German Conversation · Level 31
90 words
German word
Briefmarke
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈbʁiːfˌmaɐ̯kə/
Meaning
- feminine nounstamp
Example
Hast du eine Briefmarke?
Do you have a stamp?
More examples
Er sammelt Briefmarken aus aller Welt.
He collects stamps from all over the world.
Core concept
A small marked paper label attached to a letter as proof that its delivery has been paid for.
Common phrases
eine Briefmarke kaufen
buy a stamp
Briefmarken sammeln
collect stamps
eine Briefmarke aufkleben
affix a stamp
Similar words
Postwertzeichen: An official printed label attached to mail to show that postage has been paid.
Brief: A written message sent by mail, usually in an envelope.
Porto: The fee paid for sending mail.
Briefumschlag: A paper envelope used for mailing a letter.
Definition in German
Ein kleines, meist selbstklebendes Papierstück mit aufgedrucktem Wert oder Motiv, das auf Briefe oder Postkarten geklebt wird, um Porto zu bezahlen.
Word origin
The compound combines German Brief, meaning 'letter', with Marke, meaning 'mark' or 'label'.
Usage tips
- Briefmarke is feminine, so the forms are die Briefmarke and die Briefmarken; Brief by itself means 'letter', not 'brief' in English.
Related words
- Briefmarkensammlungstamp collectionnoun
- Briefmarkensammlerstamp collectornoun