der  Schulhof

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃuːlhɔf/

📖 What exactly is a Schulhof?

The word Schulhof (masculine, article: der) refers to the outdoor area or grounds of a school. It's typically used for breaks (Pausen), sports activities, or school events. It's the space in front of, next to, or behind the school building where students can spend time outdoors.

Since the only article is der, there's no risk of confusion regarding meaning due to different articles.

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Schulhof

The noun "Schulhof" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. In der großen Pause treffen sich alle auf dem Schulhof.
   (During the long break, everyone meets in the schoolyard.)
2. Der Ball rollte über den ganzen Schulhof.
   (The ball rolled across the entire schoolyard.)
3. Die Gestaltung des Schulhofes wurde neu geplant.
   (The design of the schoolyard was redesigned.)
4. Auf vielen Schulhöfen gibt es Spielgeräte.
   (There is playground equipment in many schoolyards.)

🗣️ How is "Schulhof" used?

The term "Schulhof" is commonly used in the context of schools (Schulen). It designates the specific outdoor area where students gather during breaks (Pausen) or where certain outdoor school activities take place.

• Typical Contexts: Breaks, outdoor physical education classes (Sportunterricht), school festivals (Schulfeste), open-air assemblies.
• Distinction: While "Schulhof" refers to the entire outdoor area, sometimes "Pausenhof" (break yard) is used synonymously, emphasizing its use during breaks. This contrasts with the "Klassenzimmer" (classroom - indoor space for lessons) or the "Turnhalle" (gymnasium - indoor sports hall).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Hof" (the courtyard/yard). A yard or courtyard often feels like a defined, perhaps traditionally masculine space (like der Bauernhof - the farm). The Schulhof is simply the yard (Hof) belonging to der Schule (even though Schule is feminine, the Hof itself takes 'der'). Or remember: The principal (der Direktor) surveys der Schulhof.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine kids shouting and running around the school yard - it's the 'HOF' (sounds a bit like 'hoof' - where they run) for the 'SCHUL' (school).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Schulhof

⚠️ Caution: Just using "Hof" is too general; it could also mean an inner courtyard (Innenhof) or a farmyard (Bauernhof).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette nicht am Schulhof-Fußball teil?

Weil sie keine Körper haben, um reinzugehen! 😉

(Why don't skeletons play football in the schoolyard? Because they have no body to go in with! [pun on 'nobody' and having no 'body'])

📜 Poem about the Schulhof

Grauer Asphalt, oft bunt bemalt,
wo Lachen schallt und mancher prahlt.
Der Schulhof ruft zur Pausenzeit,
vertreibt die Lern-Müdigkeit.
Ob Fangen, Rennen, Plauderei,
auf dem Hof sind alle frei.

(Grey asphalt, often painted bright,
Where laughter rings and boasts take flight.
The schoolyard calls when break time's near,
Drives weariness from learning clear.
Whether tag, or racing, chatting free,
On the yard, all have liberty.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich gehöre zur Schule, doch drinnen bin ich nie.
Hab Bäume manchmal, Bänke und viel Geschrei.
In der Pause bin ich dein liebstes Revier,
damit du draußen spielen kannst, dafür bin ich hier.

Was bin ich? (I belong to the school, but I'm never inside.
Sometimes I have trees, benches, and lots of noise.
During break, I'm your favorite territory,
I'm here so you can play outside.)

What am I?
(Answer: Der Schulhof)

➕ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Schulhof" is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of:

• Schule: The school.
• Hof: An open, often paved area belonging to a building or complex of buildings (yard, courtyard).

Together, the meaning is: The yard belonging to the school.