Tastatur
/tas.taˈtuːɐ̯/feminine
The English word keyboard translates to German as Tastatur.
Tastatur refers to a set of keys used to operate a device such as a computer or typewriter. You may also encounter the term Pfeiltasten, which means arrow keys.
Meaning: set of keys used to operate a typewriter, computer etc. (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Tastatur is a compound formed from Taste (key or button) and the suffix -atur, which denotes a system or collection.
How does it change in a sentence?
Tastatur is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Tastaturen. In the genitive or dative singular cases, the form changes to einer Tastatur.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tas.taˈtuːɐ̯/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- A German Tastatur uses the QWERTZ layout instead of the English QWERTY layout, swapping the 'Z' and 'Y' keys.
- While Tastatur is the noun for the keyboard, the verb tasten means to grope or feel around blindly with the hands.
- The German word Tastatur is borrowed from the Italian word tastatura, which shares a root with tastiera.
Examples in context
- Ich brauche eine Tastatur.I need a keyboard.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a Tastatur.Tatoeba #7478474 by Yorwba, translation #2631707 by Joseph
- Meine Katze mag meine Tastatur.My cat likes my keyboard.This sentence uses Tastatur to describe a cat's preference.Tatoeba #1695191 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1395952 by Spamster
- Die Schweizer Tastatur hat kein ß.The Swiss keyboard doesn't have a ß.This sentence uses Tastatur to discuss the absence of the letter ß on Swiss keyboards.Tatoeba #556055 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #556059 by FeuDRenais
- Entschuldigung, könnten Sie mir bitte die Tastatur zeigen?Excuse me, could you please show me the keyboard?
- Ich habe versehentlich Kaffee über mein Tastenfeld verschüttet.I accidentally spilled coffee on my keyboard.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are at a workspace.
- LauraJulian, funktioniert deine Tastatur?Julian, is your keyboard working?
- JulianNein, die Tastatur ist kaputt.No, the keyboard is broken.
- LauraSoll ich eine neue Tastatur kaufen?Should I buy a new keyboard?
- JulianJa, das wäre sehr hilfreich.Yes, that would be very helpful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “keyboard” translations and entries Tastatur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tastatur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
