das  Tasten

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtastn̩/

👆 What does "das Tasten" mean?

Das Tasten is a German noun with the article "das". It's a nominalized verb, derived from the verb "tasten" (to touch, to feel, to type). It describes the act or process of touching, feeling, or typing itself.

Possible meanings include:

• The act of touching or feeling (often carefully or searchingly): Das Tasten nach dem Lichtschalter im Dunkeln. (The feeling for the light switch in the dark.)
• The act of typing on a keyboard: Das schnelle Tasten auf dem Computer. (The fast typing on the computer.)

🚨 Important: Don't confuse "das Tasten" (the action) with:

• the verb "tasten" (e.g., ich taste - I touch/type, du tastest - you touch/type)
• the noun "die Taste" (singular, feminine) / "die Tasten" (plural), which refers to the physical keys on a keyboard, piano, etc.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Tasten"

"Das Tasten" is a neuter noun and, as a nominalized verb, is generally only used in the singular. It follows the strong declension pattern.

A plural form ("die Tasten") exists grammatically but is practically never used for the meaning "act of touching/typing," as this would refer to the physical keys.

📝 Example Sentences

• Das vorsichtige Tasten nach dem Türgriff dauerte einen Moment.
  (The careful feeling for the door handle took a moment.)
• Beim Tasten im Dunkeln stieß sie gegen den Tisch.
  (While feeling around in the dark, she bumped into the table.)
• Sein schnelles Tasten auf der Tastatur war beeindruckend.
  (His fast typing on the keyboard was impressive.)
• Das Erlernen des Zehnfinger-Tastens erfordert Übung.
  (Learning ten-finger typing requires practice.)

💡 How to use "das Tasten"?

"Das Tasten" is used to describe the act of touching, feeling, or typing, often implying caution, uncertainty, or concentration.

• In the context of touching/feeling: Often used when someone is searching for something without seeing (e.g., in the dark, when blind). Example: "Das Tasten nach Stabilität auf dem rutschigen Boden." (The feeling for stability on the slippery ground.)
• In the context of typing: Refers to the action of writing on a keyboard. Example: "Das laute Tasten störte die Stille im Büro." (The loud typing disturbed the silence in the office.)
• More abstract usage: Sometimes used for a careful approach to a topic. Example: "Es war ein vorsichtiges Tasten an die Grenzen des Möglichen." (It was a cautious probing of the limits of what's possible.)

Compared to "die Berührung" (the touch, more instantaneous) or "das Tippen" (typing, specifically on keyboards), "das Tasten" can encompass both and often has a searching or ongoing component.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Tasten"

• For the article "das": Many German verbs turned into nouns (nominalized verbs, similar to gerunds in English) are neuter, taking the article "das". Think of: das Gehen (the walking), das Laufen (the running), das Sprechen (the speaking) – and also das Tasten (the touching/typing). It describes the action itself.

• For the meaning: Imagine using your sense of taste by touching things carefully with your fingers in the dark – that careful searching is "das Tasten". Or think of the computer keys (Tasten) and the action of pressing them: "das Tasten".

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with "die Taste" (the key/button) or the verb "tasten" (to touch/type).

😄 A little Joke

Was ist das Ergebnis, wenn eine Katze auf der Tastatur einschläft? 💤
... Viel zufälliges Tasten und eine Menge Unsinn auf dem Bildschirm! 🐈⌨️

(Translation: What's the result when a cat falls asleep on the keyboard? 💤
... Lots of random typing/touching (Tasten) and a lot of nonsense on the screen! 🐈⌨️)

📜 Poem about 'das Tasten'

Im Dunkel der Nacht, ein leises Bemüh'n,
Das Tasten der Finger lässt Konturen erblüh'n.
Auf glattem Schirm, auf rauem Stein,
Die Welt erfühlt, so zart und fein.

Am Schreibtisch dann, bei Tag und Licht,
Das Tasten schnell, ein Wortgewicht.
Gedanken fließen, Buchstabentanz,
Durch flinkes Tasten, voller Glanz.

(Translation:)

In darkest night, a soft endeavor,
The touching of fingers makes contours flower.
On smoothest screen, on roughest stone,
The world is felt, so gently known.

Then at the desk, in light of day,
The typing swift, words hold their sway.
Thoughts start to flow, a letter-dance,
Through nimble typing, full of glance.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin eine Handlung, doch hab' kein Gesicht,
Ich helfe im Dunkeln, führe zum Licht (Schalter).
Auf Knöpfen tanz' ich, mal schnell, mal sacht,
Hab Buchstaben und Zahlen zur Welt gebracht.

Was bin ich?

(Translation:)

I am an action, but have no face,
I help in the dark, lead to light's place (like a switch).
On buttons I dance, now swift, now slow,
Bringing letters and numbers to the world we know.

What am I?

Solution: das Tasten (the act of touching/feeling/typing)

🧩 Other Information

Word Formation:

• "Das Tasten" is a substantivization or nominalization (Substantivierung) of the verb "tasten".
• The verb "tasten" itself likely derives from the Middle High German "tasten," meaning "to touch, to feel."

Related Terms:

• Tastsinn: Sense of touch.
• Tastatur: Keyboard.
• Tastbar: Tangible, touchable.