Tafel
/ˈtaːfl̩/feminine
In German, the phrase for chalkboard is Tafel. Wiktionary also lists Wandtafel.
Meaning: slate board for writing on with chalk (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tafel | /ˈtaːfl̩/ | feminine |
| Wandtafel | feminine |
A chalkboard is a slate board used for writing with chalk. The German word for the chalk itself is Kreide.
Which one should you use?
Tafel is the general term for any chalkboard, whereas Wandtafel specifically refers to a chalkboard that is mounted on a wall.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that something is written 'on' the chalkboard, the prepositional phrase an der Tafel is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtaːfl̩/
Did you know?
- In German, a chocolate bar is called a Schokoladentafel, literally a 'chocolate board'.
- The word Tafel is also used to describe a formal dining table set for a banquet or a celebratory feast.
- A 'Tafelspitz' is a famous, traditional Austrian beef dish, though the word here refers to a 'cut' or 'slice' rather than a board.
Examples in context
- Tom schrieb ein inspirierendes Zitat an die Tafel.Tom wrote an inspirational quote on the chalkboard.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Tafel in a sentence.Tatoeba #7272967 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7264443 by Hybrid
- Die Lehrerin schrieb wichtige Informationen an die Tafel.The teacher wrote important information on the chalkboard.
- Bitte wischen Sie die Tafel ab, bevor Sie gehen.Please erase the chalkboard before you leave.
- Er zeichnete eine Skizze auf die Tafel.He drew a sketch on the chalkboard.
- Kannst du die Lösung bitte an die Schultafel schreiben?Can you please write the solution on the chalkboard?
- Ich habe eine lustige Zeichnung auf der Schultafel hinterlassen.I left a funny drawing on the chalkboard.
- Die Tafel ist sehr groß.The chalkboard is very large.
- Bitte schreibe die Hausaufgaben an die Tafel.Please write the homework on the chalkboard.
Example conversation
A teacher and a student are in a classroom.
- LukasJulia, kannst du bitte an die Tafel kommen?Julia, can you please come to the chalkboard?
- JuliaJa, Lukas, ich komme sofort.Yes, Lukas, I'm coming right now.
- LukasSchreib die Antwort bitte groß an die Tafel.Please write the answer in large letters on the chalkboard.
- JuliaIch mache das jetzt.I'll do that now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chalkboard” translations and entries Tafel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
