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débarrasser la table

A2 verb 12 min read

débarrasser la table

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips débarrasser la table in 30 Seconds

Explanation débarrasser la table in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'débarrasser la table' is introduced as a basic household chore. It is important to learn this phrase because it involves everyday objects like 'la table' and common actions. At this stage, you should focus on the present tense: 'Je débarrasse la table.' You are learning that French verbs often go with specific objects to form useful phrases. You will use this when talking about your daily routine or helping at home. It is a simple way to practice 'er' verbs. You don't need to know the complex history of the word, just that it means taking the plates away after eating. It is often taught alongside 'mettre la table' (to set the table) so you can talk about the beginning and end of a meal. Remember to always include 'la' before 'table'. In A1, we keep it simple: subject + verb + object. For example, 'Tu débarrasses la table ?' is a common question you might hear or ask. This phrase helps you start participating in basic French conversations about home life and helping others, which is a key part of early language learning. You will also learn that the 'er' at the end of 'débarrasser' sounds like the 'ay' in 'play'. This helps with your pronunciation from the very beginning. By the end of A1, you should be able to say that you clear the table as part of your chores.

At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'débarrasser la table' in more varied sentences, including the passé composé and the imperative. You should be able to say 'J'ai débarrassé la table' (I cleared the table) or 'Débarrasse la table !' (Clear the table!). This level focuses on developing your ability to describe past events and give simple instructions. You will also start to see how this phrase fits into the broader category of 'les tâches ménagères' (household chores). You might use it in a dialogue about sharing work at home: 'Si tu fais la cuisine, je débarrasse la table.' This shows a higher level of interaction. You should also be aware of the difference between 'débarrasser' (to clear) and 'nettoyer' (to clean). At A2, you are building the foundation for more natural-sounding French. You might also encounter the phrase in the future proche: 'Je vais débarrasser la table.' This is a very common way to express intention. You should feel comfortable using this phrase in a variety of everyday situations, such as visiting a friend or talking about your family life. It's about moving beyond just the present tense and starting to connect ideas together. You are also learning that the verb 'débarrasser' is regular, which makes it easier to use with different subjects like 'nous' or 'vous'. For example, 'Nous débarrassons la table ensemble' is a great sentence for an A2 learner to master.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'débarrasser la table' within more complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and different moods like the conditional. For example, 'Si j'avais le temps, je débarrasserais la table.' This shows you can talk about hypothetical situations. You are also expected to understand the nuance between 'débarrasser' and its more formal alternative 'desservir'. In a B1 context, you might discuss the distribution of chores in a household and use this phrase to express your opinion or describe a process: 'Il est important que tout le monde aide à débarrasser la table pour que personne ne se sente surchargé.' This level requires you to be more descriptive. You might talk about the atmosphere of a meal and how clearing the table marks a change in the conversation. You should also be familiar with the pronominal form 'se débarrasser de' and know why it's different from 'débarrasser la table'. This prevents the common mistake of saying 'Je me débarrasse de la table' when you just want to clear the dishes. B1 learners should also be able to use the gerund: 'En débarrassant la table, j'ai cassé un verre.' This allows you to describe two actions happening at the same time. Your vocabulary is becoming more flexible, and you can use this phrase to participate in more detailed discussions about daily life, culture, and social habits in France.

At the B2 level, you use 'débarrasser la table' with a high degree of fluency and accuracy. You can incorporate it into sophisticated arguments about gender roles in the home or the evolution of family traditions. You might use the subjunctive mood naturally: 'Bien qu'il ait promis de débarrasser la table, il est allé se coucher.' This demonstrates a strong grasp of French grammar. You also understand the cultural implications of the phrase—how clearing the table in France is often a social cue or a moment of transition during a long evening. You can use the phrase in various registers, knowing when 'desservir' is more appropriate, such as when writing a story set in a professional environment. Your ability to use idiomatic expressions related to cleaning and organizing is also improving. You might use the phrase in a figurative sense or within a larger narrative. For instance, you could describe a scene in a novel where the act of clearing the table symbolizes the end of a relationship or a significant change in the household dynamic. At B2, you are not just using the phrase for its literal meaning, but also for its ability to convey context and tone. You can discuss the nuances of the verb 'débarrasser' itself, such as its etymology or its use in other contexts like 'débarrasser un passage' (to clear a path). Your command of the language allows you to use this everyday phrase to build complex and nuanced descriptions of life.

