At the A1 level, 'der Teller' is one of the first nouns you learn when discussing the theme of 'Essen und Trinken' (Eating and Drinking). You should focus on its gender (masculine: der), its basic meaning (a plate), and how to use it in simple sentences. You will likely use it with verbs like 'haben' (to have), 'brauchen' (to need), and 'sein' (to be). For example: 'Der Teller ist weiß' or 'Ich habe einen Teller'. It is also important to learn the plural, which is identical to the singular: 'die Teller'. You will encounter this word in basic dialogues about setting a table or ordering food. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex idioms; focus on identifying the object and using the correct article (der/ein/den).
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'der Teller' in more varied contexts, such as describing household chores or more detailed dining situations. You should be comfortable using it in the accusative and dative cases. For instance, 'Ich stelle den Teller auf den Tisch' (accusative for movement) and 'Der Teller steht auf dem Tisch' (dative for location). You will also learn compound words like 'Suppenteller' and 'Kuchenteller'. You might start to hear the word in the context of recipes or cooking instructions, such as 'Das Essen auf dem Teller anrichten'. At this level, you are expected to understand the difference between a 'Teller' and a 'Schüssel' (bowl) and use them correctly in everyday conversation.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'der Teller' fluently in complex sentences and understand its role in common idioms. The most important idiom to learn is 'über den Tellerrand schauen', which means to look beyond one's own narrow interests or to think outside the box. You will also encounter the word in more formal contexts, such as describing table etiquette or discussing cultural differences in dining. You should be able to handle the dative plural 'auf den Tellern' without hesitation. Your vocabulary should expand to include more specific types of plates, like 'Unterteller' or 'Prunkteller', and you should be able to discuss the materials they are made of, such as 'Porzellan' or 'Keramik'.
At the B2 level, 'der Teller' appears in more abstract and professional contexts. You might read about the history of porcelain manufacturing in Germany or the economics of the household goods industry. You should understand the nuances of the word in literature or media, where it might be used metaphorically to represent sustenance or social status. For example, 'ein leerer Teller' could be a powerful image in a text about poverty. You are expected to use the word and its derivatives with high grammatical accuracy, including correct adjective endings in all cases. You should also be familiar with more obscure compound words and technical terms related to ceramics and dining culture.
At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of 'der Teller' and its cultural connotations. You can use it effortlessly in sophisticated idiomatic expressions and understand subtle wordplay in jokes or advertising. You might analyze the role of the 'Teller' in German still-life painting or its symbolic significance in sociological studies of dining habits. Your ability to switch between formal, neutral, and informal registers when using the word is well-developed. You can discuss the etymology of the word (from the Old French 'tailloir') and its historical development from a flat piece of wood to the modern ceramic plate. At this level, the word is a flexible tool in your linguistic arsenal.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'der Teller' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate and produce complex metaphors, puns, and literary references involving the word. You might explore the philosophical implications of the 'Tellerrand' as a boundary of human perception. You are capable of discussing the most technical aspects of plate production, from glaze chemistry to kiln temperatures, or the most refined points of 'Knigge' (German etiquette) regarding plate placement. The word 'Teller' is no longer just a vocabulary item but a part of a vast web of cultural, historical, and linguistic knowledge that you navigate with ease.

