die Mail
email, electronic mail
die Mail en 30 segundos
- Means 'email' or 'electronic mail' in German.
- It is a feminine noun: 'die Mail' (plural: 'die Mails').
- Used with verbs like schreiben, schicken, and lesen.
- Essential for all formal and business communication in Germany.
The German word die Mail is a direct loanword from the English language, specifically referring to an electronic mail or email, and it has become an absolutely indispensable part of modern German vocabulary, completely revolutionizing the way people communicate in both personal and professional spheres across the German-speaking world. When we examine the linguistic integration of this term, we find a fascinating example of how German adopts and adapts foreign words, assigning them grammatical genders based on native equivalents, which in this case is feminine because the native German word for message or post, die Nachricht or die Post, is also feminine, leading to the standard usage of die Mail in Germany, although it is worth noting that in Switzerland and Austria, the neuter form das E-Mail is frequently used, showcasing regional linguistic variations.
- Die Mail
- The standard feminine form used predominantly in Germany to refer to an electronic message.
Ich habe dir gestern die Mail mit den wichtigen Dokumenten geschickt.
- Das E-Mail
- The neuter alternative commonly found in Austrian and Swiss Standard German.
Hast du die Mail von unserem neuen Chef schon gelesen?
- Die Mails
- The plural form, utilizing the English 's' suffix, which is standard across all German-speaking regions.
Er beantwortet die Mail sofort nach dem Aufstehen.
Wir müssen die Mail an alle Mitarbeiter weiterleiten.
Bitte bestätigen Sie den Erhalt durch eine kurze Antwort auf die Mail.
Using the word die Mail correctly in German requires a solid understanding of its grammatical properties, specifically its gender, pluralization, and the specific verbs and prepositions it typically collocates with in everyday and professional contexts. Because it is a feminine noun in standard German, it takes the feminine articles: die (nominative/accusative), der (dative/genitive), and eine/einer, which is essential to remember when constructing sentences.
- Schreiben
- The most common verb used with Mail, meaning to write an email.
Ich muss heute noch die Mail an den Kunden schreiben.
- Empfangen
- To receive an email, often used in technical or formal contexts.
Hast du die Mail mit dem Anhang empfangen?
- Beantworten
- To answer or reply to an email, taking a direct accusative object.
Bitte die Mail bis spätestens Freitag beantworten.
Ich werde dir die Details später in einer Mail zusammenfassen.
Leider ist die Mail in meinem Spam-Ordner gelandet.
The term die Mail is ubiquitous across all facets of modern life in German-speaking countries, permeating professional environments, academic institutions, commercial interactions, and personal communications, making it one of the most frequently encountered nouns in daily digital life. In the workplace, it is the absolute backbone of corporate communication, where employees spend a significant portion of their day reading, writing, and organizing emails, leading to common office phrases regarding the state of one's inbox.
- Im Büro
- The office environment where emails are the primary mode of formal communication.
Der Chef hat gerade die Mail mit den neuen Richtlinien verschickt.
- Kundenservice
- Customer service departments frequently interact with clients via email to resolve issues.
Der Support wird auf die Mail innerhalb von 24 Stunden antworten.
- Privatleben
- Personal life, where emails are used for bookings, contracts, and formal personal matters.
Ich habe die Mail mit den Flugtickets endlich bekommen.
Achtung, öffne nicht die Mail von dem unbekannten Absender, das ist ein Virus.
Hast du die Mail bezüglich der Terminänderung gesehen?
When learning and using the word die Mail, non-native speakers frequently encounter several linguistic pitfalls, primarily revolving around grammatical gender, capitalization, prepositional usage, and the subtle nuances of formal versus informal register in written German. The most prevalent error is undoubtedly assigning the incorrect gender to the noun; because it is an English loanword, many learners mistakenly assume it should be masculine (der Mail) or default to neuter (das Mail), forgetting that standard German classifies it as feminine (die Mail) based on the native equivalent die Nachricht.
- Gender Error
- Using 'der' or 'das' instead of the standard feminine article 'die' in Germany.
Falsch: Ich lese den Mail. Richtig: Ich lese die Mail.
- Preposition Error
- Using 'auf' instead of 'in' when referring to the contents of an email.
Falsch: Auf der Mail steht... Richtig: In der Mail steht...
- Verb Pairing
- Using 'machen' instead of 'schreiben' or 'verfassen' to indicate creating an email.
Falsch: Ich mache eine Mail. Richtig: Ich schreibe eine Mail.
