A slab formwork system is disclosed having a plurality of formwork elements which have first hook members at their lower side for establishing a hook connection with second hook members provided at upper end sections of vertical supports. The first and second hook members are designed to establish the hook connection, on the one hand, when the formwork elements and the vertical supports extend parallel or obliquely to one another and such that pivoting of a formwork element is possible, on the other hand, while maintaining the hook connection, into such a position in which the formwork element and the vertical supports include an angle of approximately 90°. The formwork element can be coupled, prior to the pivoting, with a railing member extending substantially perpendicular to the formwork element. A method for the preparation of a slab formwork system of this type is also disclosed.