der Teller en 30 segundos

  • The word 'der Teller' means 'plate' in English. It is a masculine noun (der) and is essential for any dining or kitchen-related conversation in German.
  • Grammatically, 'Teller' is notable because its singular and plural forms are identical. Only the article changes from 'der' (singular) to 'die' (plural).
  • It is used in various compound words like 'Suppenteller' (soup plate) and idioms like 'über den Tellerrand schauen' (to think outside the box).
  • In daily life, you will use it to set the table, order food in restaurants, and describe the presentation of meals in a culinary context.
The German word der Teller is a fundamental noun that every beginner learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it refers to a flat, typically circular vessel used for serving or eating food. However, the cultural weight of a 'Teller' in Germany extends far beyond its physical properties. In a German household, the 'Teller' is the stage upon which the daily ritual of 'Abendbrot' or 'Mittagessen' performs. When you think of a German plate, you might imagine high-quality porcelain from Meissen or Villeroy & Boch, reflecting a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship. People use this word whenever they are in a dining context, whether they are setting the table (den Tisch decken), clearing it (den Tisch abräumen), or simply describing the presentation of a meal. In professional gastronomy, the 'Teller' is the canvas for a chef; you might hear a waiter say 'Vorsicht, der Teller ist heiß' (Careful, the plate is hot). The word is masculine, which is crucial for grammatical agreement with articles and adjectives. Understanding 'der Teller' involves recognizing its role in various social settings, from the humble wooden 'Vesperbrett' (often treated as a plate for snacks) to the ornate 'Prunkteller' used for decoration. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic survival vocabulary and the sophisticated language of culinary arts.
Physicality
A 'Teller' is usually flat, distinguishing it from a 'Schüssel' (bowl). It can be made of ceramic, glass, wood, or plastic.
Social Context
Used daily in homes, restaurants, and canteens. It represents the individual portion of a communal meal.
Grammatical Gender
Always masculine (der), which dictates the use of 'ein Teller', 'meinen Teller', or 'dieser Teller'.

Bitte stell den Teller auf den Tisch.

Hast du noch einen sauberen Teller für den Kuchen?

Der goldene Teller war ein Familienerbe.

Ich habe meinen Teller bereits leer gegessen.

Die Suppe wird in einem tiefen Teller serviert.

Beyond the literal meaning, 'Teller' appears in metaphorical expressions about perspective and knowledge. To speak of someone's 'Teller' is often to speak of their immediate environment or their limited scope of understanding. The depth of the plate—whether 'flach' (flat) or 'tief' (deep)—changes its function entirely, with deep plates being reserved for soups and stews, a staple of German cuisine. In modern usage, you might also find 'Pappteller' (paper plates) at a 'Grillparty' (barbecue) or 'Kinderteller' (children's plates) on restaurant menus, often featuring smaller portions and simpler foods. The ubiquity of the word makes it an essential building block for any learner aiming to navigate daily life in a German-speaking country.
Using 'der Teller' correctly requires attention to both its grammatical case and the specific type of plate you are referring to. As a masculine noun, it changes its article based on its function in the sentence. In the nominative case, it is 'der Teller' (The plate is blue - Der Teller ist blau). In the accusative case, usually following verbs like 'haben', 'nehmen', or 'stellen', it becomes 'den Teller' (I take the plate - Ich nehme den Teller). In the dative case, often used after prepositions like 'auf' when indicating location, it becomes 'dem Teller' (The food is on the plate - Das Essen ist auf dem Teller). For learners, mastering these shifts is the first step toward fluency. Furthermore, German allows for the creation of compound nouns, which are incredibly common with 'Teller'. You can specify the use of the plate by prefixing it: 'Suppenteller' (soup plate), 'Speiseteller' (dinner plate), 'Dessertteller' (dessert plate), or 'Unterteller' (saucer). This linguistic flexibility allows for great precision. When constructing sentences, pay attention to the verbs associated with kitchen tasks. 'Spülen' (to wash) and 'abtrocknen' (to dry) are frequently paired with 'Teller'. For example, 'Wer muss heute die Teller spülen?' (Who has to wash the plates today?). In a more formal setting, you might use 'anrichten', which means to arrange food on a plate. 'Der Koch richtet die Speisen auf dem Teller an' (The chef is arranging the food on the plate).
Nominative Usage
Der Teller steht im Schrank. (The plate is in the cupboard.)
Accusative Usage
Ich brauche einen neuen Teller. (I need a new plate.)
Dative Usage
Auf dem Teller liegt ein Schnitzel. (There is a schnitzel on the plate.)

Kannst du mir bitte den tiefen Teller für die Erbsensuppe geben?

Er hat seinen Teller so voll geladen, dass fast alles herunterfällt.

Die Kinder haben ihre Teller brav leer gegessen.

