Türknauf
masculine
The English phrase doorknob is Türknauf in German. Wiktionary also lists Türknopf.
Meaning: circular device attached to a door, the rotation of which permits the unlatching of a door (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Türknauf | masculine | |
| Türknopf | /ˈtyːrknɔpf/ | masculine |
A doorknob refers to a circular device attached to a door, the rotation of which permits the unlatching of a door.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Türknauf is a compound of Tür (door) and Knauf (knob).
Which one should you use?
While Türknauf and Türknopf are often used interchangeably, Türknauf specifically implies a larger, more rounded knob, whereas Türknopf (literally 'door button') can imply a smaller or flatter device.
How does it change in a sentence?
For the masculine noun Türknauf, in the genitive case, you add an '-s' to the end to form des Türknaufs.
Did you know?
- While Türknauf describes the object, Germans often use the word Klinke to refer to the actual handle. If you ask for a Türknauf in a hardware store, you might be shown a decorative knob rather than the standard lever handle found in most German homes.
- A professional locksmith might avoid the simple term Türknauf and instead use the exhaustive Türdrückergarnitur to describe the full handle set.
- In German, the word Knopf describes both a shirt button and a control knob on a stove, making Türknopf literally a 'door button'.
Examples in context
- Der Türknauf ist kaputt.The doorknob broke.This sentence is useful for describing a broken Türknauf.Tatoeba #7999206 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1522353 by erikspen
- Du mußt den Türknauf nach rechts drehen.You need to turn the doorknob to the right.This sentence is useful for explaining how to turn the Türknauf.Tatoeba #12628772 by Waldelfe, translation #9462200 by DJ_Saidez
- Tom und Maria griffen gleichzeitig nach dem Türknauf.Tom and Mary reached for the doorknob at the same time.This sentence is useful for describing people reaching for the Türknauf.Tatoeba #2767969 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2639808 by CK
- Die Türklinke ist kaputtThe doorknob is broken
- Der Türknauf ist aus MetallThe doorknob is made of metal
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are in their new apartment looking at the hardware.
- SarahSchau dir diesen schönen Türknauf an, Julian.Look at this beautiful doorknob, Julian.
- JulianJa, der Türknauf passt perfekt zur Tür.Yes, the doorknob fits the door perfectly.
- SarahSoll ich ihn jetzt einbauen?Should I install it now?
- JulianNein, warte lieber bis morgen.No, better wait until tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doorknob” translations and entries Türknauf, Türknopf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