At the C1 level, 'débarrasser la table' is a phrase you use with complete ease, often within complex and abstract discussions. You might analyze the sociological aspects of domestic labor, using the phrase as a specific example of 'le travail invisible'. You are aware of the subtle stylistic differences between 'débarrasser', 'desservir', and 'enlever le couvert', and you can choose between them to achieve a specific effect in your writing or speaking. You can use the phrase in highly formal contexts or in very informal, slang-heavy conversations without hesitation. Your understanding of the verb's flexibility is deep; you know how 'débarrasser' can be applied to clearing out an attic, clearing a person of suspicion (though 'disculper' is more common), or clearing a space of obstacles. You can use the phrase in complex grammatical structures like the past subjunctive or the second form of the conditional. For example: 'Eût-il débarrassé la table plus tôt, nous n'aurions pas eu ce problème d'insectes.' This shows a mastery of rare and literary forms. In a C1 context, you might also explore the phrase's presence in French literature or cinema, discussing how it's used to establish realism or to underscore themes of domesticity. You have a keen ear for the rhythm of the phrase and can use it to create natural, flowing speech that sounds like a native speaker. Your use of the phrase is no longer about the action itself, but about using that action to build a larger, more sophisticated linguistic picture.

At the C2 level, 'débarrasser la table' is part of a vast and perfectly integrated vocabulary. You use it with the same instinctive precision as a native speaker, often using it to add texture or detail to your communication. You might play with the phrase in a creative or ironic way, or use it within a complex metaphor. Your understanding of the phrase includes its historical development and its place within the broader system of French verbs. You can discuss the linguistic nuances of the prefix 'dé-' and how it functions in other verbs like 'défaire' or 'déboutonner'. At this level, you can write a formal essay or a piece of creative fiction where 'débarrasser la table' is used to evoke a specific mood or to comment on social structures. You are also fully aware of regional variations in how such chores are described across the Francophone world. Your mastery of the language is such that you can use this simple phrase to demonstrate a profound understanding of French culture and social etiquette. Whether you are engaging in a high-level academic debate or a casual conversation, the phrase is used with perfect timing and tone. You can also recognize and use rare or archaic synonyms if the context demands it. For a C2 learner, 'débarrasser la table' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tiny but essential thread in the rich tapestry of the French language that you have completely mastered.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

débarrasser la table in 30 Seconds

A common French phrase meaning 'to clear the table' after a meal, involving removing dishes and leftovers.
Uses the regular '-er' verb 'débarrasser' (to clear/rid) and the noun 'la table'.
Essential for discussing household chores, family routines, and polite social interactions in French households.
Distinct from 'nettoyer la table' (to wipe/clean the surface) and 'desservir' (formal/restaurant clearing).

The French verbal phrase débarrasser la table is a fundamental expression used in daily life, specifically in the context of dining and household chores. At its core, it means 'to clear the table.' This involves removing the plates, cutlery, glasses, and any leftover food once a meal has concluded. The verb débarrasser comes from the prefix dé- (expressing removal or reversal) and barras (an old word for obstruction or barrier), literally meaning to rid a space of obstacles. In a domestic setting, the table is 'obstructed' by the remains of the meal, and clearing it restores the table to its clean, functional state. This phrase is used universally across the French-speaking world, from informal family dinners to more formal settings, though in professional restaurant contexts, you might also hear the term desservir.

Literal Meaning: To un-clutter the table or to rid the table of items.
Common Usage: Used immediately after a meal is finished to initiate the cleaning process.

Les enfants, c'est l'heure de débarrasser la table avant de commencer vos devoirs.

Understanding when to use this phrase is key to French etiquette. In many French households, clearing the table is a shared responsibility. It is often considered polite to offer to help the host by asking, 'Puis-je vous aider à débarrasser la table ?' (May I help you clear the table?). Unlike the English 'clear the table,' which can sometimes sound like a command, the French version is often part of the social rhythm of the evening. It marks the transition from the eating phase to the relaxation or coffee phase. It is important to note that débarrasser is specifically about removing items; it does not necessarily include wiping the table down with a cloth, which would be essuyer la table.

Après le grand dîner de Noël, tout le monde a aidé à débarrasser la table.

Register: Neutral/Everyday. Appropriate for family, friends, and casual work environments.

In a pedagogical sense, this phrase is a great way to practice the first-group verb conjugation of débarrasser. Because it is a regular -er verb, it follows standard patterns, making it accessible for A2 learners. Furthermore, the use of the definite article la before table reinforces the concept of specific objects in a shared environment. You aren't just clearing 'a' table; you are clearing 'the' table where the meal just occurred. This phrase also introduces learners to the concept of 'tâches ménagères' (household chores), which is a common vocabulary theme in language exams. By mastering this phrase, you gain a practical tool for communicating in any Francophone home or shared living space.

Je vais débarrasser la table pendant que tu prépares le café.

Using débarrasser la table correctly requires a basic understanding of French verb conjugation and sentence structure. Since débarrasser is a regular -er verb, it is relatively straightforward to use in various tenses. Whether you are giving a command, making a polite request, or describing a past action, the structure remains consistent. The phrase consists of the transitive verb followed by its direct object, 'la table'. You can also use the pronominal form se débarrasser de, but that means 'to get rid of something,' which is a slightly different context. For clearing a meal, stick to the simple transitive form.

