die
Leertaste
⌨️ What Exactly is die Leertaste?
Die Leertaste is the English word for the spacebar, the long key on a computer or typewriter keyboard. Its main purpose is to insert a space between words or characters. It's usually located centrally at the bottom edge of the keyboard.
It is a feminine noun in German (Femininum), so the correct article is die Leertaste.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📊 Grammar Deep Dive: die Leertaste
The word "Leertaste" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Leertaste |
| Genitive | der | Leertaste |
| Dative | der | Leertaste |
| Accusative | die | Leertaste |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Leertasten |
| Genitive | der | Leertasten |
| Dative | den | Leertasten |
| Accusative | die | Leertasten |
💡 Example Sentences
🚀 How die Leertaste is Used
Die Leertaste is almost exclusively used in the context of keyboards (computers, typewriters, laptops, smartphones).
- Separating words: Its main function is inserting spaces when typing. Example: WordSpacebarWord (WortLeertasteWort)
- Control in software/games: In many programs and computer games, the spacebar has additional functions, e.g., jumping, confirming, play/pause.
- Set phrase: A common phrase is "die Leertaste drücken" (to press the spacebar).
It's one of the most frequently used keys.
🧠 Memory Aids for Leertaste
Article Mnemonic: Imagine a Queen (feminine -> die) sitting on a long, wide throne shaped like a Leertaste (spacebar). She rules over the empty space between words.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is composed of leer (empty) and Taste (key). So, it's literally the 'empty key' or the key that creates empty space.
↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Words with similar meaning):
- Leerzeichentaste: A slightly more formal or technical term, but synonymous. (Leerzeichen = space character, Taste = key)
- Spatiumtaste: An outdated term, rarely used today (Spatium = Latin for space, interval).
Antonyms (Opposite terms):
There isn't really a direct antonym for Leertaste. One could argue:
- Buchstabentasten/Zifferntasten: (Letter keys/Number keys) These keys produce visible characters, whereas the spacebar produces empty space.
- Rücktaste (Backspace): This key deletes characters or spaces, whereas the spacebar adds spaces.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Computer die Beziehung beendet?
Ihm fehlte einfach der nötige Raum – er hat ständig die Leertaste gedrückt!
Why did the computer end the relationship?
It just needed more space – it kept hitting the spacebar!
📜 A Poem for the Key
Breit und lang, am unteren Rand,
Bist du bekannt in jedem Land.
Ein Druck von dir, ein kleiner Sprung,
Bringt zwischen Worte Ordnung, Schwung.
Ohne dich wär' alles dicht,
Ein Text ohne Raum, kein klares Licht.
Die Leertaste, wichtig, schlicht.
Broad and long, at the bottom edge,
You are known in every nation.
A press from you, a little leap,
Brings order, momentum between words deep.
Without you, all would be dense,
A text without space, no clear sense.
The spacebar, important, simply immense.
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch schaffe Raum für jedes Wort.
Ich bin die Längste meiner Art an meinem Arbeitsort.
Drückst du auf mich, entsteht 'ne Lücke,
Bring Ordnung in die Textestücke.
Wer bin ich? Auflösung / Answer: Die Leertaste
I have no mouth, yet make space for every word.
I am the longest of my kind where work occurred.
If you press me, a gap appears,
Bringing order to texts, calming fears.
What am I?
Answer: The spacebar (Die Leertaste)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition: The word "Leertaste" is a compound noun, composed of:
- leer: Adjective, meaning empty, blank.
- Taste: Noun (feminine, die Taste), meaning key (like on a keyboard).
Together, the meaning is: A key that produces emptiness (an empty space/a space character).
Trivia: On some very old keyboards or in specific layouts, the spacebar might be positioned differently or split, but the standard position is centered at the bottom.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Leertaste?
The correct article for Leertaste is die. It is a feminine noun: die Leertaste (the spacebar).