das  Keyboard

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkiːbɔɪ̯d/

⌨️ What Exactly is a Keyboard?

The word Keyboard is an Anglicism (a loanword from English) used in German. It has two main meanings:

1. The computer keyboard: The input device for computers, laptops, or tablets used to type letters, numbers, and symbols. Example: Meine Tastatur klemmt, ich brauche ein neues Keyboard. (My keyboard is sticking, I need a new keyboard.)
2. The electronic keyboard instrument: A musical instrument with keys that produces sounds electronically, often featuring automatic accompaniment and various sound presets. Example: Er spielt seit seiner Kindheit Keyboard in einer Band. (He has been playing the keyboard in a band since his childhood.)

🚨 As a loanword, it retains the neuter gender in German: das Keyboard. There are no other articles for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar at a Glance: Das Keyboard

The noun „Keyboard“ is neuter (sächlich) and is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

• Das neue Keyboard leuchtet im Dunkeln. (The new keyboard glows in the dark.)
• Die Tasten des Keyboards sind sehr leise. (The keys of the keyboard are very quiet.)
• Ich spiele gerne auf dem Keyboard. (I enjoy playing on the keyboard.)
• Er kaufte sich das Keyboard gestern. (He bought the keyboard yesterday.)
• Die Keyboards im Musikladen sind teuer. (The keyboards in the music store are expensive.)
• Der Klang der Keyboards ist beeindruckend. (The sound of the keyboards is impressive.)
• Mit diesen Keyboards kann man viele Effekte erzeugen. (With these keyboards, you can create many effects.)
• Der Techniker repariert die Keyboards. (The technician is repairing the keyboards.)

💡 Context and Usage

„Das Keyboard“ is used in both technical and musical contexts. The specific context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

• Technical Context (Computer): Here, „das Keyboard“ is often interchangeable with the German word „die Tastatur“. Using „Keyboard“ might sound more modern or specific (e.g., Gaming-Keyboard). Example: „Ich tippe auf meinem Keyboard.“ (I'm typing on my keyboard.)
• Musical Context: Here, „das Keyboard“ clearly refers to the electronic musical instrument. It is often distinguished from a Klavier (piano) or E-Piano (electric piano), although the lines can sometimes be blurry. Example: „Sie lernt Keyboard spielen.“ (She is learning to play the keyboard.)

⚠️ While „die Tastatur“ is the native German synonym for the computer meaning, „Keyboard“ is frequently preferred, especially in the IT industry and among younger speakers.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of the English word 'board'. Many objects ending in '-board' or similar concepts like 'Brett' (board) in German are neuter ('das'). So, it's das Keyboard.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word itself tells you: it's a Board full of Keys – whether for typing words or playing music.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Potential Confusion?

Sometimes „Keyboard“ is confused with „Synthesizer“. A Synthesizer primarily focuses on sound creation and manipulation, while a Keyboard is often a broader term that might include accompaniment features, etc., but doesn't have to.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat das Keyboard Angst vor dem Computer? Weil der Computer immer seine Tasten drückt!

Why is the keyboard afraid of the computer? Because the computer is always pressing its keys!

🎵 Verses for the Keys

Das Keyboard, schwarz und schlicht,
ippt Worte schnell ins Licht.
Mal leis', mal laut, ein Tastendruck,
für E-Mail, Code, gutes Buch.
Doch auch Musik, ein Klang so rein,
kann dieses Brettchen sein.
Von Pop bis Jazz, ein Tastenspiel,
das Keyboard kann ganz viel.

The keyboard, black and plain,
types words quickly into light's domain.
Sometimes quiet, sometimes loud, a key press near,
for email, code, a good book held dear.
But music too, a sound so pure,
this little board can be, for sure.
From pop to jazz, a play of keys,
the keyboard can do much with ease.

❓ Guess What!

Ich habe Tasten, doch kein Schloss,
ich mache Musik oder Text im Nu, famos.
Ich hänge am Computer dran,
oder begleite den Gesang.

Was bin ich?

I have keys, but no lock,
I make music or text quickly, quite a shock.
I'm connected to the computer's might,
Or accompany singing, day and night.

What am I?
(Answer: das Keyboard)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition: The word „Keyboard“ is directly adopted from English, where it is composed of „Key“ and „Board“.

Cultural Notes: Keyboards revolutionized music production and writing. The QWERTZ layout (or QWERTY in English) of computer keyboards evolved historically to minimize the jamming of typebars on mechanical typewriters.