# Tischspruch für das Mittagessen

This "Tischspruch" is a short German table rhyme said before lunch: tiger, lion, cat — we give each other our paw — enjoy your meal! A playful little grace for children.

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Sung in | German |
| Words by | Traditional |
| First known | traditional table rhyme; author unknown |
| Best for ages | 2–7 |
| Mood | playful, traditional |
| Page | https://littlesongbook.com/songs/tischspruch-fur-das-mittagessen/ |

## Lyrics

### Verse 1 (de)

Tiger, Löwe, Katze,
wir reichen uns die Tatze,
guten Appetit!

### English translation (en)

Tiger, lion, cat,
we give each other our paw,
enjoy your meal!

## Common questions

**What is a "Tischspruch"?**

A short verse said together at the table just before eating — the German children's equivalent of a little grace or "enjoy your meal". This one is playful rather than religious: it names three cats (tiger, lion, house cat), everyone joins "paws" (holds hands), and it ends "guten Appetit!".

**Why tiger, lion and cat?**

Because they are all cats, big and small, and giving a "paw" (Tatze) is a cheerful way of describing the children joining hands around the table. It turns a mealtime custom into a small joke the children can act out.

**Who wrote "Tischspruch für das Mittagessen"?**

No author or origin is recorded. Table rhymes like this are a folk tradition, passed on in families and kindergartens, with countless local versions.

## Sources

- [Stadt Herne — Liedersammlung (family activities, PDF)](https://www.herne.de/PDF/familienangebote/basteln/Liedersammlung.pdf)