Er hat vergessen, den Anhang an die Mail anzuhängen.
Bitte überprüfen Sie die Mail auf Rechtschreibfehler vor dem Senden.
The German vocabulary surrounding written and digital communication is rich and varied, offering several synonyms and related terms to die Mail, each carrying its own specific nuances, connotations, and appropriate contexts of use. The most direct and formal equivalent is die E-Mail, which is simply the unabbreviated version of the word and is preferred in highly official documents, legal correspondence, and formal business writing, whereas die Mail is the standard for everyday office and personal use.
- Die Nachricht
- A broader term meaning message, which can refer to an email, a text, or a news item.
Ich habe dir eine Nachricht geschrieben, es war die Mail von gestern.
- Der Brief
- A physical, paper letter sent through the traditional postal service.
Ein offizieller Brief ist oft rechtsverbindlicher als die Mail.
- Das Anschreiben
- A formal cover letter, often sent as an attachment to an email during job applications.
Das Anschreiben befindet sich im Anhang, wie in der Mail erwähnt.
Das Rundschreiben wurde heute Morgen als Mail an alle verschickt.
Lösche die Mail sofort, das ist nur Spam.
How Formal Is It?
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Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Ejemplos por nivel
Ich lese die Mail.
I read the email.
Nominative subject 'Ich', accusative object 'die Mail'.
Schreiben Sie eine Mail?
Are you writing an email?
Formal question using 'Sie' and the indefinite article 'eine'.
Die Mail ist kurz.
The email is short.
'Die Mail' is the subject in the nominative case.
Ich habe eine Mail.
I have an email.
Verb 'haben' takes the accusative case 'eine Mail'.
Ist das eine Mail?
Is that an email?
Simple identification question using the verb 'sein'.
Wir lesen die Mails.
We are reading the emails.
Plural form 'die Mails' used as an accusative object.
Die Mail ist neu.
The email is new.
Adjective 'neu' used as a predicative adjective.
Ich schicke die Mail.
I am sending the email.
Verb 'schicken' with the accusative object.
Ich habe deine Mail gestern bekommen.
I received your email yesterday.
Conversational past (Perfekt) with the auxiliary verb 'haben'.
Bitte antworte schnell auf die Mail.
Please reply quickly to the email.
Imperative form with the preposition 'auf' + accusative.
Die Informationen stehen in der Mail.
The information is in the email.
Preposition 'in' taking the dative case 'der Mail' to show location.
Ich schicke dir das Dokument per Mail.
I will send you the document by email.
Use of 'per Mail' to indicate the method of sending.
Meine Mailadresse ist sehr einfach.
My email address is very simple.
Compound noun 'Mailadresse' used as the subject.
Hast du die Mail von Frau Müller gelesen?
Did you read the email from Ms. Müller?
Preposition 'von' + dative to indicate the sender.
Ich kann die Mail leider nicht finden.
Unfortunately, I cannot find the email.
Modal verb 'können' with the infinitive 'finden' at the end.
Wir schreiben viele Mails im Büro.
We write many emails in the office.
Plural 'Mails' modified by the quantifier 'viele'.
Ich leite Ihnen die Mail mit dem Anhang sofort weiter.
I will forward the email with the attachment to you immediately.
Separable verb 'weiterleiten' and dative pronoun 'Ihnen'.
Weil ich krank war, konnte ich die Mail nicht beantworten.
Because I was sick, I could not answer the email.
Subordinate clause with 'weil' pushing the verb to the end.
Bitte bestätigen Sie den Erhalt dieser Mail.
Please confirm the receipt of this email.
Genitive case 'dieser Mail' used to show possession/relation.
Ich habe versehentlich die falsche Mail gelöscht.
I accidentally deleted the wrong email.
Adjective 'falsche' with accusative feminine ending.
In der gestrigen Mail stand, dass das Meeting ausfällt.
Yesterday's email stated that the meeting is canceled.
Adjective 'gestrigen' in the dative case following 'in der'.
Könnten Sie mir bitte eine kurze Mail zur Bestätigung schicken?
Could you please send me a short email for confirmation?
Konjunktiv II 'Könnten' used for a polite request.
Ich beziehe mich auf Ihre Mail vom 3. Oktober.
I refer to your email from October 3rd.
Reflexive verb 'sich beziehen auf' + accusative.
Der Betreff der Mail war leider sehr unklar.
The subject of the email was unfortunately very unclear.
Genitive construction 'Der Betreff der Mail'.
Die Mail wurde an alle Mitarbeiter des Unternehmens verschickt.
