In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say you are sending a text message.
- Uses the verb 'schreiben' with the feminine noun 'die SMS'.
- Works for both traditional texts and modern messaging apps.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you're sending a text message. Even though we use apps like WhatsApp now, Germans still use this term for almost any short mobile message.
Key Examples
3 of 6Running late for a meeting with a friend
Ich bin spät dran, ich schreibe ihm eine SMS.
I'm running late, I'll write him a text message.
Asking a colleague for information
Können Sie mir bitte eine SMS mit der Adresse schreiben?
Could you please write me a text with the address?
Confirming a plan with a partner
Schreib mir eine SMS, wenn du fertig bist.
Write me a text when you are finished.
Cultural Background
Germans are very protective of their phone numbers. Writing an SMS is often the first step before a phone call is ever considered acceptable. In Austria, the term 'SMS' is just as common, but you might hear 'simsen' slightly more often in rural areas. Swiss Germans often use 'es SMS' (neuter) in dialect, but in High German, they follow the feminine 'eine SMS' rule. The 'SMS' is often used as a 2-factor authentication method in Germany (mTAN), making the phrase common in banking.
The 'WhatsApp' Rule
If someone asks for your number to 'write an SMS', they almost always mean they will add you on WhatsApp.
Gender Matters
Always remember it's DIE SMS. Using 'der' or 'das' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say you are sending a text message.
- Uses the verb 'schreiben' with the feminine noun 'die SMS'.
- Works for both traditional texts and modern messaging apps.
What It Means
Eine SMS schreiben is your go-to phrase for digital texting. In Germany, the term SMS stuck around long after the technology changed. You use it when you want to tell someone you'll reach out via phone. It specifically refers to the act of composing that short message. It is simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You treat schreiben like any regular German verb. The person receiving the text goes in the dative case. The SMS itself is the direct object in the accusative case. For example, Ich schreibe dir eine SMS. It is a weak verb, so it follows the standard conjugation patterns you learn early on. Don't overthink the grammar; just focus on who is getting the message.
When To Use It
Use this when you are running late for coffee. Use it when you need to send a quick address to a friend. It works perfectly when you are in a loud place. You can also use it at work for quick updates. It is the universal 'I will ping you' of the German language. It feels active and helpful in a busy world.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for long-form communication. If you are writing a 500-word life update, call it eine E-Mail. If you are using a pen and paper, use einen Brief. Avoid using it for very formal legal notifications. Also, if you are actually calling someone, use anrufen instead. Sending an SMS is quick; don't use it for deep emotional breakthroughs if you can help it.
Cultural Background
Germany was a pioneer in mobile culture in Europe. For years, SMS was the only way to communicate without calling. Because Germans value efficiency, the short format became a national favorite. Even today, older generations might call every digital message an SMS. It represents the transition from the analog world to the digital pocket-sized one. It is a tiny piece of modern German history.
Common Variations
You might hear the slang verb simsen. This is a fun, shorter way to say the same thing. Some people also say eine Nachricht schicken. However, eine SMS schreiben remains the most classic version. It sounds a bit more deliberate than just 'sending' a message. It implies you are taking a moment to type it out.
Usage Notes
The phrase is perfectly neutral and safe for all situations. Just ensure you use the dative case for the recipient (e.g., 'mir', 'dir', 'ihm').
The 'WhatsApp' Rule
If someone asks for your number to 'write an SMS', they almost always mean they will add you on WhatsApp.
Gender Matters
Always remember it's DIE SMS. Using 'der' or 'das' is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
Abbreviation LG
When writing an SMS, Germans often end with 'LG' (Liebe Grüße - Kind regards).
Examples
6Ich bin spät dran, ich schreibe ihm eine SMS.
I'm running late, I'll write him a text message.
A common way to announce a delay.
Können Sie mir bitte eine SMS mit der Adresse schreiben?
Could you please write me a text with the address?
Using 'Sie' makes this appropriate for professional contexts.
Schreib mir eine SMS, wenn du fertig bist.
Write me a text when you are finished.
The imperative form 'Schreib' is used here for a direct request.
Oma braucht zehn Minuten, um eine SMS zu schreiben.
Grandma needs ten minutes to write a text message.
Highlights the 'writing' aspect of the phrase.
Hast du meine SMS gelesen? Ich habe sie gestern geschrieben.
Did you read my text? I wrote it yesterday.
Uses the past tense (Perfekt) of the phrase.
Er schreibt mir jeden Morgen eine süße SMS.
He writes me a sweet text message every morning.
Shows the phrase used in a romantic or caring context.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct article and verb form.
Ich ______ (schreiben) gerade ______ SMS.
The subject 'Ich' requires the verb form 'schreibe', and 'SMS' is feminine, requiring 'eine'.
Which sentence is in the correct past tense?
Yesterday I wrote an SMS.
'Schreiben' is a strong verb (geschrieben) and 'SMS' is feminine (eine).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kannst du mich anrufen? B: Nein, ich bin im Unterricht. Ich ______ ______ ______ ______.
We use the dative 'dir' for the person we are writing to.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell your boss you are sick via text.
'Chef' is masculine, and in the dative case (to whom), it becomes 'dem Chef'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ (schreiben) gerade ______ SMS.
The subject 'Ich' requires the verb form 'schreibe', and 'SMS' is feminine, requiring 'eine'.
Yesterday I wrote an SMS.
'Schreiben' is a strong verb (geschrieben) and 'SMS' is feminine (eine).
A: Kannst du mich anrufen? B: Nein, ich bin im Unterricht. Ich ______ ______ ______ ______.
We use the dative 'dir' for the person we are writing to.
You want to tell your boss you are sick via text.
'Chef' is masculine, and in the dative case (to whom), it becomes 'dem Chef'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, linguistically 'eine SMS schreiben' has become a generic term for any text message in Germany.
The plural is also 'SMS'. For example: 'Ich habe viele SMS bekommen.'
It's understood but sounds like a literal translation from English. Stick to 'Ich schreibe dir {eine|f} SMS'.
Not dead, but it sounds a bit 2005. It's better to use 'schreiben'.
You can say 'an jemanden schreiben' or just use the dative 'jemandem schreiben'. Both are correct.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You would usually say 'Ich schicke dir ein Foto' rather than 'Ich schreibe {eine|f} SMS'.
Ich schreibe dir zurück.
Yes, in Germany, mobile phones are almost exclusively called 'Handys'.
Yes, 'eine SMS senden' is correct but sounds slightly more like a technical instruction.
Related Phrases
jemanden anrufen
contrastto call someone
eine Nachricht hinterlassen
similarto leave a message
whatsappern
specialized formto use WhatsApp
antworten
builds onto answer
tippen
similarto type