Sentence structures involving 'Teller' often include prepositions of place. 'Auf' is the most common, as food is placed *on* the plate. However, 'unter' (under) is used when talking about 'Unterteller' (saucers) or 'Platzsets' (placemats). When you are at a buffet, you might hear 'Nehmen Sie sich bitte einen frischen Teller' (Please take a fresh plate). This highlights the etiquette of not reusing plates for subsequent trips to the buffet. In more poetic or literary German, 'Teller' might be used to describe objects of a similar shape, like the 'Teller' of a sunflower (Sonnenblumenteller) or the flat part of a ski pole. Understanding these varied applications helps the learner see 'der Teller' not just as a kitchen item, but as a geometric concept and a social tool. Whether you are ordering in a restaurant or helping a German friend in the kitchen, these sentence patterns will serve as a reliable foundation.
You will encounter the word 'der Teller' in a vast array of real-life situations in German-speaking countries. The most obvious place is the 'Restaurant' or 'Gasthaus'. Here, the word is central to the service. A waiter might ask, 'Darf ich den Teller schon mitnehmen?' (May I take the plate already?) or inform you that 'Der Teller ist sehr heiß, bitte nicht berühren' (The plate is very hot, please do not touch). In the context of a 'Mensa' (university cafeteria) or 'Kantine' (company canteen), you will often see signs like 'Bitte die Teller auf das Band stellen' (Please put the plates on the conveyor belt). This is part of the efficient, self-service culture common in Germany. At home, 'Teller' is a staple of family interaction. Parents often tell their children, 'Iss deinen Teller leer!' (Finish your plate!), a phrase rooted in the cultural value of not wasting food. You will also hear it in retail environments, such as IKEA or specialized 'Porzellanläden', where you might look for a 'Service' (a set of dishes) and ask, 'Gibt es diese Teller auch in anderen Farben?' (Are these plates available in other colors?).
In the Kitchen
'Stell die Teller bitte in die Spülmaschine.' (Put the plates in the dishwasher, please.)
At the Buffet
'Darf ich diesen Teller noch einmal benutzen?' (May I use this plate again?)
In Idioms
'Er schaut nie über den eigenen Tellerrand hinaus.' (He never looks beyond his own horizon/plate's edge.)

Im Museum sahen wir antike Teller aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.

Der Hund hat den Teller sauber geleckt.

Beyond these literal uses, 'Teller' is heard in the media and news, particularly in metaphors about economy or politics. For instance, 'ein voller Teller' can symbolize prosperity. In sports, specifically in track and field, the 'Diskus' is sometimes colloquially compared to a plate. Even in technology, the spinning platters of a hard drive are occasionally referred to as 'Teller' in a technical context. However, the most frequent auditory encounter will remain the clinking of porcelain and the request to pass a plate during a meal: 'Reich mir mal bitte den Teller rüber.' Hearing this word is a signal of hospitality, nourishment, and community. Whether you're listening to a cooking show (Kochshow) or a podcast about German culture, 'der Teller' will inevitably appear as a central object of domestic and social life.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 'der Teller' is related to its grammatical gender. Since 'plate' is neutral in English, learners often want to say 'das Teller'. However, 'Teller' is masculine, and using the wrong article can lead to further errors in adjective endings and pronoun usage. For example, it must be 'ein großer Teller' (a big plate) and not 'ein großes Teller'. Another common pitfall is the plural form. Many learners try to add an '-en' or '-e' to the end, resulting in 'Tellern' or 'Tellere'. In reality, 'Teller' belongs to a group of masculine and neuter nouns ending in -er, -el, or -en that do not change their form in the plural. 'Der Teller' (singular) becomes 'die Teller' (plural). The only exception is the dative plural, where an '-n' is added: 'auf den Tellern' (on the plates). Furthermore, learners often confuse 'Teller' with 'Platte'. While both can be translated as 'plate' in certain contexts, 'Platte' usually refers to a serving platter, a record (Schallplatte), or a cold cut tray (Aufschnittplatte). Using 'Platte' when you mean an individual eating plate will sound unnatural.
Gender Error
Saying 'das Teller' instead of 'der Teller'. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Plural Error
Saying 'die Tellere' or 'die Tellers'. The plural is simply 'die Teller'.
Vocabulary Confusion
Using 'Platte' for an individual eating dish. Stick to 'Teller' for your personal meal.

Falsch: Ich wasche die Tellere. Richtig: Ich wasche die Teller.

Falsch: Das ist ein schönes Teller. Richtig: Das ist ein schöner Teller.

