Maßgedecken

Maßgedecken is a term used in German hospitality and catering to describe the standard place setting prepared for a guest when beer is served in a Maß (a one-liter beer mug). The word combines Maß, the unit used for beer, with Gedeck, meaning a table setting. The exact contents of a Maßgedeck vary by region and establishment, but a typical setting includes a dinner plate, a bread or side plate, cutlery (knife and fork, sometimes a spoon), a napkin, a 1-liter Maßkrug or beer glass, and a water glass. Some arrangements also add a small bread roll or pretzel, a dessert plate, or other service aids.

Usage and purpose: The concept is used in large beer halls and event catering to plan seating capacity, staffing, and service flow. By defining a Maßgedeck, venues can estimate how many guests can be served in a given time and how much tableware and beverages are required. It is sometimes contrasted with the broader term Tischgedeck, which refers to a standard table setting regardless of beverage type.

Variations: There is no universal standard for what a Maßgedeck must include; items can differ based on tradition, menu, and the specific event. In some venues the bread or pretzel forms part of the set, while in others it may be offered separately.

See also: Tischgedeck, Gedeck, Maßkrug.