German word

Leserbrief

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈleːzɐˌbʁiːf/

Meaning

  • masculine nounletter to the editor

Example

Eine Leserin schrieb einen Leserbrief an die Zeitung.

A female reader wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper.

Illustration for Leserbrief (letter to the editor)

More examples

Nachdem der Beitrag erschienen war, sandte sie einen Leserbrief an die Redaktion.

After the article had appeared, she sent the editorial office a letter to the editor.

Core concept

A reader's own note joining a newspaper's public conversation.

Common phrases

  • einen Leserbrief schreiben

    write a letter to the editor

  • einen Leserbrief an die Redaktion schicken

    send the editorial office a letter to the editor

  • auf einen Leserbrief reagieren

    respond to a letter to the editor

Similar words

Kommentar: A journalist's or contributor's article offering views or analysis of an event.
Artikel: A newspaper or magazine piece explaining and reporting events or information.
Kolumne: A recurring short column by the same writer on personal views or topical subjects.
Glosse: A brief, witty critique of current events or public issues using irony or humor.

Definition in German

Ein an eine Zeitung oder Zeitschrift gerichteter, meist kurzer Text, in dem ein Leser seine Meinung, Kritik oder Zustimmung zu einem Thema oder Artikel äußert.

Word origin

The compound Leserbrief joins Leser, 'reader', and Brief, 'letter', to denote a reader's letter sent to a newspaper or magazine.

Usage tips

  • Leserbrief is masculine, so the phrase 'a letter to the editor' is ein Leserbrief, not eine Leserbrief.

Related words

  • Leserbriefschreiberletter-to-the-editor writernoun
  • Leserbriefkastenletter-to-the-editor boxnoun
  • Leserbriefredaktionletters-to-the-editor editorial departmentnoun

Word lists with this word