The email was sent to all employees of the company.
Passive voice in the Präteritum (wurde ... verschickt).
Trotz der dringenden Mail hat sich bisher niemand gemeldet.
Despite the urgent email, no one has gotten in touch yet.
Preposition 'trotz' taking the genitive case 'der dringenden Mail'.
Es ist ratsam, vertrauliche Daten nicht unverschlüsselt per Mail zu versenden.
It is advisable not to send confidential data unencrypted by email.
Infinitive clause with 'zu' (zu versenden).
Hätte ich die Mail früher gelesen, wäre ich zum Treffen gekommen.
If I had read the email earlier, I would have come to the meeting.
Irrealis of the past using Konjunktiv II (Hätte ... gelesen, wäre ... gekommen).
Aus der Mail geht eindeutig hervor, dass die Frist abgelaufen ist.
It is clear from the email that the deadline has expired.
Separable verb 'hervorgehen' used with the dative 'Aus der Mail'.
Wir bitten Sie, von weiteren Mails zu diesem Thema abzusehen.
We ask you to refrain from further emails on this topic.
Formal request structure with an infinitive clause.
Die ständige Erreichbarkeit per Mail kann zu Stress führen.
Constant availability via email can lead to stress.
Nominalized subject 'Die ständige Erreichbarkeit'.
Ich setze den Projektleiter bei dieser Mail in cc.
I am putting the project manager in cc on this email.
Common business idiom 'jemanden in cc setzen'.
Der in der Mail dargelegte Sachverhalt bedarf einer genaueren juristischen Prüfung.
The facts presented in the email require a more precise legal examination.
Extended participle construction 'Der in der Mail dargelegte Sachverhalt'.
Wir behalten uns vor, auf derartige provokante Mails nicht zu reagieren.
We reserve the right not to respond to such provocative emails.
Reflexive verb 'sich vorbehalten' with an infinitive clause.
Die Mail ist versehentlich im Spam-Filter hängengeblieben, weshalb sich die Antwort verzögerte.
The email accidentally got caught in the spam filter, which is why the reply was delayed.
Relative adverb 'weshalb' connecting two clauses.
Um Missverständnissen vorzubeugen, habe ich die Vereinbarungen in einer Mail zusammengefasst.
To prevent misunderstandings, I have summarized the agreements in an email.
Final clause 'Um ... vorzubeugen'.
Es obliegt dem Empfänger, die Authentizität der Mail zu verifizieren.
It is incumbent upon the recipient to verify the authenticity of the email.
Formal verb 'obliegen' requiring the dative 'dem Empfänger'.
Die ausufernde Flut an Mails beeinträchtigt die Produktivität der Belegschaft maßgeblich.
The escalating flood of emails significantly impairs the productivity of the workforce.
Sophisticated vocabulary 'ausufernde Flut' and 'maßgeblich'.
Ich möchte nachdrücklich auf die in meiner vorherigen Mail geäußerten Bedenken verweisen.
I would like to emphatically refer to the concerns expressed in my previous email.
Preposition 'auf' with a complex accusative object.
Die Formulierung der Mail ließ einen gewissen Unmut seitens der Geschäftsführung erkennen.
The wording of the email revealed a certain displeasure on the part of the management.
Construction 'ließ ... erkennen' (let recognize/revealed).
Die subtile Ironie, die der Mail innewohnte, entging den meisten Empfängern völlig.
The subtle irony inherent in the email completely escaped most recipients.
Verb 'innewohnen' taking the dative 'der Mail'.
Eine derart lapidar formulierte Mail wird der Brisanz der Thematik in keiner Weise gerecht.
An email formulated so succinctly does not in any way do justice to the explosiveness of the topic.
Expression 'einer Sache gerecht werden' (to do justice to something).
Die Mail strotzte nur so vor passiv-aggressiven Untertönen, was das Arbeitsklima weiter vergiftete.
The email was absolutely brimming with passive-aggressive undertones, which further poisoned the work atmosphere.
Idiom 'vor etwas strotzen' (to be brimming with).
Es grenzt an eine Zumutung, eine derart weitreichende Entscheidung per Mail abzuhandeln.
It borders on an imposition to handle such a far-reaching decision via email.
Expression 'Es grenzt an...' (It borders on...).
Die rechtsverbindliche Natur dieser Mail bedingt eine sorgfältige Archivierung derselben.
The legally binding nature of this email necessitates its careful archiving.
Demonstrative pronoun 'derselben' referring back to the email.