Present Tense: Used for current actions or habits. Example: 'Je débarrasse la table chaque soir.'
Passé Composé: Used for completed actions. Example: 'Nous avons débarrassé la table après le dîner.'

Est-ce que tu peux m'aider à débarrasser la table s'il te plaît ?

In the imperative mood (commands), the phrase is very common. Parents might say to their children, 'Débarrassez la table !' (Clear the table!). Note that in the 'tu' form of the imperative for -er verbs, the final 's' is dropped: 'Débarrasse la table !' When using it in the future tense, you might say, 'Je débarrasserai la table plus tard,' indicating a commitment to do the chore eventually. It is also frequently paired with modal verbs like pouvoir (can), vouloir (want), or devoir (must), such as 'Tu dois débarrasser la table avant de sortir.'

Si nous débarrassons la table maintenant, nous pourrons regarder le film plus tôt.

Another common structure is using the infinitive after a preposition. For example, 'Il est temps de débarrasser la table.' Here, 'de' links the expression 'il est temps' to the action. You can also use it to describe a sequence of events: 'Après avoir débarrassé la table, nous avons fait la vaisselle.' (After having cleared the table, we did the dishes). This shows the logical progression of cleaning up. In more advanced sentences, you might see it in the subjunctive: 'Il faut que tu débarrasses la table,' which adds a layer of necessity or obligation. Regardless of the complexity, the core meaning remains the same: the act of making the table clear of mealtime objects.

Future Tense: 'Demain, c'est ton tour de débarrasser la table.'

Elle a horreur de débarrasser la table quand il y a beaucoup d'invités.

You will encounter the phrase débarrasser la table in a variety of real-life scenarios, most of which revolve around food and domesticity. The most common place is, of course, the home. During a typical French dinner, which can be a long and social affair, the moment someone stands up to débarrasser la table signals the end of the main eating period. It's a phrase that children hear often from their parents and one that roommates use to divide chores. If you are staying with a host family in France, hearing this phrase is a daily occurrence, and knowing how to respond or offer help is vital for social integration.

The Family Home: Parents asking children to help with chores after dinner.
Shared Living: Roommates negotiating who clears and who washes the dishes.

'Maman, est-ce que je dois débarrasser la table tout de suite ?'

Beyond the home, you might hear this in school cafeterias (la cantine). In French schools, pupils are often expected to clear their own trays and 'débarrasser' their spot to keep the dining hall clean for the next group. This instills a sense of communal responsibility from a young age. In casual workplace settings where colleagues eat lunch together in a breakroom, the phrase is used to maintain cleanliness. Even in some informal 'self-service' style eateries or cafes, signs might politely ask customers to 'débarrasser votre table' after finishing their meal, although 'débarrasser votre plateau' (clear your tray) is more common in those specific instances.

Au restaurant universitaire, il est obligatoire de débarrasser la table soi-même.

You will also find this phrase in French literature and film, often used to depict the mundane or realistic aspects of family life. A scene where a character is silently débarrassant la table can convey a sense of routine, tension, or domestic duty. In language learning materials, it's a staple of the 'house and home' unit. In TV shows like 'Scènes de ménages,' which focuses on the lives of couples, the act of clearing the table is a frequent backdrop for dialogue. It is a 'high-frequency' phrase because it describes a universal human activity that happens at least once or twice a day in every household.

Media & Literature: Used to create realistic domestic atmospheres in stories and scripts.

Dans le film, on voit le protagoniste débarrasser la table en soupirant après une dispute.

When learning débarrasser la table, English speakers often fall into a few common traps. The first is a literal translation error. Some might try to use the word clair (clear, as in transparent or bright) to translate 'clear the table,' leading to 'clairer la table,' which is not a word in French. Others might use nettoyer (to clean). While you do eventually clean the table, nettoyer la table implies scrubbing it with soap and water, whereas débarrasser specifically refers to the removal of the dishes and clutter. Using the wrong verb can lead to confusion about what exactly you are offering to do.

Mistake 1: Nettoyer vs. Débarrasser: Using 'nettoyer' when you only mean to take away the plates. 'Nettoyer' is for the surface cleaning.
Mistake 2: Se débarrasser de la table: Adding the reflexive pronoun 'se' and 'de' makes it mean 'to get rid of the table' (throw it away).

Attention : ne dites pas 'Je vais me débarrasser de la table' sauf si vous voulez la jeter à la poubelle !

Another frequent mistake is confusing débarrasser with ranger. Ranger means to tidy up or put things back in their proper place (like putting toys in a box). While clearing the table is a form of tidying, ranger la table sounds like you are moving the furniture itself or organizing items on it rather than clearing it after a meal. Additionally, learners sometimes forget the definite article la. In French, you almost always 'débarrasser LA table' rather than just 'débarrasser table.' The omission of the article makes the sentence sound incomplete and ungrammatical.

