German word

Referenz

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁefəˈʁɛnt͡s/

Meaning

  • feminine nounletter of recommendation

Example

Die Firma hat ihm eine Referenz geschrieben.

The company wrote him a letter of recommendation.

Illustration for Referenz (letter of recommendation)

More examples

Für die Bewerbung bat sie um eine Referenz.

For her application, she asked for a letter of recommendation.

Core concept

A person's abilities are supported by a statement or contact that others can consult before making a decision.

Common phrases

  • eine Referenz vorlegen

    present a letter of recommendation

  • um eine Referenz bitten

    ask for a letter of recommendation

  • eine Referenz anfordern

    request a letter of recommendation

Similar words

Referenzperson: A person who can be contacted to provide information about an applicant.
Ansprechpartner: The designated person to contact about a particular matter.
Empfehlung: A short expression of support for someone's suitability.
Kontakt: Details that allow contact with a person or organization.

Definition in German

Eine schriftliche oder mündliche Empfehlung, die eine Person für Beruf oder Bewerbung lobend darstellt.

Word origin

Referenz is a borrowing from Latin, ultimately related to referre, 'to report or bring back', and it developed toward a supporting report or source.

Usage tips

  • Referenz is feminine, so its forms include die Referenz and die Referenzen in the plural.

Other meanings

  • referencenoun
  • sourcenoun

Related words

  • Referenzschreibenrecommendation letternoun
  • referenzierenrefer toverb
  • referenziellreferentialadjective

Word lists with this word