Man kann sich des Eindrucks nicht erwehren, dass die Mail bewusst vage gehalten wurde.
One cannot escape the impression that the email was deliberately kept vague.
Reflexive construction 'sich des Eindrucks erwehren' with genitive.
Die polemische Schärfe der Mail zeugt von einer tiefgreifenden Frustration des Absenders.
The polemical sharpness of the email testifies to a profound frustration on the part of the sender.
Verb 'zeugen von' (to testify to/show evidence of).
Ungeachtet der formellen Mängel enthielt die Mail den entscheidenden Hinweis zur Problemlösung.
Notwithstanding the formal defects, the email contained the crucial clue for solving the problem.
Preposition 'Ungeachtet' taking the genitive case.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Ich schicke dir eine Mail.
Hast du meine Mail bekommen?
Wie in der Mail besprochen.
Bitte antworten Sie auf diese Mail.
Die Details finden Sie in der Mail.
Ich habe die Mail aus Versehen gelöscht.
Schreib mir einfach eine kurze Mail.
Die Mail ist im Spam gelandet.
Ich warte noch auf seine Mail.
Können Sie mir das per Mail bestätigen?
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
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Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
While 'die E-Mail' is the full word, 'die Mail' is the standard everyday abbreviation. Both are perfectly acceptable in business, though 'E-Mail' is slightly more formal.
Used universally for electronic mail.
- Using 'der Mail' or 'das Mail' (in Germany) instead of the correct feminine 'die Mail'.
- Writing 'die mail' with a lowercase 'm', forgetting that all German nouns are capitalized.
- Saying 'auf der Mail' (on the email) instead of the correct 'in der Mail' (in the email).
- Using the verb 'machen' (to make) instead of 'schreiben' (to write) when creating an email.
- Applying German plural rules like 'die Maile' instead of the correct English plural 'die Mails'.
Consejos
Feminine Gender
Always treat 'Mail' as a feminine noun in Germany. Use 'die' for 'the' and 'eine' for 'a'. This affects adjectives too, like 'eine wichtige Mail'. Remembering the gender is crucial for correct sentence structure.
In der Mail
When stating that information is located within the message, use 'in der Mail'. This is the dative case. Never use 'auf der Mail'. This is a classic mistake English speakers make.
Schreiben vs. Machen
In German, you do not 'make' an email. You must use the verb 'schreiben' (to write) or 'verfassen' (to draft). Saying 'Ich mache eine Mail' sounds very unnatural to native ears. Stick to 'Ich schreibe eine Mail'.
Capitalization is Key
Because it is a noun, 'Mail' must always be capitalized. This rule applies to all loanwords in German. Writing 'mail' in lowercase is a grammatical error. Always check your capitalization before hitting send.
Formal Salutations
Treat business emails like formal letters. Start with 'Sehr geehrte(r)' and end with 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen'. Do not use casual greetings unless invited to do so. Formality is highly respected in German digital communication.
Per Mail
Use the phrase 'per Mail' to quickly say 'by email'. It requires no article and is very professional. Example: 'Bitte senden Sie die Rechnung per Mail.' It is efficient and standard business German.
Der Anhang
Learn the word 'der Anhang' (the attachment). It is constantly used with 'Mail'. You will often write 'im Anhang dieser Mail finden Sie...'. It is essential vocabulary for office work.
Beantworten vs. Antworten
Know the difference between the two verbs for replying. 'Eine Mail beantworten' takes a direct object. 'Auf eine Mail antworten' uses a preposition. Both are correct, but the grammar structure changes.
Das E-Mail in Austria/Swiss
If you travel to Austria or Switzerland, be prepared to hear 'das E-Mail'. It is grammatically neuter there. Do not correct them; it is their standard. However, 'die Mail' is understood everywhere.
English Pronunciation
Pronounce the word exactly as you would in English. Do not try to give it a German phonetic twist. It sounds like 'male'. The spelling is English, and so is the sound.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a female mail carrier delivering a digital letter. The female carrier reminds you it is DIE Mail.
Origen de la palabra
Borrowed directly from the English word 'mail' (electronic mail) in the late 20th century.
Contexto cultural
Highly formal in business; requires specific greetings and sign-offs.
Many German companies have policies against sending Mails after working hours to protect employee free time.
Germany uses 'die Mail' (feminine). Austria and Switzerland often use 'das E-Mail' (neuter).
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"Hast du meine Mail von heute Morgen schon gelesen?"
"Schreibst du lieber Mails oder rufst du lieber an?"