Il a oublié de débarrasser la table, donc il y a encore des miettes partout.

Finally, pronunciation can be a minor hurdle. The double 'r' in débarrasser should be clearly articulated, and the ending -er sounds like 'ay.' English speakers sometimes struggle with the 'r' sound, but in this word, it's essential for clarity. Also, be careful not to confuse the verb with débarquer (to land or turn up unexpectedly). While they sound vaguely similar to a beginner's ear, their meanings are entirely unrelated. To avoid these mistakes, practice the phrase as a single unit of meaning rather than individual words. This 'chunking' method helps the brain associate the specific action with the specific phrase.

Mistake 3: Ranger la table: Using 'ranger' implies organizing the table rather than clearing away the dirty dishes.

Elle ne débarrasse jamais la table sans qu'on lui demande trois fois.

While débarrasser la table is the standard way to say 'clear the table,' there are several alternatives and related terms that can enrich your vocabulary. The most common alternative is desservir la table. While débarrasser is general, desservir is slightly more formal and is frequently used in the restaurant industry. A waiter 'dessert' a table. In a home setting, using desservir can sound a bit more sophisticated or precise, as it specifically refers to removing the 'service' (the plates and cutlery). Another related expression is enlever le couvert, which literally means 'to remove the place setting.'

Desservir: More formal, often used in professional contexts. 'Le serveur a commencé à desservir la table.'
Enlever le couvert: Specifically refers to removing the items set for each person. 'Il est temps d'enlever le couvert.'

Le maître d'hôtel a demandé au serveur de desservir la table numéro cinq.

If you are looking for words related to the opposite action, you have mettre la table or dresser la table (to set the table). Dresser is more formal and implies a certain level of care or decoration, whereas mettre is the everyday term. Knowing these pairs helps you manage the entire mealtime process in French. There is also the phrase faire place nette, which is a more idiomatic way of saying 'to clear everything away' or 'to make a clean sweep.' While not specific to tables, it can be used when you want the space to be completely empty and clean.

Avant de débarrasser la table, on demande toujours si quelqu'un veut encore du fromage.

Lastly, consider the verb vider (to empty). While you wouldn't say 'vider la table' to mean clearing it after a meal, you might 'vider le lave-vaisselle' (empty the dishwasher) as the next step in the chore cycle. Understanding these nuances—from the professional desservir to the domestic débarrasser and the specific enlever le couvert—allows you to choose the most appropriate term for the situation. It shows a higher level of fluency and an appreciation for the subtle differences in French vocabulary. Practice using each in its correct context to become more comfortable with the variety of ways to describe cleaning up after a meal.

Mettre la table: The opposite action: setting the table before the meal.

J'ai déjà mis la table, tu pourras la débarrasser après ?

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'embarras' (embarrassment) comes from the same root 'barras'. While 'débarrasser' means to remove an obstacle, 'embarrasser' originally meant to put an obstacle in someone's way!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.ba.ʁa.se la tabl/

US /de.bɑ.ɹɑ.se lɑ tæbl/

In French, stress is generally even, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable of the phrase: 'ta-BLE'.

Rhymes With

passer placer effacer remplacer embrasser lasser masser tasser

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'r' in 'débarrasser' (it should be silent).
Making the 'é' sound like an 'ee' (it should be 'ay').
Over-emphasizing the 'le' at the end of 'table'.
Using an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
Forgetting to pronounce both 'r's in 'débarrasser' as a single sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The words are common and the structure is simple for A2 learners.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of 'débarrasser' (double r, double s).

Speaking 3/5

The French 'r' and the 'é' sound need practice for clarity.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in conversation due to its high frequency.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

la table manger le repas les assiettes aider

Learn Next

faire la vaisselle essuyer la table ranger la cuisine le lave-vaisselle les ordures

Advanced

desservir enlever le couvert se débarrasser de débarrasser le plancher faire table rase

Grammar to Know

Regular -er verb conjugation

Je débarrasse, tu débarrasses, il débarrasse...

Direct object placement

Je la débarrasse (I clear it).

Imperative mood for commands

Débarrasse la table ! (no 's' for tu form)

Passé composé with 'avoir'

J'ai débarrassé la table.

Infinitive after 'aider à'

Il m'aide à débarrasser la table.

Examples by Level

Je débarrasse la table.

I clear the table.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Tu débarrasses la table ?

Are you clearing the table?

Question form using intonation.

Il débarrasse la table après le petit-déjeuner.

He clears the table after breakfast.

3rd person singular with a time prepositional phrase.

Nous débarrassons la table ensemble.

We clear the table together.

1st person plural, showing cooperation.

Vous débarrassez la table, s'il vous plaît ?

Will you clear the table, please?

Polite 'vous' form used for a request.

Elles débarrassent la table le soir.

They clear the table in the evening.

3rd person plural feminine.

Maman, je peux débarrasser la table ?