Another nuance is the difference between 'flacher Teller' and 'tiefer Teller'. English speakers might just say 'bowl' for a deep plate used for soup, but in German, if it has a wide rim and is used for a main course soup, it is still a 'Teller' (specifically a 'Suppenteller'). Calling it a 'Schüssel' (bowl) might imply a much larger serving container or a small cereal bowl. Finally, watch out for the idiom 'über den Tellerrand schauen'. Learners often translate this literally as 'looking over the edge of the plate', which is correct, but they might miss the figurative meaning of 'thinking outside the box' or 'being open-minded'. Misusing this idiom in a literal sense when a figurative one is expected (or vice versa) can lead to minor confusion. By being aware of these common traps—gender, plural forms, vocabulary distinctions, and idiomatic nuances—you can use 'der Teller' with the confidence of a native speaker.
In the world of German tableware, 'der Teller' is the most common term, but there are several related words that offer more specificity or describe similar objects. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and help you describe a table setting more accurately. 'Die Platte' is perhaps the closest relative; it refers to a large, often oval or rectangular serving dish. You use a 'Platte' to bring the food to the table, and then everyone takes a portion onto their individual 'Teller'. Another important word is 'die Schüssel', which means bowl. While 'tiefe Teller' are used for soups, 'Schüsseln' are used for salads, side dishes like potatoes, or cereal. Then there is 'die Untertasse', which specifically refers to the small saucer that goes under a teacup or coffee cup. In a more casual or rustic setting, you might encounter 'das Brettchen' (the little board), often used for 'Abendbrot' instead of a porcelain plate.
Die Platte
A large serving tray or platter. Example: 'Die Fleischplatte steht in der Mitte.'
Die Schüssel
A bowl, deeper than a plate. Example: 'Die Salatschüssel ist aus Glas.'
Die Untertasse
A saucer for cups. Example: 'Stell die Tasse auf die Untertasse.'
Das Geschirr
The collective noun for all dishes, including plates, cups, and bowls.

Statt eines Tellers benutzt er oft ein Holzbrettchen für sein Brot.

Wir haben das ganze Geschirr neu gekauft, inklusive der Teller.

If you want to be very specific about the material, you can use 'Porzellanteller' (porcelain plate), 'Glasteller' (glass plate), or 'Pappteller' (paper plate). In technical or historical contexts, you might find 'Zinnteller' (tin plate). When discussing the amount of food, 'eine Portion' or 'ein Teller voll' can be used interchangeably in casual speech, such as 'Ich hätte gerne einen Teller Suppe' (I would like a plate/bowl of soup). Comparing 'Teller' to 'Schale' (a shallow bowl or dish) is also useful; a 'Schale' is often used for snacks like nuts or fruit. By mastering these distinctions, you move from simply knowing what a plate is to understanding the entire ecosystem of German dining ware. This knowledge allows you to be more descriptive and precise, whether you are shopping for your kitchen or describing a beautiful meal you had at a restaurant.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Der Teller ist sauber.

The plate is clean.

Nominative masculine: 'Der Teller'.

2

Ich habe einen Teller.

I have a plate.

Accusative masculine: 'einen Teller'.

3

Wo ist mein Teller?

Where is my plate?

Possessive pronoun: 'mein'.

4

Das ist ein Teller.

That is a plate.

Indefinite article: 'ein'.

5

Die Teller sind im Schrank.

The plates are in the cupboard.

Plural nominative: 'Die Teller'.

6

Brauchst du einen Teller?

Do you need a plate?

Direct object in accusative.

7

Der Teller ist groß.

The plate is big.

Adjective 'groß' used with 'sein'.

8

Hier ist ein Teller für dich.

Here is a plate for you.

Preposition 'für' takes accusative (dich).

1

Stell den Teller bitte auf den Tisch.

Please put the plate on the table.

Accusative after 'auf' showing movement.

2

Ich wasche die Teller nach dem Essen.

I wash the plates after the meal.

Plural accusative: 'die Teller'.

3

Auf dem Teller liegt ein Apfel.

An apple is lying on the plate.

Dative after 'auf' showing location.

4

Wir brauchen vier tiefe Teller für die Suppe.

We need four deep plates for the soup.

