Surfbrett
neuter
The English word surfboard is Surfbrett in German. Wiktionary also lists Wellenreiterbrett.
Meaning: a shaped waterproof plank used to surf on waves (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Surfbrett | neuter |
| Wellenreiterbrett | neuter |
The word refers to a shaped waterproof plank used to surf on waves.
What does it mean word for word?
Surfbrett is a compound of Surf (surf) and Brett (board).
Which one should you use?
While Wellenreiterbrett is a valid compound, Surfbrett is the much more common and natural term used by German speakers.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because it is a neuter noun, the indefinite article is ein. The plural form is Surfbretter.
Did you know?
- The word Brett refers to any wooden plank and is used in the common German idiom das Brett vor dem Kopf haben, meaning to be oblivious to something obvious.
- While Surfbrett is standard, the term Wellenreiter literally translates to 'wave rider' and is often used as a poetic or sporty alternative to describe the person or the act of surfing.
- Because German allows for endless compounding, a 'surfboard wax' becomes Surfbrettwachs, treating the wax as a physical extension of the board's name.
Examples in context
- Wo kann ich ein Surfbrett kaufen?Where can I buy a surfboard?This sentence is useful for asking where to buy a Surfbrett.Tatoeba #8486782 by Luiaard, translation #4135342 by CK
- Wie oft benutzt du dein Surfbrett?How often do you use your surfboard?This sentence is useful for asking how often someone uses their Surfbrett.Tatoeba #12615755 by Waldelfe, translation #10680449 by CK
- Tom hat mir ein neues Surfbrett gekauft.Tom bought me a new surfboard.This sentence is useful for stating that someone bought a new Surfbrett.Tatoeba #4141200 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4135341 by CK
- Ich habe ein Surfbrett gekauft.I bought a surfboard.
- Kannst du mir dein Surfboard leihen?Can you lend me your surfboard?
- Lass uns doch mal mit dem Brett auf die Wellen gehen!Let's go catch some waves with the board!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are at the beach preparing to go out.
- MaximilianIst das dein neues Surfbrett?Is that your new surfboard?
- HannahJa, es ist sehr leicht.Yes, it is very light.
- MaximilianIch brauche auch noch ein Surfbrett.I also still need a surfboard.
- HannahDann schauen wir heute zusammen.Then we will look together today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surfboard” translations and entries Surfbrett, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