Mom, can I clear the table?

Modal verb 'pouvoir' followed by an infinitive.

Ne débarrasse pas la table tout de suite.

Don't clear the table right away.

Negative imperative 'tu' form.

J'ai débarrassé la table hier soir.

I cleared the table last night.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Est-ce que tu as débarrassé la table ?

Did you clear the table?

Question using 'est-ce que' in the past tense.

Débarrassez la table avant de regarder la télé.

Clear the table before watching TV.

Imperative 'vous' form for a command.

Elle va débarrasser la table bientôt.

She is going to clear the table soon.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

Il faut débarrasser la table maintenant.

It is necessary to clear the table now.

Impersonal 'il faut' + infinitive.

Nous aimons débarrasser la table rapidement.

We like to clear the table quickly.

Verb of preference + infinitive + adverb.

Tu dois m'aider à débarrasser la table.

You must help me clear the table.

Modal 'devoir' + infinitive + 'aider à'.

Ils ont fini de débarrasser la table.

They finished clearing the table.

Passé composé of 'finir de' + infinitive.

Si tu débarrasses la table, je ferai la vaisselle.

If you clear the table, I will do the dishes.

First conditional (si + present, future).

Je voudrais que tu débarrasses la table.

I would like you to clear the table.

Subjunctive mood after 'vouloir que'.

En débarrassant la table, il a trouvé ses clés.

While clearing the table, he found his keys.

Gérondif (en + present participle).

C'est la table que j'ai débarrassée ce matin.

It is the table that I cleared this morning.

Relative clause with past participle agreement.

Il est important de débarrasser la table après chaque repas.

It is important to clear the table after every meal.

Adjective + 'de' + infinitive.

Je débarrasserais la table si j'en avais le temps.

I would clear the table if I had the time.

Second conditional (si + imperfect, conditional).

Après avoir débarrassé la table, nous sommes sortis.

After having cleared the table, we went out.

Past infinitive (après + avoir + past participle).

Elle m'a demandé de débarrasser la table avant son retour.

She asked me to clear the table before her return.

Indirect request (demander de + infinitive).

Bien qu'il soit fatigué, il a débarrassé la table.

Even though he is tired, he cleared the table.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

Il n'y a personne pour débarrasser la table ce soir.

There is no one to clear the table tonight.

Negative structure 'il n'y a personne pour'.

On ne peut pas partir sans avoir débarrassé la table.

We cannot leave without having cleared the table.

Preposition 'sans' + past infinitive.

Elle s'occupe de débarrasser la table pendant que je range la cuisine.

She takes care of clearing the table while I tidy the kitchen.

Pronominal verb 's'occuper de' + infinitive.

Le fait de débarrasser la table l'aide à se détendre.

The act of clearing the table helps him relax.

Gerund phrase as a subject.

Quoi qu'il arrive, n'oublie pas de débarrasser la table.

Whatever happens, don't forget to clear the table.

Subjunctive in a concessive clause.

Je ne pense pas qu'elle ait débarrassé la table.

I don't think she cleared the table.

Past subjunctive after 'ne pas penser que'.

C'est en débarrassant la table qu'on se rend compte du gâchis.

It is by clearing the table that one realizes the waste.

Emphatic 'C'est... que' structure with gerund.

Elle s'est empressée de débarrasser la table afin d'écourter la soirée.

She hurried to clear the table in order to shorten the evening.

Pronominal verb 's'empresser de' + purpose clause.

Nul ne semblait disposé à débarrasser la table après ce festin.

No one seemed inclined to clear the table after this feast.

Formal 'nul' and 'disposé à'.

Il eût été préférable qu'il débarrassât la table plus tôt.

It would have been preferable for him to clear the table earlier.

Imperfect subjunctive (literary/archaic).

Débarrasser la table devint pour lui une sorte de rituel méditatif.

Clearing the table became for him a kind of meditative ritual.

Passé simple used in a narrative context.

À peine avait-il fini de manger qu'il commençait déjà à débarrasser la table.

Hardly had he finished eating when he was already starting to clear the table.

Inversion and 'à peine... que' structure.

Sous prétexte de débarrasser la table, il s'éclipsa dans la cuisine.

Under the pretext of clearing the table, he slipped away into the kitchen.

Complex prepositional phrase 'sous prétexte de'.

L'obligation de débarrasser la table incombait toujours au plus jeune.

The obligation to clear the table always fell to the youngest.

Formal verb 'incomber à'.

Elle observait son mari débarrasser la table avec une lenteur exaspérante.

She watched her husband clear the table with an exasperating slowness.

Infinitive clause after a verb of perception.

L'acte de débarrasser la table, si anodin soit-il, révèle les hiérarchies familiales.

The act of clearing the table, however insignificant it may be, reveals family hierarchies.

Concessive clause with 'si... soit-il'.

Il s'acquitta de la tâche de débarrasser la table avec une précision chirurgicale.