Adjective ending in accusative plural.

5

Der Teller ist aus Porzellan.

The plate is made of porcelain.

Preposition 'aus' takes dative.

6

Kannst du mir den Teller reichen?

Can you pass me the plate?

Dative indirect object (mir), accusative direct object (den Teller).

7

Die Kinder essen ihre Teller leer.

The children eat their plates empty (finish their food).

Idiomatic use of 'leer essen'.

8

Ich habe den Teller fallen gelassen.

I dropped the plate.

Perfect tense with 'haben'.

1

Man sollte öfter mal über den Tellerrand schauen.

One should look beyond one's own horizon more often.

Idiomatic expression 'über den Tellerrand schauen'.

2

Die Suppe schwappt über den Rand des Tellers.

The soup is sloshing over the edge of the plate.

Genitive case: 'des Tellers'.

3

In diesem Restaurant sind die Teller sehr kunstvoll angerichtet.

In this restaurant, the plates are arranged very artistically.

Passive voice with 'sein'.

4

Er hat mir alles auf dem silbernen Teller serviert.

He served everything to me on a silver platter (metaphorically).

Idiom for making something very easy for someone.

5

Die Teller klappern in der Küche.

The plates are rattling in the kitchen.

Onomatopoeic verb 'klappern'.

6

Ich sammle alte Teller mit Blumenmustern.

I collect old plates with floral patterns.

Plural accusative.

7

Nach der Party waren alle Teller schmutzig.

After the party, all the plates were dirty.

Adjective 'schmutzig' in predicative position.

8

Stell die Tasse bitte auf den Unterteller.

Please put the cup on the saucer.

Compound noun: 'Unterteller'.

1

Das Design des Tellers spiegelt den Zeitgeist der 50er Jahre wider.

The design of the plate reflects the spirit of the 50s.

Genitive case 'des Tellers'.

2

Die Tellerproduktion wurde aufgrund der Krise vorübergehend eingestellt.

Plate production was temporarily halted due to the crisis.

Compound noun: 'Tellerproduktion'.

3

Es ist wichtig, nicht nur den eigenen Teller zu sehen, sondern das große Ganze.

It is important not just to see one's own plate, but the big picture.

Metaphorical usage.

4

Die Bruchstücke der Teller lagen überall auf dem Boden verteilt.

The fragments of the plates lay scattered all over the floor.

Genitive plural: 'der Teller'.

5

Der Kellner balancierte geschickt fünf Teller auf seinem Arm.

The waiter skillfully balanced five plates on his arm.

Accusative plural.

6

Diese Teller sind spülmaschinenfest und mikrowellengeeignet.

These plates are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe.

Technical adjectives.

7

Ein Sprung im Teller kann gefährlich sein.

A crack in the plate can be dangerous.

Dative after 'in'.

8

Die Teller wurden mit Blattgold verziert.

The plates were decorated with gold leaf.

Passive voice with 'werden'.

1

Die soziologische Bedeutung des gemeinsamen Tellers darf nicht unterschätzt werden.

The sociological significance of the shared plate must not be underestimated.

Academic register.

2

Er agiert oft so, als ob er der Nabel der Welt wäre und vergisst dabei den Tellerrand.

He often acts as if he were the center of the world, forgetting the horizon.

Subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II).

3

Die filigrane Bemalung der Teller zeugt von höchster Handwerkskunst.

The delicate painting of the plates bears witness to the highest craftsmanship.

Genitive plural and elevated vocabulary.

4

In der Quantenphysik wird das Modell oft mit rotierenden Tellern verglichen.

In quantum physics, the model is often compared to rotating plates.

Dative plural 'Tellern'.

5

Die haptische Qualität dieses Tellers ist außergewöhnlich.

The tactile quality of this plate is extraordinary.

Adjective 'haptisch'.

6

Man servierte uns die Delikatessen auf handgetöpferten Tellern.

We were served the delicacies on hand-potted plates.

Dative plural with adjective.

7

Die Symmetrie der Teller auf der Festtafel war perfekt.

The symmetry of the plates on the banquet table was perfect.

Genitive plural.

8

Er hat den Teller des Schicksals bereits geleert.

