German word

Block

Pronunciation

IPA/blɔk/

Meaning

  • masculine nounnotepad

Example

Ich schreibe die Telefonnummer auf den Block.

I write the phone number down on the notepad.

Illustration for Block (notepad)

More examples

Ich reiße ein Blatt aus dem Block.

I tear a sheet out of the notepad.

Core concept

One grouped unit, such as a pad of loose sheets, a solid lump, or a large building divided into flats.

Common phrases

  • einen Block kaufen

    buy a notepad

  • auf den Block schreiben

    write on the notepad

  • ein Blatt aus dem Block reißen

    tear a sheet out of the notepad

Similar words

Notizblock: A small top-bound pad for jotting down short notes.
Schreibblock: A larger desk pad with detachable sheets for writing.
Notizbuch: A bound notebook for recording notes on successive pages.
Zettel: A small slip of paper for a brief note, posting, or handing to someone.

Definition in German

ein gebündelter Satz von Blättern, die sich leicht umblättern oder abreißen lassen und zum Niederschreiben kurzer Notizen dienen

Word origin

German adopted Block from the French form bloc, which is related to Germanic words for a log or mass, and broadened the word to several grouped forms.

Usage tips

  • The phrase Telefonnummer auf den Block schreiben uses auf with the accusative because it describes writing onto the pad.

Other meanings

  • lumpnoun
  • blocknoun
  • apartment blocknoun

Opposites

  • Einzelblattsingle sheetnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word