Meaning
Composing correspondence.
Cultural Background
The Dutch are known for their directness in letters, often getting straight to the point without excessive pleasantries. Flemish correspondence often uses slightly more formal and polite language than the Dutch. In business, 'een brief schrijven' is often replaced by 'een e-mail sturen', but the formal structure remains. Historically, letters were the primary way to maintain relationships across the Dutch colonial empire.
Use 'aan'
Always use 'aan' when specifying the recipient: 'Ik schrijf een brief aan mijn moeder.'
Don't over-formalize
Don't use 'een brief schrijven' for a quick text; it sounds like you are writing a legal document.
Meaning
Composing correspondence.
Use 'aan'
Always use 'aan' when specifying the recipient: 'Ik schrijf een brief aan mijn moeder.'
Don't over-formalize
Don't use 'een brief schrijven' for a quick text; it sounds like you are writing a legal document.
Use 'opstellen'
If you are in a business meeting, 'een brief opstellen' sounds much more professional than 'een brief schrijven'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb.
Ik moet een brief ____.
After a modal verb like 'moeten', we use the infinitive.
Choose the correct phrase.
Which is correct?
'Schrijven' is the correct verb for letters.
Match the Dutch phrase to its English meaning.
Match: 'Ik heb een brief geschreven'
'Heb... geschreven' is the present perfect tense.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Wat doe je?' B: 'Ik ben een brief ____.'
The structure 'aan het + infinitive' is used for the present continuous.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk moet een brief ____.
After a modal verb like 'moeten', we use the infinitive.
Which is correct?
'Schrijven' is the correct verb for letters.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Heb... geschreven' is the present perfect tense.
A: 'Wat doe je?' B: 'Ik ben een brief ____.'
The structure 'aan het + infinitive' is used for the present continuous.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can refer to formal emails as well.
No, that would be 'een berichtje sturen'.
It is neutral, but the content of the letter determines the formality.
It is a strong verb: schrijven, schreef, geschreven.
A 'brief' is a letter, a 'briefje' is a small note.
Yes, 'een' is required.
Yes, it is standard in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
No, 'schrijven' is the correct verb.
Then 'een brief schrijven' is the perfect phrase.
Yes, it is very common in daily and professional life.
Related Phrases
Een brief versturen
builds onTo send a letter
Een brief ontvangen
contrastTo receive a letter
Een brief opstellen
specialized formTo draft a letter
Een brief beantwoorden
builds onTo reply to a letter