He has already emptied the plate of fate (literary metaphor).

Metaphorical/Literary usage.

1

Die Dekonstruktion des Tellers als bürgerliches Statussymbol ist ein zentrales Thema seiner Kunst.

The deconstruction of the plate as a middle-class status symbol is a central theme of his art.

Complex nominal phrase.

2

Dass er über den Tellerrand blickt, ist in seiner Branche eine Seltenheit.

That he looks beyond the horizon is a rarity in his industry.

Subordinate clause as subject.

3

Die Porzellanmanufaktur blickt auf eine jahrhundertelange Tradition der Tellerherstellung zurück.

The porcelain manufactory looks back on a centuries-old tradition of plate production.

Compound noun 'Tellerherstellung'.

4

In seiner philosophischen Abhandlung dient der Teller als Metapher für die Begrenztheit der Erkenntnis.

In his philosophical treatise, the plate serves as a metaphor for the limitedness of knowledge.

Abstract academic usage.

5

Die akustische Signatur eines zerbrechenden Tellers variiert je nach Materialdichte.

The acoustic signature of a breaking plate varies depending on the material density.

Technical/Scientific register.

6

Sie arrangierte die Speisen mit einer Präzision, die den Teller fast zu schade zum Essen machte.

She arranged the food with a precision that made the plate almost too good to eat.

Consecutive clause.

7

Ungeachtet der ästhetischen Mängel erfüllt der Teller seinen funktionalen Zweck.

Regardless of the aesthetic flaws, the plate fulfills its functional purpose.

Preposition 'ungeachtet' with genitive.

8

Die Evolution vom steinernen Tailloir zum feingliedrigen Teller ist kulturgeschichtlich faszinierend.

The evolution from the stone 'tailloir' to the delicate plate is fascinating from a cultural-historical perspective.

Historical terminology.

Colocaciones comunes

den Teller füllen
den Teller leer essen
einen Teller spülen
den Teller abräumen
ein tiefer Teller
ein flacher Teller
einen Teller hinstellen
der goldene Teller
einen Teller voll
Teller und Tassen

Frases Comunes

Alles auf einem Teller.

— Everything served together on one dish. Often used in casual dining.

In der Kantine gibt es meistens alles auf einem Teller.

Ein Teller Suppe.

— A plate/serving of soup. A standard way to order soup.

Ein Teller Suppe kostet heute drei Euro.

Den Teller sauber machen.

— To clean the plate. Can mean washing it or eating everything.

Nach dem Essen machen wir die Teller sauber.

Ein voller Teller.

— A full plate. Symbolizes plenty or a large meal.

Ein voller Teller macht jeden hungrigen Gast glücklich.

Zwei Teller, bitte.

— Two plates, please. Used when requesting extra dishes.

Wir teilen uns die Pizza, also zwei Teller, bitte.

Ein Teller für alle Fälle.

— A versatile plate. Used in marketing or household talk.

Das ist mein Teller für alle Fälle.

Vorsicht, heißer Teller!

— Warning that the plate is hot. Very common in restaurants.

Vorsicht, heißer Teller! Fass ihn nicht an.

Teller anrichten.

— To plate the food. Used in professional cooking.

Der Chefkoch hilft beim Teller anrichten.

Ein bunter Teller.

— A plate filled with varied sweets, typical at Christmas in Germany.

Zu Weihnachten gibt es immer einen bunten Teller.

Vom Teller zum Millionär.

— From plate (washer) to millionaire. The German version of 'rags to riches'.

Seine Geschichte ist der klassische Weg vom Teller zum Millionär.

Modismos y expresiones

"über den Tellerrand schauen"

— To look beyond the edge of one's plate. It means to think outside the box or be open-minded.

Wir müssen mehr über den Tellerrand schauen, um neue Lösungen zu finden.

neutral/professional
"etwas auf dem silbernen Teller servieren"

— To serve something on a silver platter. To give someone an advantage without them having to work for it.

Ihm wurde der Job auf dem silbernen Teller serviert.

neutral
"nicht über den Tellerrand hinausssehen"

— To not see beyond the edge of the plate. To be narrow-minded or parochial.

Leider sieht er nicht über seinen eigenen Tellerrand hinaus.

neutral
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