das Zifferblatt
clock face
The part of a clock marked with numbers or tick marks, on which the time is read.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Zifferblatt sind die zwölf Stunden deutlich markiert.
The twelve hours are clearly marked on the clock face.
das Zifferblatt
clock face
das Zifferblatt, die Zifferblätter
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Zifferblatt, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Zifferblätter |
| genitive | des Zifferblatts |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Zifferblatt | die Zifferblätter |
| accusative | das Zifferblatt | die Zifferblätter |
| dative | dem Zifferblatt | den Zifferblättern |
| genitive | des Zifferblatts des Zifferblattes | der Zifferblätter |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound words
'Zifferblatt' (clock face) is made up of 'Ziffer' (numeral) and 'Blatt' (sheet). The word therefore refers to a flat surface on which numerals or tick marks are arranged.
EXAMPLE
Das Zifferblatt der alten Uhr ist aus weißem Porzellan.
The face of the old clock is made of white porcelain.
The preposition auf
When referring to the position of numbers, tick marks, or hands, 'Zifferblatt' (clock face) is frequently used with the preposition 'auf' (on) and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Zifferblatt steht die Zahl zwölf besonders groß.
The number twelve is especially large on the clock face.
Typical collocations
Common collocations include 'die Uhrzeit vom Zifferblatt ablesen' (to read the time from the clock face), 'ein Zifferblatt betrachten' (to look at a clock face), and 'die Zeiger auf dem Zifferblatt' (the hands on the clock face).
EXAMPLE
Bei schwachem Licht konnte er die Uhrzeit vom Zifferblatt kaum ablesen.
In the dim light, he could barely read the time from the clock face.
In real life
Loading video examples...