He performed the task of clearing the table with surgical precision.

Formal verb 's'acquitter de'.

On eût dit qu'il craignait, en débarrassant la table, d'effacer les traces du bonheur passé.

One would have said he feared, by clearing the table, to erase the traces of past happiness.

Conditional anterior and complex gerundial phrase.

La célérité avec laquelle elle débarrassait la table témoignait de son impatience.

The speed with which she cleared the table testified to her impatience.

Formal vocabulary like 'célérité' and 'témoigner de'.

Débarrasser la table n'était qu'un prélude à la corvée plus ardue de la vaisselle.

Clearing the table was but a prelude to the more arduous chore of the dishes.

Restrictive 'ne... que' and sophisticated noun choices.

À mesure qu'il débarrassait la table, le silence se faisait plus pesant.

As he cleared the table, the silence became heavier.

Progressive 'à mesure que'.

Fût-ce pour débarrasser la table, il ne se levait jamais sans qu'on le lui ordonnât.

Even if it were to clear the table, he never got up without being ordered to.

Subjunctive used for emphasis and 'sans que' + subjunctive.

Elle s'évertuait à débarrasser la table sans faire le moindre bruit.

She was striving to clear the table without making the slightest noise.

Pronominal verb 's'évertuer à' + infinitive.

Common Collocations

aider à débarrasser la table

finir de débarrasser la table

commencer à débarrasser la table

devoir débarrasser la table

débarrasser la table rapidement

débarrasser la table du salon

débarrasser la table après le dîner

refuser de débarrasser la table

oublier de débarrasser la table

proposer de débarrasser la table

Common Phrases

C'est ton tour de débarrasser la table.

— Used to assign the chore to someone in a rotation.

Allez, c'est ton tour de débarrasser la table aujourd'hui.

Laisse, je vais débarrasser la table.

— A way to tell someone not to worry about the chore because you will do it.

Tu es fatigué, laisse, je vais débarrasser la table.

On débarrasse la table ?

— A casual way to suggest starting the cleanup process.

Tout le monde a fini ? On débarrasse la table ?

Puis-je vous aider à débarrasser la table ?

— A polite offer to assist a host with the dishes.

Merci pour le repas. Puis-je vous aider à débarrasser la table ?

Il faut que quelqu'un débarrasse la table.

— Expressing a general need for the task to be done.

La table est pleine, il faut que quelqu'un débarrasse la table.

Je débarrasse la table et j'arrive.

— Indicating that you will join someone after finishing the chore.

Allez au salon, je débarrasse la table et j'arrive.

Qui veut débarrasser la table ?

— Asking for a volunteer to do the chore.

Les enfants, qui veut débarrasser la table ce soir ?

On ne quitte pas la table sans débarrasser.

— A rule often used by parents to ensure children help.

Dans cette maison, on ne quitte pas la table sans débarrasser.

Débarrasse ta table !

— A direct command, often used in schools or informal settings.

Hé, reviens ici et débarrasse ta table !

On a déjà débarrassé la table.

— Stating that the task is already completed.

Tu arrives trop tard, on a déjà débarrassé la table.

Often Confused With

débarrasser la table vs nettoyer la table

Nettoyer means to scrub or wipe the surface with a cloth, while débarrasser is just removing the dishes.

débarrasser la table vs se débarrasser de

Adding 'se' and 'de' means to throw something away or get rid of it permanently.

débarrasser la table vs ranger la table

Ranger means to organize or put things in order, not necessarily to clear dishes after a meal.

Idioms & Expressions

"Se débarrasser de"

— To get rid of something or someone unwanted. Very common but different from clearing a table.

Je dois me débarrasser de ces vieux vêtements.

neutral

"Débarrasser le plancher"

— An informal and sometimes rude way to tell someone to leave or 'clear out'.

Allez, débarrasse le plancher !

informal/slang

"Bon débarras !"

— Good riddance! Used when something or someone annoying finally leaves.

Il est enfin parti ? Bon débarras !

informal

"Débarrasser le terrain"

— To clear the way or prepare the ground for something else.

Il a débarrassé le terrain pour son successeur.

neutral/figurative

"Débarrasser le passage"

— To clear a path so that people or vehicles can move through.

Veuillez débarrasser le passage, s'il vous plaît.

neutral

"Être débarrassé d'un poids"

— To be relieved of a burden or a worry.

Après l'examen, j'étais débarrassé d'un poids.

figurative

"Débarrasser la vue"

— To move something that is blocking someone's sight.

Peux-tu enlever ce carton pour débarrasser la vue ?

neutral

"Se débarrasser de ses préjugés"

— To rid oneself of prejudices or biases.

Il est difficile de se débarrasser de ses préjugés.

formal/figurative

"Débarrasser la table rase"

— A play on 'faire table rase' (to start with a clean slate), meaning to clear everything away.

