die Tafel, -n
board · blackboard
Ein flaches Brett oder eine Platte, auf die man schreibt oder etwas anschreibt, oft in Schulen verwendet.
The German word "Tafel" is a noun with several meanings depending on context:
- Tafel literally means "board" or "table".
- It can refer to a blackboard/whiteboard used in classrooms.
- It also means a dining table.
- Additionally, "Tafel" can describe a panel or plaque.
- In social contexts, "Tafel" often refers to a food bank (e.g., "die Tafel" as an organization distributing food to those in need).
Meaning of word parts:
- The root "Tafel" itself means "board" or "table"—no complex decomposition.
Similar words:
- "Board" (in English, describing a flat writing surface)
- "Tisch" (German for "table", more general for furniture)
- "Brett" (German for plank, board)
Differences:
- "Tafel" emphasizes a flat, often rectangular surface—either for eating, writing, or displaying.
- "Tisch" is broader and focuses solely on furniture to sit at.
- "Brett" refers more to raw wooden planks rather than furniture or writing boards.
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Examples
Auf der Tafel steht das heutige Menü.noun
The daily menu is written on the board.
Die Lehrerin schreibt Wörter an die Tafel.noun
The teacher writes words on the board.
In der Schule stehen zwei neue Tafeln.noun
In the school there are two new boards.
Neben der Tafel steht ein kleiner Tisch.noun
Next to the board stands a small table.
Vor der Tafel sitzt eine kleine Gruppe von Schülern.noun
In front of the blackboard sits a small group of students.
Ist die Tafel heute sauber?noun
Is the blackboard clean today?
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