Stammtisch

A (German for "regulars' table", ) is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis, and also the usually large, often round table around which the group meets. A ''Stammtisch'' is not a structured meeting, but rather a friendly get-together.

Traditionally, the meeting table is marked with a somewhat elaborate sign reserving it for regulars. Historically, a ''Stammtisch'' was an all-male affair that might involve socialising, card playing (such as Skat or Schafkopf), and often political or philosophical discussions. The words ''Stammtischpolitik'' (''Stammtisch'' politics) and ''Stammtischniveau'' (''Stammtisch'' level) describe the simplified nature of ''Stammtisch'' discussions, and have an established metaphorical usage in describing simplified political and social discussions beyond the ''Stammtisch'' itself.

History

Past

Especially in rural areas and smaller villages, being part of the ''Stammtisch'' was often related to a certain social status. In the second half of the 19th century a ''Stammtisch'' typically consisted of local dignitaries such as the mayor, doctor, pharmacist, teacher, forester or wealthy farmers. Inviting a stranger to take a seat at the ''Stammtisch'' was a sign of extraordinary appreciation. This was similarly the case with types of regulars’ tables in cafes consisting of writers and artists.

This culture is still to be found in the Iberian area (Spain, Portugal, Latin America and Brazil) in the form of ''Tertulias''. In Great Britain and Ireland many pubs fulfilled this function by offering separate back rooms (in case there was no doorkeeper). In the United States a group of regulars (such as in the T.V. series ''Cheers'') would be a close equivalent.

Today's meaning

Today a ''Stammtisch'' is not connected to a specific social status. It is now all about community, intimacy and shared interests, such as traditional card games.

Socio-cultural aspects

In the countryside

Here the ''Stammtisch'' is still one of the main places for social interaction. Especially the lack of varied leisure time facilities and local media leads to the ''Stammtisch'' being an important center to socialise: Local relationships are being managed and news exchanged. A ''Stammtisch'' does not just take place in the evenings but also after the Sunday Mass, called "Frühschoppen" (English: "Morning Half-Pint"). Sometimes a ''Stammtisch'' is the organizer of local events such as fairs.

In the city

In urban areas, especially in the late 1990s, different kinds of ''Stammtisch'' groups have been established acting like a loose, informal club of people sharing similar interests on a specific topic. They are meant for socialising, exchange of experience and networking (e.g. ''Stammtisch'' for parents). Networking organisations such as clubs for marketers or entrepreneurs often call their regular events, which are also open to non members, a ''Stammtisch''.

Historical examples

* E. T. A. Hoffmanns literary ''Stammtisch'' in '' Lutter und Wegner'' (a famous restaurant which still exists today, in Berlin).
* Die Brille, a ''Stammtisch'' of artists and young actors from the Deutsches Theater in Berlin, which led to the founding of the cabaret „ Schall und Rauch“ under the guidance of Max Reinhardt in 1901.

''Stammtisch'' in literature

* ''The butterfly'', Wilhelm Busch
* ''Stammtisch'': my life and times'', Ernest Müller

''Stammtisch'' in German TV

* ARD broadcast with host Werner Höfer and five international journalists as his guests. A waitress would serve drinks to the group.
* Bayerische Fernsehen has broadcast a Sunday ''Stammtisch'' since 2007.

''Stammtisch'' in English

Although not used popularly, the word itself is an idiomatic expression which does not have an English equivalent. The nearest would be 'regulars' table'. Thus the word has already two established plural versions in English:

* ''Stammtisches''. Here from a Munich guide book: "The ''Stammtisch''es are often filled with high ranking political figures..."
* ''Stammtische''. Here from Max Lerner's book ''Ideas are Weapons'' (1936): "Such surely must have been the talk at the Munich ''Stammtisch''e where habitues of all descriptions gathered over their beer and quarreled about the diverse roads to a commonly held Germanic mission."

See also

*Tertulia in Ibero-American culture
*Salon (gathering) in French culture and more generally

References

{{Authority control

German beer culture
Meetings
Tables (furniture)