On va débarrasser la table rase et recommencer le projet.

figurative

"Débarrasser le ciel"

— Used poetically when clouds disappear and the sky becomes clear.

Le vent a fini par débarrasser le ciel.

literary

Easily Confused

débarrasser la table vs desservir

Both mean to clear the table.

Desservir is more formal and used in restaurants. Débarrasser is the everyday domestic term.

Le serveur dessert la table, mais à la maison, je débarrasse.

débarrasser la table vs débarquer

Similar sound.

Débarquer means to land (from a ship) or to arrive unexpectedly. It has nothing to do with tables.

Mes amis ont débarqué chez moi sans prévenir.

débarrasser la table vs débarbouiller

Similar prefix and length.

Débarbouiller means to wash someone's face, usually a child's.

Je dois débarbouiller le bébé après le repas.

débarrasser la table vs déboucher

Similar prefix.

Déboucher means to uncork a bottle or unblock a pipe.

Il faut déboucher la bouteille de vin.

débarrasser la table vs décharger

Similar 'removal' concept.

Décharger means to unload (a car, a truck, or a dishwasher).

Peux-tu m'aider à décharger le lave-vaisselle ?

Sentence Patterns

Je [verb] la table.

Je débarrasse la table.

Est-ce que tu peux [verb] la table ?

Est-ce que tu peux débarrasser la table ?

Si tu [verb], je [other verb].

Si tu débarrasses la table, je ferai la vaisselle.

Il est temps de [verb] la table.

Il est temps de débarrasser la table.

Bien que je [subjunctive verb], j'ai [past verb].

Bien que je sois fatigué, j'ai débarrassé la table.

Il faut que tu [subjunctive verb] la table.

Il faut que tu débarrasses la table.

À peine [auxiliary] [subject] [past participle] que...

À peine avait-il débarrassé la table qu'il partit.

[Gerund phrase], il [verb]...

En débarrassant la table, il soupira.

Word Family

Nouns

débarras (a storage room or lumber room)

débarrassement (the act of clearing - rare)

Verbs

débarrasser (to clear/rid)

se débarrasser (to get rid of)

embarrasser (to embarrass or obstruct)

Adjectives

débarrassé (cleared/rid of)

embarrassant (embarrassing/obstructive)

la table

le couvert

la vaisselle

le repas

la cuisine

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Je vais clairer la table. → Je vais débarrasser la table.
'Clairer' is not a French verb. This is a literal translation from the English 'to clear'.
Je me débarrasse la table. → Je débarrasse la table.
Adding 'me' makes it reflexive, which changes the meaning to 'getting rid of' something unwanted, and it's grammatically incorrect here.
Il faut nettoyer la table après manger. → Il faut débarrasser la table après manger.
While you might clean it later, 'débarrasser' is the specific term for removing the dishes. 'Nettoyer' sounds like you are going straight to the soap and water.
J'ai débarrassé table. → J'ai débarrassé la table.
In French, you almost always need the definite article 'la' before 'table'.
Tu as débarrassé la table ? → Tu as débarrassé la table ?
This is correct, but many learners forget the 'é' on the past participle and write 'débarrasser' instead of 'débarrassé'.

Tips

Double the consonants

Remember that 'débarrasser' has two 'r's and two 's's. A good way to remember is that you need 'r'ooms for 'r'emoving and 's'pace for 's'etting things aside.

Wait for the host

In France, don't start clearing the table until the host or hostess makes the first move or suggests it. Clearing too early can be seen as a sign that you want the meal to end quickly.

Pair it up

Learn 'débarrasser la table' and 'mettre la table' together. They are the two halves of the mealtime process and are almost always taught as a pair.

The Silent -er

When you say the infinitive 'débarrasser', the final 'r' is silent. It should sound exactly like the past participle 'débarrassé'. Use context to tell them apart!

Offer to help

Offering to 'débarrasser' is one of the best ways to be a good guest in a French home. Even if the host says no, the gesture is highly valued.

Reflexive Warning

Be careful with 'se débarrasser'. If you say 'Je me débarrasse de la table', you are saying you are throwing the table in the trash. Always use the simple form for clearing dishes.

The 'De-Bar' trick

Think of the dishes as 'bars' blocking your access to the table. To 'débarrasser' is to 'de-bar' the table so it is free again.

Not just dinner

You can use this phrase for breakfast (le petit-déjeuner), lunch (le déjeuner), or even a snack (le goûter). It applies to any time a table has been used for eating.

Listen for the 'é'

The first 'é' is crucial. It distinguishes 'débarrasser' from other similar-sounding words. Make sure it's a clear 'ay' sound.

Direct Object

In sentences like 'I help him clear the table', 'him' is the indirect object. In French: 'Je l'aide à débarrasser la table'. The 'à' is necessary after 'aider'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'de-barring' the table. You are removing the 'bars' (dishes) that block you from using the table for something else.

