A1 Collocation 中性 3分钟阅读

einen Brief schreiben

To write a letter

15秒了解

  • To write a physical or formal letter.
  • Essential for German bureaucracy and personal touch.
  • Uses the accusative case: 'einen Brief'.

意思

This phrase describes the classic act of sitting down to compose a message to someone, usually on paper. It's the German way of saying you're sending mail that isn't just a quick digital ping.

关键例句

3 / 6
1

Writing to a grandparent

Ich schreibe meiner Oma einen Brief.

I am writing a letter to my grandma.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Canceling a contract

Ich muss einen Brief an die Versicherung schreiben.

I have to write a letter to the insurance company.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

Romantic gesture

Er hat ihr einen wunderschönen Liebesbrief geschrieben.

He wrote her a beautiful love letter.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>
🌍

文化背景

Physical mail is still the standard for official communication. Similar to Germany, formal letters are highly respected. Swiss German speakers use 'Brief' in formal contexts just as in Germany. The 'letter' is becoming a niche form of communication globally.

💡

Accusative Case

Always remember that 'einen' is the accusative form for masculine nouns like 'Brief'.

💬

Formal Mail

In Germany, if you get a letter from a government office, take it seriously. It is not junk mail.

15秒了解

  • To write a physical or formal letter.
  • Essential for German bureaucracy and personal touch.
  • Uses the accusative case: 'einen Brief'.

What It Means

Einen Brief schreiben is as literal as it gets. It means to write a letter. In our digital age, you might think this phrase is dying out. In Germany, you would be very wrong. It covers everything from a romantic note to a scary tax document. It implies a sense of intention and effort that an email just doesn't have.

How To Use It

You will mostly use the verb schreiben at the end of your sentence. If you are just starting, remember that Brief is masculine. So, when you are writing 'a' letter, it becomes einen Brief. You can say Ich schreibe einen Brief or Ich möchte einen Brief schreiben. It is a very flexible phrase. You can add who you are writing to by using an plus the person's name.

When To Use It

Use this when you are dealing with German bureaucracy. It is also perfect for sentimental moments. If you want to cancel a gym membership, you schreiben einen Brief. If you want to tell your grandma you miss her, you schreiben einen Brief. It works at the office, at home, or even at a cafe. It sounds more thoughtful than just 'sending a message'.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for a quick WhatsApp or a text message. For those, just say eine Nachricht schreiben. Don't use it for a short grocery list or a sticky note. That is just a Notiz. If you are typing a quick email to a friend, eine E-Mail schreiben is more accurate. Using Brief for a text might make you sound like a time traveler from 1850.

Cultural Background

Germany is famous for its love of paper and physical mail. The 'Deutsche Post' is a massive part of daily life. Many official contracts are only valid if sent as a physical letter. Germans value the 'Schriftform' (written form) for legal security. Receiving a handwritten letter is also a high mark of respect. It shows you actually took the time to find a stamp.

Common Variations

You can get specific with the type of letter. Einen Liebesbrief schreiben is for your crush. Einen Beschwerdebrief schreiben is for when your neighbor is too loud. If you are feeling fancy, you might einen Geschäftsbrief schreiben for work. Each variation keeps the same basic structure. Just swap or add a descriptive word before Brief.

使用说明

This phrase is neutral and can be used in any setting. Just remember to use the correct formal or informal pronouns for the recipient.

💡

Accusative Case

Always remember that 'einen' is the accusative form for masculine nouns like 'Brief'.

💬

Formal Mail

In Germany, if you get a letter from a government office, take it seriously. It is not junk mail.

例句

6
#1 Writing to a grandparent
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Ich schreibe meiner Oma einen Brief.

I am writing a letter to my grandma.

A classic, warm use of the phrase for family connection.

#2 Canceling a contract
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Ich muss einen Brief an die Versicherung schreiben.

I have to write a letter to the insurance company.

In Germany, insurance changes often require a physical letter.

#3 Romantic gesture
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Er hat ihr einen wunderschönen Liebesbrief geschrieben.

He wrote her a beautiful love letter.

Adding 'Liebes-' makes it romantic and emotional.

#4 Childhood innocence
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Das Kind schreibt einen Brief an den Weihnachtsmann.

The child is writing a letter to Santa Claus.

A cute, everyday scenario for children.

#5 Formal complaint
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Wir sollten einen Beschwerdebrief an den Vermieter schreiben.

We should write a letter of complaint to the landlord.

Used when something is wrong with the apartment.

#6 Old-fashioned hobby
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Früher haben die Menschen mehr Briefe geschrieben.

People used to write more letters in the past.

Comparing modern times to the past.

自我测试

Fill in the correct article.

Ich schreibe ____ Brief.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: einen

Brief is masculine and in the accusative case.

Which verb is correct?

Ich ____ einen Brief.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: schreibe

You write a letter, you don't make it.

Match the phrase to its meaning.

Einen Brief schreiben

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: To write a letter

Literal meaning.

🎉 得分: /3

视觉学习工具

练习题库

3 练习
Fill in the correct article. Fill Blank A1

Ich schreibe ____ Brief.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: einen

Brief is masculine and in the accusative case.

Which verb is correct? Choose A1

Ich ____ einen Brief.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: schreibe

You write a letter, you don't make it.

Match the phrase to its meaning. Match A1

将左侧的每个项目与右侧的配对匹配:

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: To write a letter

Literal meaning.

🎉 得分: /3

常见问题

3 个问题

No, that is incorrect. Use 'E-Mail'.

It is neutral, but the content of the letter determines the formality.

Because 'Brief' is masculine and it is the direct object of the sentence.

相关表达

🔗

Einen Brief abschicken

builds on

To send a letter

🔗

Einen Brief erhalten

contrast

To receive a letter

🔗

Einen Brief verfassen

specialized form

To compose a letter

🔗

Einen Brief aufsetzen

specialized form

To draft a letter

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