimes imply setting the table, 'eindecken' is the more specific and correct verb for the act of laying out plates, cutlery, etc.

This is a broader term meaning 'to prepare the table'. 'Eindecken' is a specific action within the preparation.

This phrase literally means 'to put dishes on the table', which is what you do when you 'eindecken', but 'eindecken' is the single verb for the whole action.

Sounds similar to 'eindecken' and also relates to covering/uncovering.

Means 'to uncover' or 'to clear (a table)'. The prefix 'ab-' often means 'away' or 'off'.

Bitte den Tisch abdecken, wir haben gegessen. (Please clear the table, we have eaten.)

Contains 'decken' and relates to covering.

Means 'to cover' in a general sense, like covering a surface or an object. It doesn't specifically refer to setting a table.

Der Schnee bedeckte die Berge. (The snow covered the mountains.)

Another verb with 'decken' and 'covering'.

Means 'to cover up' or 'to tuck in', usually referring to a person or an object with a blanket.

Ich habe das Baby zugedeckt. (I tucked the baby in.)

The core verb 'decken' is used, and it can be reflexive.

Sich decken means 'to coincide' or 'to match', which is completely different from setting a table.

Unsere Meinungen decken sich nicht. (Our opinions don't match.)

Has the 'ein-' prefix and relates to preparing something.

Means 'to pack' or 'to wrap'. While 'eindecken' is about preparing a table, 'einpacken' is for items.

Kannst du bitte die Geschenke einpacken? (Can you please wrap the presents?)