die  Tafel

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtaːfl̩/

칠판 Versatility: What does "die Tafel" mean?

The word die Tafel (feminine) has several meanings in German:

• Blackboard/Whiteboard: A large, usually black or green surface in classrooms or offices for writing on with chalk or special pens. (German: die Schultafel) 칠판
• Table (especially set for a feast): A large table, often festively decorated, for meals, especially at banquets or celebrations. (German: die Festtafel) 🍽️
• Panel/Plaque/Sign: A flat panel or sign, often with an inscription (e.g., a memorial plaque). (German: die Gedenktafel) 📜
• Bar of chocolate: A flat, rectangular piece of chocolate. (German: die Tafel Schokolade) 🍫
• The "Tafeln" (organization): A non-profit food bank organization in Germany that distributes food to people in need. ❤️

🚨 Despite the different meanings, the article always remains die.

📐 Grammar of "die Tafel" in Detail

The noun "Tafel" is feminine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences ✍️

1. Der Lehrer schreibt die Aufgabe an die Tafel. (The teacher writes the assignment on the blackboard.)
2. Zur Hochzeit wurde eine lange Tafel festlich gedeckt. (A long table was festively set for the wedding.)
3. Er kaufte eine Tafel Schokolade im Supermarkt. (He bought a bar of chocolate at the supermarket.)
4. An der Wand hängt eine Gedenktafel für die Gefallenen. (A memorial plaque for the fallen hangs on the wall.)
5. Viele Freiwillige helfen bei den Tafeln, Essen zu verteilen. (Many volunteers help at the food banks to distribute food.)

🗣️ How to Use "die Tafel"?

The use of "die Tafel" depends heavily on the context:

• In the classroom: When talking about the writing surface, it's almost always "die Tafel" (or more specifically "die Schultafel", "das Whiteboard").
• At mealtime: "Die Tafel" often refers to a large, festively set table, usually in elevated language or for special occasions ("Festtafel", "Rittertafel" - knight's table). In everyday life, people usually say "der Tisch" (table). ⚠️ Potential confusion: "Bitte zu Tisch!" (Come to the table! / Dinner's ready!) vs. "Die Tafel ist gedeckt." (The table is set. - describing the state).
• Sweets: Eine "Tafel Schokolade" is a standard bar of chocolate.
• Social Engagement: "Die Tafeln" (plural) specifically refers to the food bank organizations.
• Information: "Tafel" can also be an information board or memorial plaque.

Compared to der Tisch, which generally refers to a piece of furniture for placing things on or working at, die Tafel is more specific: either a writing surface, a festive dining setup, a plaque, or the chocolate bar shape.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Tafel"

Article Mnemonic:

Think of the queen (feminine, 'die') dining at the long 'Tafel' (table), or the female teacher ('die Lehrerin') writing on 'die Tafel' (blackboard). Feminine images help remember the feminine article 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic:

Imagine eating a Tafel of chocolate (🍫) while looking at a (school) Tafel (칠판), which shows a plan for the food distribution at the (food bank) Tafel (❤️), taking place at a festive Tafel (🍽️), on the wall of which hangs a memorial Tafel (📜). One image, many 'Tafeln'!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "die Tafel"

Similar but Different Words:

• der Tisch: The general word for a table (furniture). A Tafel (feast table) is always also a Tisch, but not every Tisch is a Tafel.
• das Brett: A flat piece of wood or other material (board). Can sometimes be used similarly to Tafel (plaque/panel, e.g., Schwarzes Brett - notice board), but has different connotations.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist flüssiger als Wasser?"
Schüler: "Hausaufgaben! Die sind nämlich überflüssig."
Lehrer: "Setzen, sechs! Und schreib das 100 Mal an die Tafel!"

Teacher asks: "What is more fluid than water?"
Student: "Homework! Because it's superfluous ('überflüssig' sounds like 'over-fluid')."
Teacher: "Sit down, F! And write that 100 times on the blackboard!"

📜 Poem about the Tafel

Die Tafel, schwarz und breit,
hält Wissen für uns bereit.
Mit Kreide, weiß und rein,
schreibt der Lehrer groß und klein.

Doch auch am Tisch, so fein gedeckt,
hat sich die Festestafel gestreckt.
Und süßer noch, zum Naschen da,
liegt eine Tafel Schokola'.

Und wer in Not, dem wird gegeben,
durch die Tafeln, die Gutes streben.

The Tafel, black and wide,
holds knowledge ready inside.
With chalk, so pure and white,
the teacher writes with all their might.

But also at the table, finely set,
the festive Tafel has been stretched.
And sweeter still, for snacking near,
lies a Tafel of chocolate dear.

And those in need receive with grace,
through the Tafeln, in time and space.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin oft schwarz, doch manchmal grün,
Auf mir lässt sich Wissen müh'n.
Ich kann aus Schokolade sein,
Oder laden zum Festmahl ein.
Ich helfe Menschen in der Not.

Was bin ich?

I am often black, but sometimes green,
On me, knowledge can be gleaned.
I can be made of chocolate sweet,
Or invite you to a festive treat.
I help people who are in need.

What am I?
(Solution: die Tafel)

ℹ️ More about "die Tafel"

• Etymology: The word "Tafel" comes from the Latin word tabula, meaning board, tablet, or writing tablet.
• Compounds: There are many compound words with "Tafel", e.g.: Tafelberg (Table Mountain - geography), Tafelgeschirr (tableware), Tafelkreide (chalk), Tafelsilber (silverware), Tafelschokolade (bar of chocolate), Gedenktafel (memorial plaque), Hinweistafel (information board), Schalttafel (switchboard/panel - tech).
• The Organization "Die Tafel": Founded in Berlin in 1993, these organizations collect surplus, high-quality food and distribute it to socially and economically disadvantaged people. The name deliberately plays on the double meaning of "Tafel" as a set table.