Briefe
The German word for letters (written messages) is Briefe.
Briefe is used to describe written messages sent to a person or organization by mail.
Which one should you use?
While Briefe refers specifically to written correspondence, Buchstaben refers to individual characters of the alphabet.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of Briefe is Brief. In the dative case, the plural form Briefe becomes Briefen.
Did you know?
- The phrase einen Brief schreiben is common, but Germans also use the verb briefen as an anglicism to mean 'to give someone a briefing' or instructions.
- In historical legal contexts, a Brief could refer to an official warrant or a decree, not just a personal message.
- In a professional setting, a 'cover letter' for a job application is not called a Brief, but is instead known as an Anschreiben.
Examples in context
- Ich schreibe keine Briefe.I don't write letters.This sentence shows a negative statement about writing Briefe.Tatoeba #7151758 by Luiaard, translation #6356817 by CK
- Tom schrieb ungern Briefe.Tom hated writing letters.This sentence describes someone's dislike for writing Briefe.Tatoeba #12443880 by Waldelfe, translation #9238696 by CK
- Er schrieb mir vier Briefe.He wrote me four letters.This sentence illustrates how to count the number of Briefe written to someone.Tatoeba #6391810 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3174303 by piterkeo
- 252 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are in their living room looking at the mail.
- JuliaHast du die Briefe heute schon gelesen?Have you read the letters today already?
- MaximilianNein, ich öffne die Briefe erst später.No, I will open the letters later.
- JuliaEs liegen viele Briefe im Kasten.There are many letters in the mailbox.
- MaximilianIch bringe sie dir gleich.I will bring them to you in a moment.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
