German Conversation · Level 108
57 words
German word
Schreiben
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʃʁaɪ̯bən/
Meaning
- neuter noundocument
Example
Ich habe ein Schreiben vom Amt bekommen.
I received a document from the authorities.
More examples
Ich habe auf das Schreiben der Firma geantwortet.
I responded to the company's document.
Core concept
A formal paper that records an institution's notice, response, or request for one particular recipient.
Common phrases
auf ein Schreiben antworten
respond to a document
ein Schreiben verfassen
compose a document
ein Schreiben erhalten
get a document
Similar words
Brief: A privately written letter or card sent by post or passed from one person to another.
Nachricht: A brief communication that shares information by speaking or electronic means.
Dokument: A paper or file prepared to record facts and information for reference or proof.
Bescheid: A formal administrative notice reporting a decision or outcome to the affected person.
Definition in German
Schreiben (n.) bezeichnet ein formelles Schriftstück oder eine offizielle Mitteilung, die in Textform an eine Person oder Institution gerichtet ist.
Word origin
Schreiben is a nominalized form of schreiben, with the older Germanic form shaped by borrowing from Latin scribere, 'to write'.
Usage tips
- A personal letter is usually called a Brief, while Schreiben commonly has an official or administrative register.