Learn Hardcore German: Der Tisch ist stabil.

Tisch is a masculine noun in German, and here it functions as the subject of the sentence. In the nominative case, the definite article for masculine nouns is der.

How do we know that Tisch is in the nominative case?

Because Tisch is the subject of the sentence. In German, the subject always takes the nominative case. The article der also indicates nominative masculine.

Why doesn’t stabil have an adjective ending (like -e or -er)?

When an adjective follows a form of sein (to be) and serves as a predicate adjective describing the subject, it remains uninflected. Hence we say ist stabil, not ist stabile.

How would you say “a stable table” using an attributive adjective?

When you place an adjective before a noun, you must inflect it according to gender, case and article. For example:

ein stabiler Tisch (nominative, masculine, indefinite article)
der stabile Tisch (nominative, masculine, definite article)

Why is ist in the second position in this sentence?

German main clauses follow the “verb-second” (V2) rule: the conjugated verb must occupy the second position. With the subject in first position, ist comes second: Der Tisch (1) ist (2) stabil (3).

Can you use a different verb instead of ist to convey a similar idea?

Yes, you can. For instance:

Der Tisch steht fest. (The table stands solidly.)
Der Tisch wackelt nicht. (The table doesn’t wobble.) But to state a general quality, sein
- adjective (ist stabil) is the simplest structure.

How do you pronounce Tisch and stabil?

Tisch: /tɪʃ/ (sounds like “tish”)
stabil: /ʃtaˈbiːl/ (stress on the second syllable: “sh-ta-BEEL”)

Are there synonyms for stabil in German?

Yes, common synonyms include:

robust (robust)
fest (firm, solid)
standfest (steady)
Each carries a slightly different nuance, but they often overlap with stabil when describing something that won’t break or move easily.