"Wie viele Mails bekommst du ungefähr pro Tag?"
"Ist die Mail mit den Tickets schon angekommen?"
"Darf ich Ihnen die Informationen per Mail schicken?"
Temas para diario
Beschreibe die letzte wichtige Mail, die du geschrieben hast.
Wie organisierst du deine Mails im Büro?
Was nervt dich am meisten am täglichen Mailverkehr?
Schreibe eine formelle Mail an ein Hotel, um ein Zimmer zu buchen.
Glaubst du, dass Mails in der Zukunft durch andere Apps ersetzt werden?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIn standard German used in Germany, it is always 'die Mail' (feminine). This is because the German equivalent words like 'die Post' or 'die Nachricht' are feminine. However, in Austria and Switzerland, the neuter form 'das E-Mail' is standard and correct. If you are learning standard High German, stick to 'die Mail'. It is the safest and most widely understood option.
You must use the preposition 'in' followed by the dative case. Since 'Mail' is feminine, the correct phrase is 'in der Mail'. Do not translate the English phrase 'on the email' literally to 'auf der Mail', as this is incorrect in German. Always remember: information is contained *inside* the email, hence 'in der Mail'.
The plural is 'die Mails'. Because it is an English loanword, it takes the English plural 's' ending rather than a traditional German ending like -en or -er. You will say 'Ich habe viele Mails'. Do not write 'Maile' or 'Mailen', as these are grammatically incorrect.
Yes, absolutely. In German, all nouns must be capitalized, regardless of whether they are native words or loanwords from other languages. Therefore, you must write 'die Mail' with a capital 'M'. Writing 'die mail' with a lowercase 'm' is a spelling error.
'Die Mail' refers exclusively to an electronic message sent over the internet. 'Der Brief' refers to a physical paper letter sent through the traditional postal service. While both are forms of written communication, they are not interchangeable. Use 'Brief' only when stamps and envelopes are involved.
The most common ways are 'eine Mail schicken' or 'eine Mail senden'. 'Schicken' is slightly more conversational, while 'senden' is a bit more formal. You can also use the verb 'mailen' (e.g., 'Ich maile dir'), which means 'to email'. All three are widely used and understood.
'Per Mail' is a very common phrase that means 'by email' or 'via email'. It is used without an article. For example, 'Ich schicke das Dokument per Mail' means 'I am sending the document by email'. It is a concise and professional way to state the method of transmission.
Generally, no. In German business culture, emails are treated like formal letters. You should start with 'Sehr geehrte(r) Frau/Herr [Last Name]' unless you have an established, informal relationship with the recipient. Using 'Hallo' with a stranger or a superior is considered too casual and potentially disrespectful.
You can use either 'beantworten' or 'antworten'. If you use 'beantworten', it takes a direct accusative object: 'Ich beantworte die Mail'. If you use 'antworten', it requires the preposition 'auf' plus accusative: 'Ich antworte auf die Mail'. Both mean exactly the same thing.
'Die E-Mail' is the full, unabbreviated word and is slightly more formal. It is preferred in highly official or legal documents. However, 'die Mail' is perfectly acceptable in 99% of business and personal contexts. Most native speakers use 'die Mail' in everyday conversation and standard office writing.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'die Mail' is a crucial feminine noun in German used for electronic mail. Always remember to use the article 'die', capitalize the 'M', and use the preposition 'in' (dative: in der Mail) when referring to its contents.
- Means 'email' or 'electronic mail' in German.
- It is a feminine noun: 'die Mail' (plural: 'die Mails').
- Used with verbs like schreiben, schicken, and lesen.
- Essential for all formal and business communication in Germany.
Feminine Gender
Always treat 'Mail' as a feminine noun in Germany. Use 'die' for 'the' and 'eine' for 'a'. This affects adjectives too, like 'eine wichtige Mail'. Remembering the gender is crucial for correct sentence structure.
In der Mail
When stating that information is located within the message, use 'in der Mail'. This is the dative case. Never use 'auf der Mail'. This is a classic mistake English speakers make.
Schreiben vs. Machen
In German, you do not 'make' an email. You must use the verb 'schreiben' (to write) or 'verfassen' (to draft). Saying 'Ich mache eine Mail' sounds very unnatural to native ears. Stick to 'Ich schreibe eine Mail'.
Capitalization is Key
Because it is a noun, 'Mail' must always be capitalized. This rule applies to all loanwords in German. Writing 'mail' in lowercase is a grammatical error. Always check your capitalization before hitting send.
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