Visual Association

Imagine a table covered in messy plates and then a 'magic' hand swiping them all away to reveal a clean surface.

Word Web

assiettes verres couverts miettes cuisine vaisselle nettoyer ranger

Challenge

Try to say 'Je débarrasse la table' every time you finish a meal for one week. If you are with others, ask 'Puis-je débarrasser la table ?'

Word Origin

The verb 'débarrasser' was formed in the 16th century by combining the prefix 'dé-' (indicating removal) with the noun 'barras' (meaning obstacle or obstruction).

Original meaning: To remove an obstacle or to clear a path.

Romance (French).

Cultural Context

Be mindful that in some formal contexts, only staff should clear the table; offering to help in a very formal French mansion might be seen as breaking protocol, though in 99% of homes, it is appreciated.

In English-speaking cultures, clearing the table is often seen as a quick task to get to the next activity. In France, it's a more paced transition between meal courses.

Seen in countless French domestic films like 'Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain'. Mentioned in realistic literature by authors like Zola or Balzac to describe household life. A common theme in French 'bande dessinée' (comics) depicting family arguments.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Dinner

Qui débarrasse ce soir ?
Aide ton frère à débarrasser.
On a fini, on peut débarrasser.
N'oublie pas de débarrasser ton verre.

Visiting Friends

Je vous aide à débarrasser ?
Laissez, je vais le faire.
Où est-ce que je mets les assiettes ?
C'est gentil de m'aider à débarrasser.

School/Work Cafeteria

N'oubliez pas de débarrasser votre plateau.
Où faut-il débarrasser ?
La table est déjà débarrassée.
Je débarrasse pour toi ?

Assigning Chores

Lundi, tu débarrasses la table.
C'est la règle : celui qui ne cuisine pas débarrasse.
Tu as débarrassé la table ?
Il faut débarrasser avant de jouer.

Restaurant (as a customer)

Pourriez-vous débarrasser ces assiettes ?
Nous avons fini, vous pouvez débarrasser.
Est-ce que je peux vous aider à débarrasser ?
Merci d'avoir débarrassé si vite.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que chez toi, les enfants doivent débarrasser la table après chaque repas ?"

"Préfères-tu cuisiner ou débarrasser la table et faire la vaisselle ?"

"À quel moment est-il poli de commencer à débarrasser la table quand on a des invités ?"

"Est-ce que tu aides souvent tes amis à débarrasser la table quand tu es invité chez eux ?"

"Qui débarrassait la table quand tu étais petit dans ta famille ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris la routine de nettoyage après un repas dans ta maison. Qui débarrasse la table ?

Imagine une dispute entre deux colocataires à propos de qui doit débarrasser la table.

Est-ce que tu penses que débarrasser la table est une tâche ennuyeuse ou relaxante ? Pourquoi ?

Raconte une fois où tu as aidé quelqu'un à débarrasser la table et où quelque chose de drôle est arrivé.

Comment les traditions de débarrasser la table ont-elles changé avec l'invention du lave-vaisselle ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. It refers to removing everything used for the meal, including plates, glasses, cutlery, and napkins. However, it can also include removing crumbs or leftover food items like bread baskets. It is the general act of making the table empty again after eating.

Yes, if you are currently at the table or in the kitchen and it's obvious what you are doing, you can omit 'la table'. For example, if you stand up with a plate, saying 'Je débarrasse' is perfectly natural and common in informal French.

'Débarrasser' is the general, everyday term used at home. 'Desservir' is more formal and technically refers to the end of a 'service' (course). You will hear 'desservir' in restaurants or formal dinner parties, but 'débarrasser' is much more common in daily life.

You can say 'Puis-je vous aider à débarrasser la table ?' (May I help you clear the table?) or more informally 'Je t'aide à débarrasser ?' (Shall I help you clear?). Both are very polite and appreciated by French hosts.

No, it specifically refers to taking the items off the table. Washing the dishes is 'faire la vaisselle'. However, clearing the table is usually the first step before doing the dishes, so they are closely related tasks.

It is 'débarrasser la table'. You use the direct object. If you say 'débarrasser de la table', it sounds like you are removing something *from* the table, which is grammatically possible but less common than the standard phrase.

Absolutely. It is one of the first chore-related phrases French children learn. They might ask 'Est-ce que je dois débarrasser la table ?' or be told 'Va débarrasser la table !'

In professional kitchens, the staff might use 'débarrasser' to refer to clearing workstations, but 'desservir' remains the standard term for clearing the dining tables in the front of the house.

No, it is a standard, neutral verb. However, the expression 'débarrasser le plancher' (to clear the floor/leave) is informal and can be considered slang or rude depending on the tone.

It uses the auxiliary verb 'avoir'. For example: J'ai débarrassé, tu as débarrassé, il a débarrassé, nous avons débarrassé, vous avez débarrassé, ils ont débarrassé. It is a regular -er verb.